Abstract
This is the first of a series of reports prepared by the Advisory Group on Conduct Problems on the prevention, treatment and management of conduct problems in children and young people. For the purposes of this and subsequent reports, conduct problems are defined as follows: “Childhood conduct problems include a spectrum of antisocial, aggressive, dishonest, delinquent, defiant and disruptive behaviours. These behaviours may vary from none to severe, and may have the following consequences for the child/young person and those around him/her – stress, distress and concern to adult caregivers and authority figures; threats to the physical safety of the young people involved and their peers; disruption of home, school or other environments; and involvement of the criminal justice system.” This report provides a background and overview of issues relating to conduct problems and their treatment. The report is presented in four parts.