News from the Field Related to Wraparound
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.
RWJF Issue Brief: Applying an Equity Lens to Social, Emotional, and Academic Development
July 20, 2018
A new issue brief from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “Applying an Equity Lens to Social, Emotional, and Academic Development,” addresses the need for grounding Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in a larger context of equity and justice efforts within public education. The brief outlines the barriers that may prevent students of color and other and other marginalized youth from developing social and emotional competencies, and several initiatives that can help. The authors also include recommendations for research, policy and practice.
Research: Impact of Parental Incarceration
July 19, 2018
Results of a study recently published in the journal Pediatrics showed that young adults whose parents had been incarcerated are less likely to use health care and more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors compared to peers whose parents had not been incarcerated. Researchers looked at data of 13,000 young adults aged 24-32 and found that 10 percent had a parent incarcerated during their childhood. According to the researchers, more than 5 million American children have had an incarcerated parent, making this an important area for further research.
Read more about the study on the impact of parental incarceration»
Casey Foundation’s 2018 Kids Count Data Book
July 9, 2018
The Casey Foundation has published its 2018 Kids Count Data Book, with the latest data national and state data measuring key indicators of children’s well-being: economic well-being, education, health, and family / community. Nationally, the results from 2016 were improved compared to the results from 2010 in the areas of economic and education well-being, while the results were more mixed in the health and family/community areas.
Learn more about the results and order your free copy of the 2018 Kids Count Data Book»
Research: Only 22 Percent of Youths Treated for Anxiety Disorders Stay Anxiety-Free
June 28, 2018
A study published in the July 2018 issue of the Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry evaluated youths and young adults after they had completed 12-week treatment for anxiety. The annual evaluations over a period of 5 years with more than 300 youths/young adults, showed that 22 percent remained anxiety-free, while 30 percent remained chronically ill and 48 percent showed signs of anxiety disorder in at least some of the follow-up evaluations.
Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Parents & Educators
June 21, 2018
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has a tip sheet designed to help parents and educators recognize suicide risk factors and warning signs. The tip sheet outlines recommended immediate actions to take to keep youth safe, if these risk factors or warning signs are observed. Links to additional resources are also provided.