This paper focuses on nine overlapping topics dealing with improving mental health and substance abuse services for adolescents and their families. Depending on the state of knowledge of each topic, the authors either highlight the importance of the area or offer a specific position statement. It is intended that these statements be reviewed for possible endorsement by the American College of Mental Health Administration (ACMHA) and for transmission to other professional organizations, federal and state governmental agencies and the field in general. © 1992 Human Sciences Press, Inc.