Research Digests
July 10, 2003
Topics:
Protecting Young Children
from Injury
Infants at Greatest Risk for Serious Abuse and Neglect
Children,
ages 0-5 months, are at greatest risk for hospitalization and death
due to abuse or neglect, according to a study of children, ages 0-3, by
researchers at the University of California, Irvine. Among that group,
76 children per 100,000 ages 0-2 months are victims of assault and neglect
severe enough to cause a hospital stay or even death. The study also reports
unintentional injury rates, such as falls and poisoning.
2001 Child Maltreatment Data Now Available
Alaska, Florida, the District of Columbia, and Massachusetts had the highest
rates of child maltreatment in 2001, according to newly released data
from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. The report also
shows that
maltreatment rates are inversely proportional to age, with the youngest
children at the highest risk.
Building a Relationship Key to Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
Child abuse prevention programs that emphasize long-term and close-knit
relationships between parents and program staff are among the most effective,
according to a new federal report that examined emerging
practices in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Promoting
Emotional & Behavioral Health in Preteens
Survey: Emotional Health Top Concern for Parents of Preteens
Although most parents reported that their preteen children are doing well
overall, a new survey suggests that issues
related to emotional well being are the chief worry for parents, and
that a significant number of parents have serious concerns. The survey,
released by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, queried
460 parents of 9-to-13-year-olds in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
One in Five Santa Clara County Preteens Report Seriously Considering
Suicide
Santa Clara County's new report on children and youth includes the latest
California Healthy Kids Survey data, which is based on responses from
almost 16,000 7th, 9th, and 11th graders in the county. According to the
report, one in four 7th graders said they felt so sad that they stopped
doing their usual activities for 14 or more consecutive days in the past
12 months. The report also showed that teens
are increasingly less likely to give birth or drop out of school.
See
full report.
How Sexually Active Are Preteens?
Nearly
20 percent of young teens say they have had sex before age 15, according
to a recent report from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
The report also notes that 57 to 74 percent of sexually active preteens
used some form of contraception the first time they had sex, and that
sexually active preteens are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior
and use alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.
New research from the Heritage Foundation also shows that sexually
active teens are at a higher risk of depression and attempting suicide.
Study Points to Benefits of Out-of-School Programming
The Nellie Mae Education Foundation released a comprehensive assessment
of programming during out-of-school time, finding numerous
academic, social and developmental benefits of after-school programming.
Among the highlights: After-school programs can increase engagement in
learning, improve behavior in school, strengthen relationships with parents,
and help form a sense of belonging to the community. More
findings on virtues of after-school programs.
Other Key
Articles Related to Young Children and Preteens
Early Head Start Programs Reduce Crime, Say Law Enforcement
Officials
Head
Start programs reduce anti-social behavior and future criminal acts,
according to a report by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids. The report also
praises Early Head Start, which serves 3 and 4 year-olds, for promoting
healthy development and deterring future delinquent behavior. More
evidence supporting Head Start.
Study: A Dollar Spent in Early Intervention Saves Seven Dollars
in the Future
A dollar spent on early childhood education - including Head Start and
other preschool programming - is worth more than seven dollars in life-long
savings, according to a recent study by Arthur Reynolds, a professor at
the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Among the savings: Not being involved
in the criminal justice system and not needing remedial school services.
Early
childhood education also brings future increases in tax revenue due
to better academic achievement and job status, according to the study.
More
information on foundations that are focusing on early childhood education.
Kids Count Data Show Improvements for California
According to recently updated data on the status of children, most indicators
of child well-being in California are equal to or better than national
averages. Among the successes, the
state's teen birth rate is almost half of what it was just 10 years ago,
as is the teen death rate due to accidents, homicides, and suicide. However,
California exceeds national averages both for children living in poverty
and for children lacking health insurance.
For Some Kids with Mental Health Problems, Justice System is
a Last Hope
In 2001, more than 12,700
children were placed in the juvenile justice and/or child welfare systems
just to obtain mental health services, according to a General Accounting
Office survey of 30 counties in 19 states. Researchers cited limitations
in health insurance, a shortage of service availability, limited resources
at schools and mental health agencies, and strict eligibility requirements
to obtain services as the main reasons for these placements.
Budget Updates
State Budget Still in Limbo
The state budget was not passed by the June 30 constitutional deadline.
Democrats are pushing for a half-cent sales tax increase in order to cover
the deficit in addition to cutting programs, salaries, and payouts to
city and county governments. Republicans say they are unwilling to sign
any budget that increases taxes; they favor deeper spending cuts. Both
parties have agreed, however, to borrow over $10 billion to cover the
deficit. As of July 1, the
state is unable to make payments to schools, community colleges and
state vendors, and must drop the pay of all state employees to minimum
wage. Additional
information.
Tough Budget Decisions for San Mateo County's Human Services
Agency
An estimated $80 million dollar deficit for San Mateo County in FY 03-04
means the Human Services Agency will need to cut about $1.8 million from
its budget, which is about 10 percent of its already depleted discretionary
funds. To close the funding gap, the division will look to cut from programs
with a high cost, and from programs that do not address pre-established
community priorities.
Cuts to CBOs and to Children's Shelter in Santa Clara County's
Budget
Santa Clara County, which faces a $160 million dollar budget deficit,
will target $16 million dollars in reductions for the Social Services
Agency. The agency already has eliminated 200 jobs and closed one-sixth
of the county's children's shelter. Discretionary funds - which are distributed
to community-based organizations throughout the county - also will be
cut by 16 percent.
Cuts to 21st Century Learning Centers Could Affect 80,000 Children
in California
The Afterschool Alliance, an advocacy organization, released a report
analyzing the impact of President Bush's proposed 40 percent reduction
to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which provides
after-school programs in 7,500 public schools nationwide. In California,
this cut could lead to about $56
million in reductions, causing more than 80,000 children to lose after-school
services.
Additional links:
California
Budget Analysis.
Further
analysis about this ongoing debate.
Web Resources
Effective Practices Epicenter
The Corporation for National and Community Service provides an online
forum for sharing best practices related to the national service movement.
The website lists more than 500 effective practices in topics ranging
from education to youth achievement.
Federal Website About Child Abuse Prevention
To mark Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services and partners launched a Child Abuse Prevention
Initiative website with information
about preventing child abuse, including publications and resources
for organizations and individuals. The site features a free Child Abuse
Prevention Community Resource Packet.
Promising Practices Network
The Promising Practices Network lists resources
for California youth and family service providers, and provides information
about best practices in a number of different fields, such as after-school
programming and youth development.
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