 Adolescent Violence Prevention and Intervention Program
This program is a 26 to 52 week commitment designed to provide education and counseling to adolescents who have expressed violent behaviors. The goal of the program is to provide participants with information, insights and skills in an effort to assist them in changing attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that cause and or lead to violence and abuse of others. Clients are evaluated on an ongoing bases and services are individualized to address the specifics of clients violent and abusive behaviors. This program provides services to individuals who are known violent offenders, and others affected by the expression of assertive, violent, and intimidating outbursts of aggressive behavior
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At ABS we understand
There is a great concern about the incidence of violent behavior among adolescents. The professionals at ABS have a keen understanding of this complex and troubling issue and it one of our objectives to inform and educate parents and community members on how to understand and combat this social problem.
Children as young as preschoolers can show violent behavior. Parents and other adults who witness the behavior may be concerned; however, they often hope that the young child will "grow out of it." Violent behavior in a child at any age always needs to be taken seriously. It should not be quickly dismissed as "just a phase they're going through!"
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Range of Violent Behavior
Violent behavior in adolescents can include a wide range of behaviors: explosive temper tantrums, physical aggression, fighting, threats or attempts to hurt others (including homicidal thoughts), use of weapons, cruelty toward animals, fire setting, intentional destruction of property and vandalism.
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Factors Which Increase Risk of Violent Behavior
Numerous research studies have concluded that a complex interaction or combination of factors leads to an increased risk of violent behavior in children and adolescents. These factors include:
- Previous aggressive or violent behavior
- Being the victim of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse
- Exposure to violence in the home and/or community
- Genetic (family heredity) factors
- Exposure to violence in media (TV, movies, etc.)
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Presence of firearms in home
- Combination of stressful family socioeconomic factors (poverty, severe deprivation, marital breakup, single parenting, unemployment, loss of support from extended family)
- Brain damage from head injury
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What are the "warning signs" for violent behavior in children?
Children who have several risk factors and show the following behaviors should be carefully evaluated:
- Intense Anger
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Frequent loss of temper or blow-ups
- Extreme irritability
- Extreme impulsiveness
- Becoming easily frustrated
- Having fights with others
- Being disciplined do to anger or violence such as school suspensions or arrests.
Parents and teachers should be careful not to minimize these behaviors in children.
What can be done if a child shows violent behavior?
Whenever a parent or other adult is concerned, they should immediately arrange for a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. Early treatment by a professional can often help. The goals of treatment typically focus on helping the child to: learn how to control his/her anger; express anger and frustrations in appropriate ways; be responsible for his/her actions; and accept consequences. In addition, family conflicts, school problems, and community issues must be addressed. If parents, medical and social service workers, child welfare workers, probation officers and school officials have assessed violence in an adolescent he or she should call a mental health professional at a local mental health agency or call ABS for an immediate intake appointment at 718-871-4593.
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 For treatment, please call this number:
(718)-871-4593
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