News from the Field Related to Wraparound
Diversion more effective than detention for youth in juvenile justice
February 8, 2021
A new study from Case Western University shows that Ohio’s diversion system is producing better outcomes for youth with behavioral issues than punishment.
Coping With Holidays While Aging Out of Foster Care
January 15, 2021
In this blog post, a former foster youth recalls holidays past and reflects on finding community when being with family isn’t a given.
COVID-19 Strips Safety Net for Foster Youth ‘Aging Out’ During Pandemic
January 15, 2021
“Transition age” adolescents between 18 to 23 faced increased risk for homelessness, food insecurity, pregnancy, and incarceration even before the pandemic, but COVID-19 has exacerbated their risk.
Study: Aggressive Video Games Are Not a Risk Factor for Mental Health Problems
January 15, 2021
A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that aggressive behavior was predicted by having deviant peers and specific personality traits, especially low agreeableness. Violent video game exposure had no long-term effects on aggressive behaviors.
Sequel Youth Facilities Raked in Millions while Accused of Abusing Children
January 15, 2021
Sequel Youth & Family Services collected hundreds of millions in tax dollars to care for vulnerable children, despite abuse and negligence allegations at their facilities for children with serious mental and behavioral health concerns.
“Woebot” Chatbot Helps Reduce Anxiety and Depression
January 15, 2021
Developed by Stanford University, the Woebot AI chatbot app, which delivers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for young people, has shown that it does improve mental health. In just two weeks, users reported a 22% reduction in their symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Inside Utah’s Troubled Teen Industry
December 2, 2020
This investigative report from the Salt Lake Tribune details experiences of young people housed in residential treatment facilities across Utah.
Georgia’s Cold Case Project Improves Outcomes for Children “Lost” in the Foster Care System
December 2, 2020
This article describes how Georgia’s Cold Case Project enables a team of attorneys, psychiatrists and others to find homes and improve outcomes for Georgia’s foster children and youth.
Recommendations for Trauma-Informed Care Under the Family First Prevention Services Act
December 2, 2020
The federal Family First Prevention Services Act provides a significant opportunity for child welfare systems to better support children and families. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago have partnered to outline recommendations for how jurisdictions can understand Family First’s policy requirements for trauma-informed approaches and ensure that implementation of the law meets the trauma-related needs of children, youth and families. This paper outlines opportunities to better support the workforce and foster families in providing trauma-informed care.
Experiences and Well-Being of Sexual and Gender Diverse Youth in Foster Care
December 2, 2020
This is the first survey to report on the proportion of youth in foster care in New York City who are LGBTQAI+ and differences in their experiences compared to those of youth who are not LGBTQAI+. This survey was commissioned by the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), which is committed to serving youth in foster care that are LGBTQAI+. This report provides the detailed findings from this survey.