NCJ Number
185954
Date Published
2000
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This document contains the questions of the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT), which is a brief screening tool designed to identify problems and the potential need for service in 10 functional areas; the scoring procedure is also included.
Abstract
The POSIT is a cost-efficient, easy-to-use problem screen for use with troubled adolescents who may have one or more problems amenable to treatment or to a combination of preventive services. The POSIT, which is available in English and Spanish language versions and uses a yes/no response format, can be administered by staff in schools; the juvenile and family court system; and medical psychiatric, alcohol, and drug treatment programs as the first step toward determining those potentially problematic areas that require a more comprehensive diagnostic assessment. The functional areas covered include substance use/abuse, mental and physical health, family and peer relations, vocation, and special education. The target population for the POSIT is adolescents 12-19 years old. The POSIT requires 20-25 minutes to administer and can be conducted by any office personnel with no training required. A scoring template is provided, and the scoring may be done by a test administrator or other office personnel. 57 references