Emotional and behavioral problems prevention programs for children and adolescents: Lessons from three decades of research

This paper presents some directions for implementing and evaluating emotional and behavioral problem programs for children and adolescents, aiming at the transformation of research technology into community services. The following are discussed: the conceptual framework of preventive interventions in mental healthcare, the theoretical bases of preventive programs, the assessment of needs and community participation during the planning and implementation of the program, the replication of preventive programs that were empirically supported, and the assessment of the process and long-term results of these programs. As a conclusion, a research agenda for the advancement of this field in Brazil is provided.