Our Troubled Youth
The wave of school violence perpetrated by young people has become a
household concern across our nation. As experts in the field of child and
adolescent mental health, Bradley Hospital staf members are often asked to
provide explanations for such behavior. Although we cannot predict or
explain behavior fully, we can attempt to understand and provide solutions
to the current epidemic of school violence.
 The violence among our youth may be understood as an expression of anger that results from feeling alienated and misunderstood. Adolescents who
are disconnected from adults and who have not internalized values and
morals often turn to negative "heroes" glorified by the popular
culture. These heroes provide answers and allow teens to feel understood
and accepted. Many adults tend to minimize teens' passion for dark
characters and explain their fascination as "just a stage." The
challenge for all adults, including professionals at Bradley Hospital, is
to convince youth that we are willing to listen and help.
 Many Bradley programs partner with the community to bridge gaps in
services provided to youth. The Child
and Adolescent Program works collaboratively with the Providence
Police Department and Providence school system to identify and treat
potentially violent youth. The early childhood program collaborates with
local Head Start. The
Bradley School consults and works with many public school systems and
the Developmental Disabilities Program is very involved with the community
regarding residential treatment for clients.
Bradley's growing presence
in the community demonstrates our commitment to reach children
and adolescents. However, mental health professionals and community
organizations can only be part of the solution. We all must listen closely
to our children, respond quickly when they are troubled and do our utmost
to identify and eliminate the factors that contribute to violence among
young people.
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