Emphasizing developmentally and contextually appropriate prevention service delivery models, the authors of this volume identify state-of-the-art, empirically based strategies to strengthen the environments in which children develop. Since programmes with strong conceptualization, design and implementation have the potential to enhance children's social, emotional and physical wellbeing, the authors first review ways to strengthen the family, child-care systems, early childhood education and school-based health and mental health programming. They then explore the importance of theory-guided evaluation to clarify the process of programme implementation, as well as highlighting strategies for disseminating programmes effectively.

Foreword - Thomas P Gullota
Introduction and Overview - Roger P Weissberg, Carol Bartels Kuster and Thomas P Gullota
Prevention Services - From Optimistic Promise to Widespread, Effective Practice
Policy Efforts To Enhance Child and Family Life - Edward F Zigler and Matia Finn-Stevenson
Goals for 2010
Defining and Implementing School Readiness - Sharon L Kagan and Michelle J Neuman
Challenges for Families, Early Care and Education and Schools
Schools and the Enhancement of Children¿s Wellness - Emory L Cowen
Some Opportunities and Some Limiting Factors
Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents - Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus
Improving Access to Health Care - Shauna L Dowden et al
School-Based Health Centers
Evaluation of Prevention Programs for Children - Ernest Valente, Jr and Kenneth A Dodge
Making Prevention Work - Denise C Gottfredson, et al
Reinterpreting Dissemination of Prevention Programs as Widespread Implementation with Effectiveness and Fidelity - Maurice J Elias