The Differential Test of Conduct and Emotional Problems as an Evaluative Tool for the Willie M. Program

West Heather A., Verhaagen, David A., Adolescence

Specialized Youth Services (SYS) was established in 1980 as the result of a class-action lawsuit against the state of North Carolina. The lawsuit, known as Willie M., mandated appropriate treatment for a class of emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. In order to be certified as a Willie M. class member, a child must meet five criteria: (1) be under the age of 18; (2) be diagnosed as having an emotional, mental or neurological handicap; (3) have a history of violent and assaultive behavior; (4) not be receiving adequate services to meet his/her needs; and (5) have been institutionalized or involved with the juvenile courts. Each area program is required to develop and execute a comprehensive plan of habilition for these individuals, ensure that they are receiving an appropriate education, and establish for each client the least restrictive but most appropriate type of treatment setting possible (e.g., their own home, group home or a secure facility).

An evaluation process is essential in a program treating aggressive and assaultive youth. It is a well-studied phenomenon that aggressive behavior in children is likely to predict serious, associated problems in adults. Considering this link with later adjustment, interventions targeting early aggressive behaviors are especially important (Lerner, Hertzog, Hooker, Hassibi, & Thomas, 1988).

Specialized Youth Services addresses the treatment …

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Publication information: Article title: The Differential Test of Conduct and Emotional Problems as an Evaluative Tool for the Willie M. Program. Contributors: West Heather A. - Author, Verhaagen, David A. - Author. Journal title: Adolescence. Volume: 34. Issue: 134 Publication date: Summer 1999. Page number: 437. © 1999 Libra Publishers, Inc. COPYRIGHT 1999 Gale Group.

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