As the needs of vulnerable populations continue to grow, so does the need for adequate programs and innovations. High rates of poverty and homelessness, increasing alcohol and drug abuse, escalating teen violence, and inadequate services for persons with severe mental illness are just a few of the current problems brought on by the changing nature of society in the United States. Unfortunately, traditional approaches and programs have not proven effective in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. New innovations in practice and service delivery are clearly needed, but the current literature is extremely segmented and offers no systematic, research-based approaches to the issues and problems. Innovations in Practice and Service Delivery Across the Lifespan, the first text in the exciting new series Innovations in Practice and Service Delivery with Vulnerable Populations, presents an introduction and overview of the issues to be presented in later volumes, all of which will focus on specific populations and practice and service delivery innovations. This text offers an interdisciplinary approach to the examination of innovations in direct practice and service delivery and lays out a conceptual framework for working with vulnerable groups. It offers the latest techniques and strategies to effectively deal with a range of problems that people face throughout their lives, from infancy through old age, including homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, teen violence, and mental illness. Divided into four parts, the text begins with a conceptual overview developed by the editors and several contributors. The remaining sections focus on children and adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Each section defines the relevant population; discusses where innovation is needed; presents an overview of the types of innovations which are taking place; and outlines the implications for practice, service delivery, policy, and research. Written by