News from the Field Related to Wraparound

Downloadable Research Brief: Differential Response and the Safety of Children Reported to Child Protective Services: A Tale of Six States

July 7, 2016

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has made available a research brief comparing outcomes in counties with child protective service agencies using a Differential Response (DR) model when handling reports of child maltreatment, versus the traditional Investigative Response. The DR response varies based on the identified risk for the child – low risk families are given prevention services.

Download the research brief here»

When Poverty Is Profitable

June 30, 2016

Interview with Daniel L. Hatcher, a professor at the University of Baltimore’s School of Law, about his new book “The Poverty Industry: The Exploitation of America’s Most Vulnerable Citizens”.

Read The Atlantic interview with author, Daniel L. Hatcher»

ADHD: The Pros and Cons of a Drug Holiday

June 28, 2016

This piece discusses the potential risks and benefits to having children on ADHD medication take a planned break from their medication during the summer.

Read the article about taking kids off ADHD medication over the summer»

Opening New Doors to Recruit and Retain Foster Parents

June 27, 2016

In this opinion piece, April Dinwoodie, chief executive of the Donaldson Adoption Institute and co-founder and board VP of Fostering Change for Children, points out the importance of supporting connection with families of origin for youth in foster care.

Read the viewpoint article on openness in foster care»

A link between air pollution and children’s mental health?

June 23, 2016

A recent study in Sweden found that kids living in areas with higher levels of air pollution were more likely to take prescription medicines associated with long-term mental illnesses.

Read the article about air pollution and children’s mental health»

Low attention control in early adolescence is a genetic risk factor for anxiety disorders

June 23, 2016

“The Shared Etiology of Attentional Control and Anxiety: An Adolescent Twin Study” published recently in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, looked at genetic and environmental factors in low attention control and anxiety symptoms in early adolescence.

Read the article about the study on attention control and anxiety.»

Poor outcomes for adolescents who use Marijuana

June 22, 2016

A recent study by RAND Corporation followed a group of LA-area students over a seven year period, from their participation in an alcohol and other drug use prevention program in middle schools through high school, surveying them on their drug use and academic progress.

Read the article about teen alcohol and marijuana use»

Antidepressants Little to No Help for Children and Teens

June 16, 2016

After analyzing data from 34 studies involving more than 5,000 youths 9-18 years old, researchers found only fluoxetine (Prozac) was more effective than a placebo in relieving the youths’ depressive symptoms. Considering risk vs. benefits, researchers concluded that antidepressants may not be worthwhile for children and teens with major depression.

Read the article on anti-depressants for young people»

New study: Medication and Children in Foster Care

June 16, 2016

A new study by Rutgers University-New Brunswick researchers looked at the use of anti-psychotic medication for children in foster care and other Medicaid-insured children. Although they found encouraging progress in several states, the researchers confirmed an ongoing need for greater oversight and quality improvement to ensure judicious prescription of anti-psychotics medications for children.

Read the article about anti-psychotic medication for children in foster care and other Medicaid-insured children»