News from the Field Related to Wraparound
Study of first-graders shows fetal alcohol spectrum disorders prevalent in U.S. communities
March 21, 2018
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), funded a study of more than 6,000 first-graders across four U.S. communities and found rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) from 1 to 5 percent in community samples. The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the brain can result in a range of neurobiological deficits that contribute to physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social challenges throughout life.
New ways of working and learning can grow resilient children’s social workers
March 21, 2018
This recent article from The Guardian looks at research done by the UK’s Department of Education on England’s children and family social workforce. The study found that “a third of social workers leave the profession within two years, and the average career span is just eight years”. The article discusses related research and potential solutions, including implementing “reflective supervision” techniques and improved training for the social workforce.
April 26 Webinar: Measuring Wraparound Fidelity in Systems of Care
March 21, 2018
Part of the Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) National Evaluation Web Event Training Series, this webinar will feature presenters from NWI providing an overview of the processes and technologies associated with ensuring quality and accountability in Wraparound care coordination. Topics covered will include the Wraparound Fidelity Assessment System (WFAS), WrapSTAR and the new Wraparound Implementation Practice Standards (WIPS), as well as strategies for incorporating fidelity assessments into already existing data collection procedures and timelines.
PRESENTERS
- Eric Bruns, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
- Spencer Hensley, BA, Technical Assistance Specialist, University of Washington
- April Sather. MPH, Research Project Director,
University of Washington
MODERATOR
- Abram Rosenblatt, PhD, Project Director, CMHI National Evaluation, Westat
New NCTSN Resource: Training Toolkit for Providers
March 20, 2018
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has released The Road to Recovery: Supporting Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Who Have Experienced Trauma (IDD Toolkit) . Available for free download, the training has information for providers on how to work with children and families who are living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have experienced trauma. The IDD toolkit includes six modules designed to be completed in a single day or in a series.
Create a free account on the NCTSN Learning Center site to access the training»
Child Trends Research: The Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Nationally, by State, and by Race or Ethnicity
March 15, 2018
Using data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) and U.S. Census Bureau data on race/ethnicity, this Child Trends brief compares the prevalence of eight specific ACEs across states.
Research: Impact of School-Based Mental Health Services
February 2, 2018
Research published recently in Evaluation and Program Planning looked at the impact of school-based mental health services on academic outcomes. The study include 755 children in 1st to 8th grade in Philadelphia schools from September 2010 to June 2011. School Therapeutic Services (STS) have been offered in Philadelphia since 2007. The study compared the impact of the services offered in school with the use of out-of-school mental health services. Results showed that in school mental health services may help reduce absences and suspensions, but further research is needed.
NCTSN Policy Brief: Intimate Partner Violence and Child Trauma
January 19, 2018
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has published a policy brief on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and its impact on children. The brief summarizes research on the subject, including a study published in 2011 that showed one in 15 children reported witnessing violence in the home between parents in the last year. The brief also details the negative short and long term impact this exposure can have on children, and outlines recommendations for policy makers on supporting early intervention programs.
Transitioning Back to School and After-school Programs After a Mental Health Crisis
January 12, 2018
In a post on Youthtoday.org, Kamala Joy, program manager for family and youth at Via Hope in Austin, Texas, offers recommendations for supporting positive re-entry for youth transitioning back to school following an extended absence for mental health treatment. As an example, she describes Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT), an approach used in Massachusetts. BRYT includes meeting with the student, parents, student’s psychologist along with the school nurse and and a school administrator to plan and prepare for the transition and support the student during and after the transition.
Research: Mental Health Intervention Tied to Decreased Cortisol Levels
January 11, 2018
Research published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology claims to be the first to use a biological measurement – hair cortisol in this case – to measure the impact of a mental health intervention in war-affected youth. The study included 733 war-affected youth from Syria and Jordan aged 12-18 who participated in a Mercy Corps. program, Advancing Adolescents, that is “designed to reduce the effects of profound stress and build strong ties to family and community”. Results showed cortisol levels were reduced by about 38 percent over time.
Pediatricians screen more kids for mental health issues if they receive hands-on support
January 10, 2018
Recent research by Children’s National Health System published in Pediatrics this month found pediatricians included mental health screenings in patients’ annual check up when the pediatricians were given training and support. The 15-month study included 10 pediatric practices and 107 individual providers in the Washington, D.C. area.
