This unprecedented set examines the most prominent factors that harm or support healthy development in children outside the United States, from abuse and economics to social injustice and poor public policy.

In International Perspectives on Children and Mental Health, expert contributors from around the world examine the forces affecting the psychological well-being of children in regions worldwide. They consider such factors as family conditions and economic status, including single parents, poverty, disease, war, child abuse, substance abuse in the home, and a loss of community stability. And they look at political, religious, national, and global matters, including racism and class inequality. Since education is key to children's success, the essays consider these factors largely in the context of how they affect educational readiness and academic adjustment.

Volume 1 of the set considers development and context, while volume 2 focuses on prevention and treatment. Specific examples enable readers to better understand the often-horrific challenges to child development and mental health across nations. But the work is not limited to exploring problems. It also looks at various programs and actions that mitigate risks, helping children to be mentally healthy despite the odds.

Hiram E. Fitzgerald, PhD, is series editor of the Praeger series Child Psychology and Mental Health and associate provost for University Outreach and Engagement and university distinguished professor of psychology at Michigan State University and adjunct professor of psychiatry, The University of Michigan.

Kaija Puura, MD, PhD, is adjunct professor in the Department of Child Psychiatry at the University of Tampere, Finland, and assistant chief of Child Psychiatry at Tampere University Hospital.

Mark Tomlinson, PhD, is associate professor at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Campbell Paul, MD, is a consultant infant psychiatrist and coordinator of Infant Mental Health at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.