Social Work Assessment of Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Abstract

A review of the empirical literature was conducted concerning the use of the Child Behavior Checklist(CBCL) in the assessment and treatment of children meeting the DSM-IV criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Even though the information is more limited on the CBCL in regards to ODD, compared to youth with Conduct Disorder, it is evident that this scale is a practical rapid assessment instrument with clinical, administrative, research, and program evaluation uses. Social workers serving children meeting the criteria for ODD, and those engaged in research and evaluation with such children, are encouraged to consider using the CBCL as a part of a comprehensive social work assessment package.