Increasing Clinicians' Diagnostic Knowledge Base by Development of Assessment and Evaluation Criteria for Severely Emotionally Disturbed Children and Adolescents with Substance Abuse Problems.

This practicum was designed to evaluate the needs of clinicians in identifying substance abuse issues in severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents, and its dynamics in their family histories. This writer designed and administered pre and post questionnaires to both professional and paraprofessional staff members to evaluate attitude and feelings toward substance abusers; organized two group discussions to discuss perceptions of this population and knowledge about them; met with some staff members individually, and proposed psychoeducational needs for groups. Analysis of the data revealed that there was a lack of motivation in pursuing substance abuse histories unless there was a specific referral for that purpose. Clinical information was limited, and there was a realization that more needed to be done to address the needs of this population. Psychoeducational groups were implemented, self-help groups are now seen from a different perspective, and diagnostic protocols are being established. (Contains 34 references.) (Author)