This paper discusses prevention of behavioral disorders through early intervention efforts. Recurrent themes in the area of prevention include (a) early intervention and family-focused prevention services, including assistance in parenting skills and accessing community-based services; (b) school-based prevention programs, including effective teaching practices, peer mediation, social skills intervention, self-management, and classroom management; and (c) within- and across-setting collaboration. Key areas for prevention research include universal prevention programs for at-risk groups, continued investigations of teacher and parent support systems, evaluation of prevention programs, and commitments for funding.
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