A collaborative model of training for parents of children with disruptive behaviour disorders*

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the heavy costs to individuals, families and the community of the disruptive behaviour disorders of childhood and adolescence. The financial costs of these potentially long-term behavioural problems bear down heavily on the health, social and education services. The human suffering they cause is immeasurable. However, not all is gloom. Psychological therapies, based broadly on social learning theory, have been shown to be effective in mitigating such problems for a significant number of children and their families. These methods, imbedded in a collaborative approach to training parents of children with conduct disorders, are illustrated in terms of their theoretical context and practical applications.