EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF EMOTIONAL OR BEHAVIORAL-DISORDERS -DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF SYSTEMS OF CARE

Although current systems of care for children with emotional or behavi oral disorders generally focus on wrap-around services in an interagen cy or interdisciplinary network, it is not clear that potential for ea rly detection and prevention is fully realized. Problems in early iden tification in current systems are discussed along with current methods for early screening. Use of early detection and ongoing assessment of response as a basis for more focused intervention is described. Prima ry and secondary prevention issues also are discussed in relation to t his approach.