In the Best Interests of All: A Position Paper of the Children's Behavioral Alliance

In December 2001, a group of concerned parents and professionals representing 17 advocacy organizations met to share their mutual beliefs and concerns regarding the positive behavioral support needs of students with significant social, emotional, and/or behavioral differences. After reviewing the available scientific evidence and professional literature, this group concluded that many of the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA 97) have yet to be fully implemented for children and youth with disabilities (Smith, 2000; Yell et al., 2000), and failing to do so continues to stand in the way of every child receiving a first-class education in America. Particularly at risk of not receiving needed instructional and related services are those youth who are significantly impacted by social, emotional, and/or behavioral problems, including children with significant mental health needs.