The Role of Normative Development in Adolescent Abuse and Neglect.

Families with abused or neglected adolescents generally come to the attention of family interventionists as a result of the youth's acting out behaviors. Intervention for these families usually focuses upon the troubled youth with the abuse or neglect either overlooked or ignored. The authors argue that a developmental perspective is essential to the understanding and assessment of adolescent abuse or neglect. The article concludes with some recommendations which might aid the interventionist who is working with such troubled youths and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]