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First habits connected to alcohol drinking young people gain in the family. Misuse of alcohol and other addictive substances in young people is often connected to complex family situations and family problems while drinking model is primarily developed in peer groups. The aim of this study was to examine the connection between young people's perception of parental acceptance-rejection, peer pressure and some sociodemographic characteristic (gender, family structure, parent's education, subjective estimation of family income) with alcohol consumption. The participants were first year students at the University of Zagreb (different faculties) (N=227). The research was conducted using the web Questionnaire consisted of four parts: The Questionnaire of peer pressure constructed by Lebedina-Manzoni, Lotar and Ricijaš in 2008. Parental acceptance-rejection Questionnaire constructed by Rohner in 1984., Socio-demographic questionnaire and The Questionnaire about the alcohol consumption both constructed for the purpose of this research. The data were analysed using descriptive statistic and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results have shown significant correlation between alcohol consumption and peer pressure which means that under peer pressure young people consume alcohol more frequently. The perception of parental acceptancerejection is associated with peer pressure, so students who experience rejection from their parents, experience also more peer pressure. The result also points out the connection between some sociodemographic characteristics and alcohol consumption (gender, family structure, mother's educational status and the subjective estimation of family income). Therefore, attention needs to be put on the contemporary family relationships, leisure time of young people and relations with the peers as well as the young people education about the damage of alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk behaviours in youth are often the result of personal identity issues and internal conflicts, connected with the need for new and more complex excitement, and a new image about themselves. Such behaviours often precede delinquent behaviour or occur with delinquent behaviour. It also could be related to impulsive decision-making, negligent behaviour, conflict with peers or authority, and having a significant negative impact on the wider society. The aim of this paper is to gain insight the experiences of young people with risk behaviour involved in an individual psychosocial treatment at the youth counselling centre. The purpose of the study was to find out the circumstances (behaviours and acts) of youth involvement into treatment, as well as to learn about the treatment effectiveness and the satisfaction with the treatment from youth perspective. In this qualitative study the purposeful sampling was used. Twelve young people with risk behaviour involved in individual psychosocial treatment were participating (age 18 to 22). Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were processed by qualitative content analysis. The results have shown that youth with risk behaviours are included in an individual psychosocial treatment mostly because of the criminal offenses: misuse of drug substances, criminal acts against life and body and property delicts. The individual psychosocial treatment was beneficial for youth because they experienced contentious and open conversation with the therapist, developed ability for self-control, and improved their relationships. It also helped them in overcoming the school's responsibilities, in submitting job application procedure, and in planning life for the future. Participants stated that was beneficial for them that they could express their personal thoughts, discuss about thematic of their personal significance, gaining insights into their own mistakes supported by specialized and confidential therapist. This study indicated the significant role of the individual psychosocial treatment in resocialization process of youth with risk behaviour offering a new life perspective for their safer future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary forms of work with children and youth with behavioural problems are based on the holistic approach (the experience of successful methods and application according to the assessment of the professionals). Different authors underscore the importance of combining different approaches, methods and techniques of direct work with users with behavioural problem in educational institutions (individual, group, workshops and small rehabilitative programs). The goal of this research was to explore the experience of educators' work in educational institutions for children and youth with behavioural problems, with an emphasis on direct forms of work. Participants were educators (N=20) in two educational institutions for children and youth with behavioural problems in Croatia (an institution for boys and an institution for girls). The research was qualitative and the interview was used as the data collection technique. Data were analysed with method of analysis framework. Questions in interview were focused on description of direct forms of work with youth in educational institutions and the educators' experiences and suggestions concerning a higher quality, direct professional work in educational institutions. The results show that educators use different forms of a mostly individual approach, but also some forms of group work and some other forms of work with children and the youth. Educators understand their role differently and perform forms of direct work unevenly. Although educators state that they do use combined approaches, their responses make it evident that direct work in educational institutions for children and youth with behavioural problems needs to be improved. As a conclusion, the paper will suggest some recommendations for improvement of educational care for children and youth in educational institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life experiences of adopted children often are followed by abuse and neglecting, as well as harsh violation of children's rights because of what children can be separated from their biological family. Before adoption, many adopted children experienced life in institution and often changing of institutional placement which has left trace in their functioning. Therefore, long-term consequences for children can be manifested in behavioural problems. Many adoptive parents are not adequately prepared for dealing with specific challenges of adopted children parenting. It is a task and obligation of the state provide them with adequate support in this demanding role. Unfortunately, in Croatia there are no organized forms of professional support to adoptive parents. The social care system usually reacts when problems are escalating and leading to further separation from adoptive families and placement in institution. In this presentation we will present the results of a qualitative research which goal was to find out experiences of professionals working with adopted children and to analyse their deliberation about risks that lead to re-institutionalization of adopted children. The research was conducted by using semi-structured interview with 12 professionals working with adopted children in three institutions in Zagreb. Data was analysed by using open coding method. The results show that professionals recognize the main risks for behavioural problems and re-institutionalization of adopted children on three levels: risks in biological families, risks in adoptive families, and risks in the adoption system in the Republic of Croatia. As a conclusion in the presentation will be suggested guidelines for protection of the rights and prevention of re-institutionalization of adopted children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]