Re: your thoughts?

[<Rfreitagmw@xxxxxxx>]

In a message dated 5/20/1999 6:42:28 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
tchibuc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

<< With all due respect those who have put forth Herculean efforts trying to
 develop predictive instruments, I would try to convince the student that
 more is to be gained by focusing on broad-based prevention.  Data on
 predictive instruments are uniformly disappointing.  In the view of many (I
 share the view) such instruments are worse than non-effective.  >>

Applied to  primary prevention and prediction I would not disagree. 
Concerning tertiary prevention and classification, however, research-based 
risk tools have demonstrated very good capacity to guide decisions about 
targetting resources to families as higher risk. When applied, this has 
resulted in significant reduction of subsequent harm to children. 

Those interested in this topic may want to contact the American Humane 
Association regarding the upcoming Risk Roundtable (July 7-9) in San 
Francisco.  
<A HREF="http://www.americanhumane.org/cpmain.html";>AHA's Children's Division
</A> (www.americanhumane.org/cpmain.html)-see calendar of events.

Raelene Freitag