Parents as Intervention Agents for Children with Conduct Problems and Juvenile Offenders

Selected research findings on conduct problems and juvenile delinquency that are relevant for practitioners making decisions about the treatment of children with these problems are summarized, with a focus on two decisions: whether to intervene and how to intervene using parents as change agents. The importance of careful assessment, not only of the child's behavior, but also of the parents' strengths and limitations is stressed, along with the importance of flexibility in treatment rather than strict adherence to one theoretical model. Important considerations in assessment and treatment are discussed.