[Prevention of behavior disturbances in small children within the scope of public health care].

Four approaches in secondary prevention are described: the personal initiative of the parents, a risk strategy based on social indicators, crisis intervention, and systematic screening. With the exception of the risk strategy, which--at least in a Swiss urban setting--appears to be rather ineffective, these approaches could make a significant contribution, but cannot be considered as sufficient by themselves. Primary prevention in the form of structured group work stimulating the parents to display own activity is an important part in a combined strategy. Some conditions for such a strategy to be successful are mentioned. The necessity of team work and of personal continuity is stressed. Well baby clinics provide the optimal organisational base on which to build the necessary cooperation between professionals of different fields and appropriate lay organisations.