This book presents an innovative, caring, and developmentally sensitive therapeutic approach for restoring parent, teacher, and community-wide authority over violent and risk-taking youths. Omer and his colleagues share their broad and practical clinical knowledge about effective strategies for parenting and educating children and adolescents with serious behavior problems. This book will appeal to beginning and seasoned practitioners alike and represents a valuable addition to the ever-growing list of evidence-based interventions for behavior problem youths and their social systems.
Charles M. Borduin, University of Missouri

Presents a new model of authority for parents, teachers and community workers that is suitable for today's free, pluralistic societies.

Haim Omer builds on his previous work to present a new model of authority for parents, teachers and community workers that is suitable for today's free and pluralistic societies. This new authority contrasts with traditional authority in that it emphasizes self-control and persistence over control of the child, a network of support over a strict hierarchy, taking mutual responsibility for escalations over holding the child solely responsible, patience over threats, non-violent resistance over physical force, and transparency over secrecy. In addition to a thorough discussion of the underlying theory, The New Authority presents a practical program for families, schools and communities. Dr Omer provides specific instructions to combat violence and risky behavior at home and in school, increase parent and teacher interest and support, and implement interventions that increase safety, improve atmosphere and generate community cohesiveness.

1. The new authority; 2. Vigilant care; 3. Children's violence within the home; 4. Enlisting support in the school; 5. Presence and supervision at school; 6. Publicity and reparation; 7. Involving the students in the campaign against violence; 8. The new authority in the community.