Part 1 presents information related to the identification of youth at risk, the issues and concepts involved, and a framework to aid the reader in an understanding of the many variables that impact the population of youth at risk. Parts 2 and 3 present both causal factors and resultant behaviors descriptive of the at-risk population. These sections present data related to both developmental and environmental factors that place an individual at risk and behaviors that are often the result of the causal factors identified. Topics covered include teen suicide, depression, drugs, eating disorders, gangs, dropping out of school, sexual abuse, and physical abuse. Part 4 focuses on one of the major results of at-risk behaviors: dropping out of the educational system. In addressing this issue, the last chapter identifies both regional and national programs that have proven to be effective in working with at-risk populations. Chapter references and tables