The present unwrapped: Change and challenge in the field of behavioral disorders

This article examines the present state of affairs in the field of behavior al disorders. The case is made that the field's target population has chang ed dramatically for the worse over the past 25 years due primarily to the t ransformation of our society in an unfortunate manner. Because of long-term exposure to such risk factors as poverty, drug and alcohol use by caregive rs, child neglect, social fragmentation, weak parenting practices, and Viol ent images in the media, we have produced a generation of children and yout h who are far more at risk for unhealthy lives than prior generations. Our society's responses to the damaging effects of these developments (e.g., sc hool failure and dropout, delinquency, violent acts) have been characterize d primarily by the use of punishing sanctions designed to teach vulnerable children and youth lessons of avoidance rather than to prevent these condit ions or to habilitate the victims of them. Strategies are suggested for pro fessionals to consider in advocating for new, proactive approaches in addre ssing these societal problems.