News from the Field Related to Wraparound
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.
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.
Programs Provide Consultation on Psychotropic Medications for Kids
June 16, 2016
This blog post profiles two programs – the Oregon Psychiatric Access Line about Kids, and the Partnership Access Line, used in Washington and Wyoming – that address the current national shortage of child psychiatrists by providing primary care physicians with consultation on behavioral health treatment options.
Read the article on psychotropic medication consultation for kids»
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.
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»2016 Children’s Mental Health Report
June 8, 2016
The 2016 Children’s Mental Health Report from the independent nonprofit, the Child Mind Institute, is available for free download. The report focuses on mental health in schools and outlines recommendations for school-based mental health programs.
Download is available here >>
Obama signs bill aimed at protecting Indian children in tribal foster care
June 6, 2016
President Obama signed into law a measure meant to bolster protections for American Indian children placed into the tribal foster care system. U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, said the measure ensures that Indian children living on a reservation have the same protections when assigned to foster care that children living off the reservation have.
Read more here >>.
How to care for infant mental health
June 3, 2016
Story on the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for babies for their future mental health. Includes quotes from Louise Newman, professor of psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and Sally Watson, national president of the Australian Association of Infant Mental Health.
Read more here >>.