This work aims at contributing to the analysis of programs of public policies for adolescents considered ?at risk?. We highlight the importance of identifying whether such programs take into account the adolescents? singularities or if most commonly they are considered social problems in need to conform to established societal norms. Some implications of different approaches, based on specific theories, are discussed both for practical assistance and for research methodology. In the last section we present preliminary results of the first author?s master dissertation that analyzed treatment methods of adolescents in public institutions of Porto Alegre (RS, Brazil). The ethnographic description was utilized and involved interviews, informal dialogues and document analysis. As conclusion, it is highlighted the importance of an integral and holistic approach to deal with adolescents, in our culture, in order not to reduce them to a risk category.
Adolescence; Public Policies; Drug-Addiction; Approach