ABSTRACT
The vast majority of adolescents come to terms with their physical development, psycho-sexual development and drive for independence, but there has always been a minority whose disturbed behaviour has presented a challenge to each generation. These young people who find difficulty in meeting the demands of adolescence may present in a variety of ways, but usually come to attention because someone in their environment is concerned about their behaviour. Resulting from this concern, an approach may be made to one of several agencies in the community. For example, when a parent is concerned because a teenager is moody or tearful, the family doctor may be consulted. If there is anxiety because a daughter is coming in late at night, or a youth is defiant, an approach may be made to the local authority Social Service Department. (In April, 1970 the local authority Mental Health, Welfare and Children’s Departments amalgamated to form the new local authority Department of Social Services.) Alternatively, an approach may be made to a probation officer or a voluntary agency, such as the Samaritans, the Open Door, or other voluntary counselling service. Occasionally, a parent may make direct contact with a Child Guidance Clinic (see below).
