In general, high school dropouts are characterized by poor school achievement, behavioral problems, and difficulties in school adjustment. Some information has been collected about these youth through a computerized information system developed by JDC-Israel with JDC-Brookdale and implemented at eight innovative programs around the country for dropouts from the regular school system and youngsters at high risk of dropping out (see "Mifne" and "The New Educational Environment"). Though each of the programs caters to a unique group, there is much in common among the populations. Data for 1993-1994 from 241 participants, mainly aged 14-16, reveals that most of the youngsters come from large families with four children or more. The proportion of single-parent families is far higher than in the general population, and many of the families either suffer from chronic problems (economic difficulties, parental disability, delinquency, addictions, violence or severe relational problems). The main reasons for the youngsters leaving school include low academic achievement, low motivation, discipline problems and frequent truancy. Only a small number of the youngsters surveyed previously participated in a special education framework or had been tested for learning disabilities. Thus, dropping out is related not only to the youths' characteristics and disadvantaged backgrounds, but also to school resources and degree of willingness to cope with difficult behavior and poor achievement (Unpublished data, JDC-Israel and JDC-Brookdale, 1995.)

Young people who engage in violence, delinquent behavior or substance abuse comprise another group warranting attention. Though delinquency and substance abuse are probably less common in Israel than in some other Western countries, there are indications that these problems may be becoming more prevalent. Reports of violence and substance abuse among youth have grown, as reflected in data collected by the Youth Probation Service and the National Police (Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Central Social Work Library of the Israel Women's League, 1994). However, apart from reported cases, there has been no systematic, empirical analysis of these trends to substantiate these reports. A special survey has been conducted in Israel of adolescent at-risk behavior as part of a cross-national World Health Organization study. However, the results are not as yet available (Harel, forthcoming). Finally, homelessness among youth has also emerged as an issue of concern in Israel. While this problem does not appear to be too widespread, it is of sufficient significance to have led to the development of special programs for this population.