Early Identification, Prevention, and Early Intervention with Young Children at Risk for Emotional or Behavioral Disorders: Issues, Trends, and a Call for Action

Educators have frequently expressed concern about young children who are exposed to known environmental risk factors associated with the development of chronic behavior problems (e.g., poverty, domestic violence, child maltreatment). Nevertheless, a societal commitment to address these environmental risk factors by identifying young children who are at risk for or are demonstrating chronic problem behaviors and to provide effective prevention and early intervention services has not been forthcoming. Although researchers have developed a number of effective early identification, prevention, and early intervention strategies, several significant barriers to the widespread implementation of those practices remain. The authors discuss these issues as they affect children who have emotional or behavioral disorders. They argue for societal action to change current policies and practices for young children.