Our Children at Risk

Children at risk come from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds, and comprise 15 to 30 per cent of students in many OECD countries. They are more likely than others to fail to reach necessary standards in school, to drop out, and to experience real problems being integrated into mainstream patterns of adult life. This publication draws on reports and case studies from 17 OECD countries and three foundations. It addresses preschool, school age and transition to work periods, and draws the policy implications of this complex issue. Chapter I provides a general overview of the concept "at risk", its prevalance, and the methodology used. It goes on to discuss national policies and intervention strategies in the three area of pre-school, school, and transition to work periods. The chapter concludes with a consideration of cross-cutting issues. Chapters II, III, and IV identify practical issues as derived in the main from the case studies provided in the areas of pre-school, school, and transition to work respectively. Chapter V provides and conclusion and also discusses policy issues.