Experts recommend grouping risk and protective factors when assessing the needs of children or adolescents in order to determine the areas which merit close attention. Risk factors for alcohol and other drug use include family problems such as a history of drug abuse, family management problems, neglect or abuse, and unstable family relationships; environmental problems including early antisocial behavior, academic failure, friends who use drugs, and socially or economically disadvantaged living conditions; and personality problems including alienation or rebelliousness, favorable attitudes toward drugs, and early first use of drugs. Some strengths in family, environment, or personality which may serve as protective factors include adequate family income, close family relationships, low unemployment, adequate educational and social services, developed problem-solving skills, good physical health, and social adeptness. The situation for homeless children using drugs is complicated by health problems prevalent in homeless people, poor hygiene, and the increased violence of drinking youth. Workers dealing with alcohol and other drug use in these youth need to help them confront their dependency as well as other emotional and behavioral, learning and concentration, and health problems. 14 references