In this jargon-free book, Dr. Raymond B. Flannery, Jr., a nationally recognized expert on violent behavior and its stressful consequences (especially its most severe manifestation in victims, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD), begins by reviewing the statistics and causes. Why do children of all ages commit violent crime? How might society be responsible? Are some children biologically prone to violent behavior?

Dr. Flannery then outlines the warning signs, discussing the normal development processes in children that can go awry and form the basis for many of these warning signs. Finally, he provides helpful prevention strategies for use by parents, teachers, and counselors. These strategies are designed for maximum flexibility. They will help anyone who lives or works with children to deal with a crisis, and more: to prevent circumstances from reaching the breaking point.