Research Digests
Nov. 11, 2005
Topics:
Preventing Abuse
and Neglect Among Ages 0-5
Positive
Results for Paraprofessional Home Visiting Program (pdf)
New York State families with infants at risk of abuse or neglect who participated
in a home visiting program that employs paraprofessionals showed improvements
in parenting, child health and development, parental mental health, and
substance use, according to an evaluation. Families receiving home visiting
services also reported less child maltreatment than families in the control
group; had fewer low birthweight babies; and were more likely to have
health insurance for their children, among other outcomes.
New
Resource Directory for Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
A directory of resources and initiatives related to child sexual abuse
prevention recently was released by the National Sexual Violence Resource
Center. The directory provides information on organizations, programs,
research, and resources.
Also see: Kidsdata.org
has child maltreatment data for San Mateo and Santa Clara counties
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Promoting
Emotional & Behavioral Health in Preteens
Preteen
Alcohol Use Tied to Risky Behavior Later
Seventh-graders who report drinking alcohol are significantly more likely
to say they abuse alcohol and engage in risky sexual behavior as 10th-grade
students, according to an American Journal of Public Health article. A
survey of 1,034 African American and Hispanic youth found that early drinkers
were more likely to report subsequent alcohol problems, as well as unprotected
sexual intercourse, multiple partners, and pregnancy. The study suggests
that prevention programs should start before seventh grade.
Survey
Finds Fewer Drug-Free Middle Schools
The percentage of middle school students who say there are drugs in their
schools has increased, according to a study by Columbia University's National
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Twenty-eight percent of respondents
reported the presence of drugs at their schools, a 47 percent increase
since 2002.
Data
on Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties in U.S. Children
A federal study, "America's Children: Key National Indicators of
Well-Being 2005," shows that 5 percent of children ages 4-17 are
reported by their parents to have "definite" or "severe"
difficulties with emotions, concentration, behavior, or their ability
to get along with others. Approximately one in five children ages 8-14
had minor to severe emotional and behavioral problems, according to their
parents.
Lack
of Peer Acceptance Among Preteens Predictor of Academic Decline
A study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles and
California State University, San Bernardino provides new findings about
the link between the social and emotional adjustment of preteens and their
academic performance. The study, which examined social experiences in
fourth-grade classrooms, found that a lack of peer acceptance (e.g., not
being well liked or popular) predicts declines in academic performance
in subsequent years. The study suggests that peer problems influence children's
views about themselves, which, in turn, affects their school performance.
The authors conclude that, "In order to promote students' academic
performance…educators should also promote their social and emotional
adjustment."
Journal
Focuses on Participation in Youth Programs
The Spring 2005 issue of the New Directions for Youth Development journal
focuses on participation in youth programs. The issue provides research-based
strategies for how to define, measure, and increase youth participation
in out-of-school-time programs.
Note: Additional preteen-related news and research can be found in
the LPFCH Preteen
Digests
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Also of Interest
Local
Survey of Child Well Being: What Parents Say
A 2005 survey by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health polled
Bay Area parents about how their kids are faring on a range of issues,
from bullying and health care, to the effects of media and child depression.
Among the findings: About 6 percent of parents in San Mateo and Santa
Clara counties say they have a child with a physical, behavioral, or mental
condition that limits his or her participation in normal childhood activities;
one in four parents in the two-county region say they do not spend enough
time together as a family; and more than half of parents (54 percent)
say their child’s stress level is moderate to high.
San
Mateo County Report on Low-Income Families (pdf)
San Mateo County's Human Services Agency (HSA) recently released “Neighbors
in Need 2005,” a report that describes characteristics of low-income
families and those who seek the support of the HSA. The report describes
findings on a wide range of subjects, such as crime, housing, health care,
substance use, and mental health.
More
Kids Living in Poverty Nationwide
New data show that 18 percent of children were living in poverty in 2003,
a slight increase from 17 percent in 2000, according to the Annie E. Casey
Foundation’s annual Kids Count Data Book. Other findings include
an increase in the percentage of low birthweight babies and a slight rise
in the infant mortality rate. However, not all of the news is negative:
The teen birth rate continues to decline, and the high school dropout
rate has fallen, too. Trends in California are similar to those nationally.
Also see: http://www.kidsdata.org
has data on poverty and low-income families for San Mateo and Santa Clara
counties.
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Web Resources
How
to Build a Successful Mentoring Program
MENTOR has released a tool kit that offers instructions for implementing
four components of effective mentoring practice: Program Design and Planning;
Program Management; Program Operations; and Program Evaluation.
Spanish
Edition of Health Guide Released
The Spanish edition of the "Family Pocket Guide: Raising Healthy
Infants, Children, and Adolescents" is available on the Bright Futures
for Families website. The guide provides information about choosing and
working with health professionals, what to expect as children grow, questions
to ask at health visits, and other resources.
Cultural
Competency for Nonprofits
The Alliance for Nonprofit Management has a new web-based resource for
nonprofit organizations. The "Cultural Competency Resource Pages"
offer research findings and practices, experiences, frameworks, and tips
and tools on how to understand, assess, and improve cultural competency.
Resources specific to philanthropy, leadership, and technical assistance
are included, and specific areas, such as advocacy, racial justice, and
youth development, are covered.
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