News from the Field Related to Wraparound
New Research on Youth Suicide
October 10, 2018
Research published recently in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP) , found that 71% of youth dying by suicide did so on their first attempt and 85% of those cases involved firearms.
Brief: Homelessness Among Families with Children
October 10, 2018
In September, as part of its Homelessness in America series the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness published a brief on families with children experiencing homelessness. The brief summarizes data and research to help inform the work to end homelessness. According to the brief, “families with children experiencing homelessness represent one-third of all people experiencing homelessness …and 59% of people experiencing homelessness in families are children under the age of 18”. The brief also highlights a correlation between residential mobility during childhood and increased risk for reporting negative health outcomes including depression, smoking, attempted suicide, alcoholism, and teenage pregnancy.
American Pediatrics Association Statement on Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents
September 19, 2018
This month the American Association of Pediatrics issued a policy guideline with broad recommendations for the field on the Gender Affirmative Care Model (GACM) in which pediatric providers will “offer developmentally appropriate care that is oriented toward understanding and appreciating the youth’s gender experience.” The recommendations for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth and adolescents also point out that “GACM is best facilitated through the integration of medical, mental health, and social services, including specific resources and supports for parents and families.”
Child Trends: Poverty rate rising among America’s youngest children, particularly infants of color
September 18, 2018
Child Trends recently posted on the latest US Census results which show that one in five infants and toddlers (19.9 percent of children through age two) were living in poverty in 2017. The poverty rate is higher among infants and toddlers of color for the same time period, with nearly one in three (32.7 percent) of black infants and toddlers living in poverty, and more than one in four (27.3 percent) of Hispanic infants and toddlers living in poverty. The authors urge for policy and practice solutions to address this issue.
Depression Treatment for Children Can Also Lower Parents’ Depression Symptoms
September 18, 2018
A recent viewpoint article in The Atlantic looked at growing research around the relational aspects of mental health and mental health treatment, including recent research showing that when teens are treated for depression, parents also show improvement in their depression symptoms.
Making the preschool magic last as children get older
August 29, 2018
This article from Hechinger Report profiles the success of Christopher House, a nonprofit in Chicago that runs a charter elementary school and several preschools. From the preschool on, Christopher House focuses on supporting the needs of the entire family. Based on the academic performance of its students, the approach is successful.
Child Trends Research: High-Quality Connections Can Protect At-Risk Youth
August 22, 2018
This Child Trends research, funded through a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), focused on youth with dual involvement with child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and the relationship between child maltreatment and later delinquent and criminal behavior, as well as the impact potential protective factors. The results suggest that increasing the quality of these youths’ connections to their families, schools, and communities can reduce their engagement in criminal behavior, and reduce recidivism.
Research: Balancing Work and Family Even More Challenging for Parents of Children with Behavioral Health Concerns
August 22, 2018
The National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) recently highlighted a research article, “Employed parents of children receiving mental health services: Caregiver strain and work–life integration,” published in the journal Families in Society. Researchers at the RTC for Pathways to Positive Futures looked at previous study data based on caregiver interviews from families of children and teens receiving behavioral health treatment. Along with missed work days related to their children’s behavioral health needs, researchers also evaluated the impact of caregiver strain on employment.
New Policy Brief on 2017 NCTSN System Framework for Trauma-Informed Schools
August 9, 2018
A new policy brief is now available on the key elements of the 2017 NCTSN System Framework for Trauma-Informed Schools. Trauma-Informed Schools for Children in K-12: A System Framework also delineates the public health implications of trauma exposure and the benefits of trauma-informed schools.
Research: Training Teachers to Focus on Positive Behavior Improves Student Outcomes
July 25, 2018
A recent study, Supporting Teachers and Children in Schools (STARS), led by the University of Exeter Medical School and published in Psychological Medicine, evaluated the impact of a teacher training program that focused on relationship building and ignoring “low-level” unwanted behavior. Based on evaluation of survey responses from teachers, parents and students, the researchers measured improved mental health, behavior and concentration among students.