News from the Field Related to Wraparound
Why Teen Girls Are More Vulnerable to Mental Health Concerns
July 11, 2025
Emergency room visits for mental health concerns among boys have gone down since the pandemic, but have remained high among girls. Girls “persistently feeling sad and hopeless” seems to be a new normal. Understanding the biology behind girls’ mental health is essential to helping them thrive.
Rejecting Chronic Absenteeism as the New Normal in Student Attendance
July 11, 2025
The number of students missing more than 10% of the school year skyrocketed in the COVID years from 15% in 2019 to 28% in 2022. Five years after the pandemic, attendance still hasn’t returned to normal, with 23% of K-12 students chronically absent. This article argues that America must reject the new normal of lower student attendance rates and act now to get attendance back on track, and presents some strategies.
Study Explores Relationship Between Stigma and Children’s Emotional and Behavioral Health
May 30, 2025
A recent study investigates how stigma experienced by parents in sexual and gender minority (SGM) families relates to their children’s emotional and behavioral health. The study shows a clear link between the stigma faced by parents and their children’s mental health in SGM families.
Mental Health Campaign Dramatically Cuts Treatment Delays for Psychosis
May 30, 2025
A targeted mental health awareness campaign significantly reduced the time it takes for individuals experiencing psychosis to seek and receive treatment in New Orleans, according to a new study.
Father’s Mental Health Can Impact Children for Years
May 30, 2025
New research reveals that when paternal depression goes undiagnosed or unaddressed, the negative social and behavioral effects on children can persist for years. The study reports that children exposed to paternal depression when entering kindergarten are far more likely to have teacher-reported behavioral difficulties and poor social skills at age 9.
The Opportunities and Effects of Climate Action on Adolescents
May 30, 2025
In recent years, the issue of climate change has mobilized young people across the globe to participate in climate justice protests, campaigns, and marches, and even to lead some of the world’s largest climate action organizations. Research shows that young people are particularly concerned about and conscious of climate change and uniquely inspired to find solutions, make a difference, and participate in climate action.
Teens With Mental Health Conditions Use Social Media Differently
May 30, 2025
Adolescents with mental health conditions report distinct and often more negative experiences on social media compared to their peers. Those with internalizing conditions like anxiety and depression were more likely to compare themselves to others, struggle with self-control, and experience mood changes tied to likes and comments. On average, teens with any mental health condition spent about 50 minutes more daily on social media than those without. While causality is unclear, these patterns suggest social media may amplify emotional challenges.
A Framework for Authentic Engagement of Youth in Creating Policy
May 30, 2025
The Authentic Youth Engagement in Policy Framework builds on prior research and has been refined via the lived experiences of young people and the day-to-day practices of youth-serving organizations. It outlines four interrelated components that are essential to meaningful youth engagement and shows how these components are associated with outcomes for youth, organizations and the community.
Education Department Halts Funding for School Mental Health
May 30, 2025
The Trump administration says it will stop paying out $1 billion in federal grants that school districts across the country have been using to hire mental health professionals, including counselors and social workers.
Recommendations to Center Young People and Families in Youth Probation
April 27, 2025
In this report, young people and their families who have experienced probation offer insights into the youth probation system’s strengths and areas for improvement. They share recommendations for transforming probation into a model focused on accountability, personal growth, positive behavior change, and long-term success.