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Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT)

NCJ Number
185954
Date Published
2000
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This document contains the questions of the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT), which is a brief screening tool designed to identify problems and the potential need for service in 10 functional areas; the scoring procedure is also included.
Abstract
The POSIT is a cost-efficient, easy-to-use problem screen for use with troubled adolescents who may have one or more problems amenable to treatment or to a combination of preventive services. The POSIT, which is available in English and Spanish language versions and uses a yes/no response format, can be administered by staff in schools; the juvenile and family court system; and medical psychiatric, alcohol, and drug treatment programs as the first step toward determining those potentially problematic areas that require a more comprehensive diagnostic assessment. The functional areas covered include substance use/abuse, mental and physical health, family and peer relations, vocation, and special education. The target population for the POSIT is adolescents 12-19 years old. The POSIT requires 20-25 minutes to administer and can be conducted by any office personnel with no training required. A scoring template is provided, and the scoring may be done by a test administrator or other office personnel. 57 references