A FRAMEWORK FOR - WHAT CAN AND SHOULD SOCIETY DO

Researchers strive to better understand the critical periods of brain development. Findings generate clearer descriptions of what the critic al periods are and suggest that stress, aggression, and violent behav ior affect the development process. But the question remains as to wha t can and should society do to nurture children through these periods and to support their continued growth and development. Operation Peace in Philadelphia, an urban community-based, violence prevention/reduct ion initiative using the principals of public health, represents a fra mework for generating fresh attitudes and innovative support systems t hat will nurture children through the critical periods of brain develo pment and beyond. This framework enhances understanding of the complex ities of societal issues such as violent behavior and uncovers and off ers communal solutions. It is a link between research and its practica l application-what society can do. Society's challenge echoes Operatio n Peace's challenge to use the combined strengths of scientific knowle dge, multidisciplinary skills, sustained commitment, cultural vitality , community support, and political will to enable youth to achieve the ir potential, via full and active lives. (C) 1998 American Health Foun dation and Academic Press.