IS MY CHILD AT RISK?

Following are a few signs that my indicate that a child is at risk:

•  Changes in appearance and personal hygiene.
•  Changes in friends and associations. Refusal to bring associates to the home.
•  Sexual acting out.
•  Depression shown by sustained, prolonged negative mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death.
•  Abuse of alcohol and/or drugs.
•  Loss of interest in former activities, sports, or hobbies.
•  Threats of self-harm or harm to others. Suicidal ideations or talk.
•  Self-injury or self-destructive behavior.
•  Frequent outbursts of anger, verbal or physical aggression.
•  Threats to run away.
•  Aggressive or non-aggressive consistent violation of rights of others; opposition to family rules, authority, truancy, thefts, or vandalism. Beginning of legal problems.
•  Strange thoughts and feelings; and unusual behaviors.
•  Manipulative and deceitful behaviors.
•  Lack of self-esteem.
•  Parental distrust and disapproval of teen's activities.