Issues in the Education of Emotionally Disturbed Children

Major issues facing educators and clinicians in the field of emotional disturbance in children and youth are centered around providing appropriate services to this population. Three major problems are discussed in relation to helping disturbed children. They are: (1) issues pertaining to assessment practices; (2) issues pertaining to the nature of emotional disturbance; and (3) issues pertaining to the treatment of emotional problems. Because of the wide range of theoretical backgrounds of practitioners in the field and because of non-standardized practices in defining, identifying, placing, and treating disturbed children these issues continue to cause widespread disagreements among professionals when implementing treatment programs. The need for objectively defining emotional problems and rationally designing programs to meet individual child needs is stressed.