The first part of the guide identifies and describes 12 steps to assist parents and professionals. The first five steps include understanding the school system, solving problems and ensuring accountability, setting standards, testing for learning disabilities, and developing study skills. The last seven steps focus on protection, truancy, parent-child communication, gangs, substance abuse, the court system, and available resources. The second and third parts of the guide cover the use of warning sign checklists to identify problems and nationwide resources that can be of assistance to parents and professionals. Appendixes provide additional relevant information on laws and guidelines, gun safety, the Internet, volunteers and community service, violent behavior in school, abused and exploited children, runaway children. The guide stresses the importance of cooperation between law enforcement, educators, and parents. Illustrations