Child Health and Human Development Yearbook 2015

In the past there has been much emphasis on child and adolescent developmental problems and while it is perfectly legitimate to look at child and adolescent problems, there are two problems with this approach. First, over-emphasis on problems can reinforce a pathological orientation. As such, children and adolescents may be seen as 'problems' or 'issues' to be fixed. Second, this approach may overlook talents, potentials and abilities in young people. Because of the limitations of the 'deficiency' or 'pathological' approach in understanding children and adolescents, there has been a greater interest in positive youth development programs in recent years with a shift from looking at the negative to turning the related programs and approach into something positive and highlighting the positive side of youth development. This has resulted in a focus on talents, strengths, interests and potential in order to facilitate a stronger and better youth development. Instead of viewing children and adolescents as 'problems' or 'issues' to be resolved, they are regarded as 'resources' and 'assets' to be developed. In this Yearbook 2015 we cover many aspects of child and adolescent development and health issues from newborn to adolescence and it is our humble wish that the chapters can help stimulate more interest and effort in developing and implementing programs for children and youth to ensure a good and positive development.