Citation

Sowards SK, Kettlewell PW, Fineberg BL. Child. Youth Serv. Rev. 1980; 2(4): 425-432.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0190-7409(80)90035-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Questionnaires were sent to mental health professionals surveying their attitudes toward legal age limits which govern the rights of the young to make decisions for themselves. Inquiries were also made about respondents' opinions of the impact that increasing those rights might have on their professional interactions with young people. Responses were received from 69 predominantly young professionals and reflected a fairly libertarian outlook toward the rights of minors. Discussion emphasized the value of consulting with mental health professionals who work with children when shaping and interpreting new standards of autonomous decision making.