Developmental factors, family problems such as substance abuse, and other environmental variables, including violence, greatly affect the adjustment and coping of children and youth. Such variables can result in inaccurate assessments and diagnoses when young people are viewed in isolation from their situations and environments and when adult-oriented diagnostic tools are utilized. The authors describe the use of clinical interviews to provide more accurate diagnoses and strengths-oriented assessments for children and youth who receive case-management services from mental health centers. Implications for prevention and treatment are discussed.
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