ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces important issues in social-emotional assessment, provides a foundation for understanding the design and ow of subsequent chapters, and overviews the current state of the art in best assessment practices. The chapter begins with an exploration of how theory guides practice, using social cognitive theory and ecological systems theories as preferred models, and then describes some of the philosophical foundations on which present-day assessment practices are built. A discussion of the referral process is then provided, with specic emphasis on how referral processes are tied to spheres within human ecological systems, and how referrals should shape the approach to assessment. Assessment is conceptualized and proposed as a comprehensive problem-solving process. The preferred way for conducting assessments of behavioral, social, and emotional problems is through the use of an aggregated multimethod, multisource, multisetting design, which is ideally implemented through an approach that plans for services for all individuals within a population. The “triangle of support” model from the eld of public health is overviewed as an ideal way to consider allocating screening and assessment services to produce the maximum impact within limited resources. A discussion of pertinent legal and ethical issues in assessment follows, and specic recommendations for legal and ethical assessment practices are provided. The chapter ends with a brief discussion of what criteria were used for including specic assessment techniques and instruments within the book. Essentially, this chapter serves as an introduction and guide for understanding the overall goals and larger picture of the entire text.
