This study's main objective was to evaluate the overall effects of an intervention conducted by the staff of a Non-Governmental Organization with school children about their behavior problems. Six staff members, 24 children aged between 8 and 11 years old, and at least one of their parents or caretakers took part of the study. The intervention program was divided in two parts: (a) training targeted to the staff deal with children's behavior problems; (b) consultation on organizational aspects of the NGO. Children were assessed at four different moments: before the intervention, after training, right after the consultation, and 10 months later. The following instruments were used in all phases: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Social Skills Rating System - Teacher's Version, and Observation Protocols of Child Behavior Problems. Post-tests results when compared with pre-test showed: (a) statistically significant decreases of mean values related to behavior problems; (b) statistically significant increases of mean values regarding scores associated with social skills repertoire. It can be stated that the intervention was effective to reduce children's behavior problems.
Behavior problems; intervention program; children at-risk; non-governmental organization
