News from the Field Related to Wraparound
Family-Based Weight Management Program
June 15, 2016
Article about a small study of the Fit Families program in Southern New Mexico, which addresses childhood obesity through a holistic, family-focused approach. The children involved in the program showed improved self-perception.
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 >>.
Cities and children’s mental health
June 2, 2016
A recent study of 2,232 British twin children from birth to age 12 looked beyond the immediate family to determine how urban environments and psychosis are associated. Results showed 4.4 percent of non-urban 12-year-olds experienced at least one definite psychotic symptom, and 7.4 percent of urban children did. Researchers recommend cities and neighborhoods implement programs to support greater social cohesion.
Read more here >>.
Foster Care Transition Toolkit Available
June 2, 2016
The U.S. Department of Education has created a new toolkit with tips and resources to help foster youth access and navigate social, emotional, educational and skills barriers as they transition into adulthood.
Download the toolkit here >>.
Smoking While Pregnant: Risks to children’s mental health
June 1, 2016
A recent study led by Dr. Alan Brown of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) shows a link between mothers who smoke during pregnancy and the likelihood that their children will develop schizophrenia.
Read more here >>.
Schools making mental health services a priority
May 19, 2016
For Mental Health Awareness Month, a story profiling efforts of multiple school districts around the country to incorporate mental health services for students.
Read more here >>.
Resource: CDC Fact Sheet on ADHD in Young Children
May 16, 2016
The CDC has published a fact sheet for parents and healthcare providers regarding treatment recommendations for young children (ages 2-5 years) diagnosed with ADHD. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends healthcare providers first refer parents of young children with ADHD for training in behavior therapy before trying medicine, about 75% of young children with ADHD received medicine as treatment.
Read more here >>.
Residential Schools: A Promising Alternative to Foster and Group Homes
May 16, 2016
Profile of Crossnore School, a nonprofit residential foster care home in North Carolina, which is one of 100 organizations certified in the Sanctuary model of “integrated, trauma-informed, whole culture approach”.
Read more about it here >>.