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Well Being - Results (43 Publications)

Title: Permanency Through Collaboration Between Delinquency and Dependency Courts.
Author(s): Pendleton, Rachael.;Green, Allison.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child CourtWorks
v. 10, 2, May 2008, p. 1-2
Available from: ABA Center on Children and the Law
http://www.abanet.org/child
740 15th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.abanet.org/child/08_05_Vol10Iss2.pdf
Abstract: This paper describes efforts in Idaho to bridge the gap between child welfare and juvenile justice proceedings to assist youth with cases pending simultaneously in both systems. Idaho's Child Protective Act permits a dependency court to consider delinquency matters if it is in the best interests of the child or society, and Juvenile Rule 16 allows for the expansion of a delinquency case to a child protective case when there is reasonable cause to believe the juvenile defendant is neglected, abused, abandoned, homeless, or whose parents fail to provide a stable home environment. In addition, Idaho law allows free information exchange between the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The Idaho Statewide Trial Court Records Systems (ISTARS) facilitates this exchange using a computerized data warehouse through which workers from both agencies can stay updated on their cases. The perspectives of an Idaho judge and a court improvement director on dual-issue cases are shared, and tips for creating a dual-issue system are provided. 5 references.

Title: The Mental Health Court Model: Can Child Dependency Courts Benefit?
Author(s): Pendleton, Rachael.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child CourtWorks
v. 10, 1, April 2008, p. 1-2
Available from: ABA Center on Children and the Law
http://www.abanet.org/child
740 15th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.abanet.org/child/08_04_Vol10Iss1.pdf
Abstract: This paper discusses the development of mental health courts as an alternative to criminal courts for individuals with mental illnesses, and explores whether elements of the mental health court model are applicable to dependency courts. Six essential elements offered in various mental health court models that should be considered by dependency courts are explored: a multidisciplinary team that includes the necessary professionals; various forms of mental health and community supports available through the court system; treatment interventions such as individualized goal plans based upon the client's functioning level; active involvement of the client's therapist in the courtroom; frequent court reviews that meet the specific needs of the client; and an early and comprehensive diagnosis and prognosis for the parent and her ability to care for the child. Remaining questions about the applicability of the mental health court model are listed. 8 references.

Title: America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2008.
Published: 2008
Available from: Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics
http://www.childstats.gov/
3311 Toledo Road, Room 6114

Hyattsville, MD 20782
Printable version (PDF): http://www.childstats.gov/pdf/ac2008/ac_08.pdf
Abstract: This report presents statistics on the well-being of children in the United States. It begins with demographic information about American children that indicates there were 73.9 million children in the United States in 2007, 1.5 million more than in 2000. Data show however, that children continue to decrease as a proportion of the total U.S. population. Information is then provided on indicators that are organized into seven sections, each focusing on a domain relevant to children's lives: family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care, physical environment and safety, behavior, education, and health. Key findings indicate the nation's fourth and eighth graders scored higher in reading and mathematics than they did during their last national assessment, there were increases in the adolescent birth rate and the proportion of infants born at low birthweight, and there were decreases in childhood deaths from injuries and in the percentage of eighth graders who smoked daily. Numerous tables and figures.

Title: Weaving a Safety Net: Integrating Injury and Violence Prevention into Maternal and Child Health Programs.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Safety Network
http://www.csn.org/
Education Development Center
55 Chapel Street

Newton, MA 02458-1060
Printable version (PDF): http://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/publications_resources/PDF/programplanning/WeavingaSafetyNet.pdf
Abstract: This publication explores how injury and violence prevention (IVP) activities can be integrated into Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programs and services at both the State and local levels. It begins by explaining why MCH programs should be interested in IVP initiatives and strategies for identifying opportunities for integrating IVP activities into existing MCH programs. Examples are then provided of integrating IVP activities into infant and child health programs, adolescent health programs, programs serving children with special health care needs, and women?s health programs. A case study is then presented that describes how IVP activities were integrated into MCH programs in Massachusetts. Finally, information is given on the technical assistance available from the Children's Safety Network to help States and localities integrated IVP into MCH programs and services. 20 references.

Title: Evaluation Results and Systems of Care: A Review. (Chapter 2 in The System of Care Handbook: Transforming Mental Health Services for Children, Youth, and Families).
Author(s): Manteuffel, Brigitte.;Stephens, Robert L.;Brashears, Freda.;Krivelyova, Anna.;Fisher, Sylvia K.;
Published: 2008
Available from: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
www.brookespublishing.com
Post Office Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
Abstract: Results are shared from a national evaluation of systems of care implemented in 126 communities funded by the federal Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services to Children and Their Families Program. Findings indicate children experience reductions in their behavioral and emotional problems, increase their strengths, do better in school, and are less likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system after receiving services in systems of care. 8 figures and numerous references.

Title: Bringing the Greenbook to Life: A Resource Guide for Communities.
Author(s): Goodmark, Leigh.;Rosewater, Ann.;Rosewater, JD.
Published: 2008
Available from: Greenbook Initiative
http://thegreenbook.ncjfcj.org/
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Family Violence Department
P.O. Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
Printable version (PDF): http://www.thegreenbook.info/documents/BJA.pdf
Abstract: This resource is designed for communities seeking to develop interventions that will improve their responses to families suffering both domestic violence and child maltreatment. The Greenbook, a publication released in 1999 by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, explored the links between domestic violence and child abuse and neglect, and promoted collaboration among child welfare systems, domestic violence advocates, and dependency courts in order to serve battered mothers and their children more effectively. The guide explores a number of the major policy and practice issues confronted by the six federally funded communities that have implemented the Greenbook: El Paso County, Colorado; Grafton County, New Hampshire; St. Louis County, Missouri; the city of San Francisco and Santa Clara County, California; and Lane County, Oregon. It details the various ways in which the communities have attempted to address collaborative issues; and, where protocols, tools, and exercises exist, includes them, along with commentary on using them successfully. The guide is organized into eight sections that address: strategies used to foster understanding between agencies; laying the foundation for the development of relationships by establishing trust, dealing with power differentials, assessing commitment, and managing conflict; developing collaboration; assessing system readiness; confronting issues of race, class, and gender; making changes in practice consistent with the Greenbook principles; and involving clients in the system to be part of conversations about changing practice and policy. The final sections discuss the success of project sites and continuing challenges as they seek greater collaboration. 40 references.

Title: Kinship Placements: An Integrative Approach (Chapter 10 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Crittenden, Patricia McKinsey.;Farnfeld, Steve.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: Kinship care is explored as an important alternative to standard foster home placements and guidelines are offered to help case managers make decisions involving relative and nonrelative foster placements that will not only protect children in the short-term, but also promote their long-term development and the availability and goodwill of those adults who rear them. 41 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Creative Ways to Strengthen Family Bonds (Chapter 11 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Barlow, Larry.;Barlow, Sandra M.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter provides guidelines for experiential activities that can be used with families in the child welfare system to establish, maintain, and strengthen interpersonal connections, and also to identify important emotional issues. It describes creative family play interventions, including family games, role-playing, art, and diverse storytelling techniques. 1 table and 15 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Intervening with Foster Infants' Foster Parents: Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (Chapter 12 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Lewis, Erin.;Dozier, Mary.;Knights, Michelle.;Maier, Mallory.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter discusses the importance of secure and therapeutic foster care placements and describes strategies for conducting family therapy sessions that include attachment and biobehavioral catch-up interventions within the foster home. Case examples are provided involving very young children in foster care. 36 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Combating a Family Culture of Violence (Chapter 16 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Seita, John.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter describes how family therapy in both the birth and foster families can contain aggressive behavior and provide a different orientation for foster children and their families. The predisposition of foster children to everyday violence is explored, and therapy that focuses on cultivating resiliency in individuals and social systems is explained. The use of the Connectedness, Continuity, Dignity, and Opportunity model is also discussed. 16 references.

Title: Putting Children's Welfare First: A Comment on "Family Security: Supporting Parents' Employment and Children's Development".
Author(s): Horn, Wade F.
Published: 2008
Available from: Urban Institute
http://www.urban.org
2100 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Document available online at: http://www.urban.org/publications/411719.html
Printable version (PDF): http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411719_parent_employment_horn.pdf
Abstract: This paper discusses the positive impact of welfare reform on reducing the child poverty rate, but notes that most research that has examined the impact of welfare reform on non-economic outcomes for children has found either no effects or modestly positive effects. A case is made that given the overwhelming empirical evidence that children who grow up in two-parent families with both biological parents present have better outcomes on a host of developmental variables, one way to enhance the well-being of children is for public policy to encourage responsible fatherhood and help couples form and sustain low-conflict, healthy marriages. Federal initiatives that encourage healthy marriages and responsible fatherhood are described. 2 references.

Title: "We're in It Together" Family Therapy Where Substance Abuse is a Problem (Chapter 17 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Mooradian, John K.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter discusses substance abuse by birth parents as a family issue, clarifies the effects of parental substance abuse on family functioning, discusses assessment processes for family therapy, and considers concrete methods for strengthening the family system. Strategies for composing a cognitive map, setting clear goals, and encouraging change are described, and a case example is offered. 52 references.

Title: Teaching Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (Chapter 18 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Stacks, Ann M.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter describes a four-stage model of developmental guidance designed to help birth parents develop appropriate parenting skills. The model addresses: awareness of children's emotional states, accuracy of the perceptions, interpretations, and evaluations of the children's emotional display sand behavior, reality-based expectations, knowledge of parenting techniques, and a capacity of monitor, inhibit, and change one's responses to the children. A case example is provided. 43 references.

Title: "But I Don't Trust You" Recognizing and Dealing with Parents' History of Trauma: The Story of Amy (Chapter 20 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Jager, Kathleen Burns.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: Based on interviews with 16 women about their personal experiences with trauma survival, this chapter discusses strategies therapists can use to help birth parents involved in foster care overcome barriers to trust and connection. Assessment of the family empowerment process is explained, and a case study is offered. Implications for practice are then reviewed. 14 references.

Title: The Courage to Fail: Dealing with Life's Lessons.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
http://www.fatherhood.gov
101 Lake Forest Boulevard
Suite 360
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Abstract: This information sheet provides advice on teaching children how to handle failures so they are not defeated by them but learn from them . It also contains a list of topics for further discussion as well as recommendations for books and movies.

Title: Unbreakable Bond: The Strength of a Father's Love.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
http://www.fatherhood.gov
101 Lake Forest Boulevard
Suite 360
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Abstract: This information sheet provides tips on how fathers can start building a more loving connection with his children by responding to several important needs. Children need a father who is: involved, accepting, affectionate, consistent, and available. The sheet also contains a list of topics for further discussion as well as recommendations for books and movies.

Title: Adolescents Involved with Child Welfare: A Transition to Adulthood.
Published: 2008
Available from: ACF Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, DC 20447
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/abuse_neglect/nscaw/reports/transition_adult/transition_adult.pdf
Abstract: In 1999 the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, undertook the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) to learn about children and families coming in contact with the child welfare system (CWS). The sample, which represents the population of children and families who entered CWS services within a 15-month period (October 1999 through December 2000), included 5,501 children (aged 0 to 14 at the time of sampling) from 92 child welfare agencies nationwide. The first national longitudinal survey of its kind, NSCAW gathers information about children's safety, living-situation permanency, well-being, and services after a maltreatment investigation by child protective services. This is the first report to focus on adolescents transitioning to young adulthood, presenting findings from the NSCAW Wave 5 follow-up. It provides information about 620 young adults who were adolescents (12 to 15 years old) at baseline. (Author abstract)

Title: Creating Partnerships between Behavioral Health Providers and Child Welfare.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
http://www.nccbh.org
12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 320
Rockville, MD 20852
Printable version (PDF): http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/galleries/policy-file/Substance%20Use%20and%20Child%20Welfare.pdf
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses the co-occurrence of parental substance abuse and substance dependence with mental illness, and the need for community based partnerships between behavioral health providers and child welfare professionals. It reviews the research results on the efficacy of substance abuse treatment and the impact of parental drug abuse on the child welfare system. Gender specific treatment considerations are explained, as well as the benefits of shared planning and service delivery. 11 references.

Title: Fathers : The 'Invisible' Parents.
Author(s): Saracho, Olivia N.;Spodek, Bernard.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Early Child Development and Care
v. 178, 7 & 8, October - December 2008, 821-836
Available from: Routledge -- Taylor and Francis Group
http://www.routledge.com
7625 Empire Drive
Florence, KY 41042
Abstract:

This article discusses studies that provide the historical and contemporary patterns of father involvement in the USA to provide researchers with an understanding of contemporary fatherhood. It describes the historical patterns and research studies on father involvement that created methodological and conceptual challenges in conducting studies that characterize fathers. A number of frequent measurement approaches, challenges, and limitations that are found in their studies are presented and discussed. The article concludes with recommendations for future research and practical applications that can guide researchers to improve their studies on fathers and to better understand the complexity of fatherhood. (Author abstract)

Note: This article is part of the journal special issue entitled Men in the Lives of Children.

A family literacy program was examined to document the literacy experiences of 25 fathers and their five-year-old children. Using a case study methodology, this study examined the effects of a literacy intervention program that was designed to assist fathers to promote their children's acquisition of literacy. The results indicated that the fathers who learn literacy strategies and activities can contribute to their children's literacy development. Fathers in the literacy intervention program received the same literacy instruction, but they modified the instruction to their own personal style, the literacy strategies, interactions, materials, and activities that they learned. The trends and innovations in the literacy program were related to the teaching-learning process and their collaboration. These trends and innovations indicated that fathers can make important contributions to their children's literacy development. (Author abstract)

Note: This article is part of the journal special issue entitled Men in the Lives of Children.

Whilst there is a growing body of literature considering the different settings in which young childrenspend their time, less explored is how children travel to and from the different everyday spaces of childhood. Although research on gendered carescapes has identified the central role of mothers in caring for and escorting children, as well as the changing role of fathers, little attention has been paid to the role of and expectations from fathers in relation to undertaking these escorting tasks. Drawing upon research conducted in the UK with young children and their families, this paper contributes to existing debates by exploring the role of fathers in escorting children to a variety of settings, considering how fathers may have diverse experiences of escorting. It also explores how cars play a particularly important role in fathers' escort of children, and how fathers' involvement may create particular masculine styles of caring which are distinctive from those children experience with mothers. (Author abstract)

Note: This article is part of the journal special issue entitled Men in the Lives of Children.

Children are greatly influenced by their family and social environment. The family is viewed as the child's primary context for socialization, and the relationship between the adults in a family affects the well-being of children, positively or negatively. This CD is a compendium of materials that promote successful building of relationship skills and provide child welfare workers with a starting point for training staff or developing a program that supports healthy adult relationships.

The CD is divided into six segments. The first segment defines what a healthy marriage and relationship means and translates that into visible and teachable behaviors. Several documents were developed to train staff and clients in this area. The second segment includes an overview of program development in PowerPoint, literature summaries of promising practices in relationship education, and a companion literature summary detailing promising practices in relationship education for those in the child welfare system. The third segment introduces some of the basic communication and conflict resolution skills taught in most relationship/marriage education programs. It also includes information on establishing productive relationships with clientele. The fourth segment addresses couple assessment and includes a PowerPoint unit that offers a method for assessing couples while keeping on top of the rapidly emerging literature. The fifth segment looks at multicultural understanding. The final segment, geared towards clients, is a large group lesson, with small group breakout exercises, that promotes the development of a healthy support network and reviews some of the healthy relationship material. (Author abstract)

Fathers' beliefs were examined as mediators between multiple risk factors and involvement practices with children age zero to five enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start. A diverse sample of 101 fathers, living in rural Midwestern communities of the USA completed questionnaires assessing mediators (i.e. parenting efficacy, role beliefs, and responsibility to an intervention program), barriers (e.g. lack of time, energy, work constraints), and father involvement (i.e. physical play, didactic engagement, caregiving, socialisation, involvement in the program, and accessibility). In each of the regression models, father efficacy and beliefs reduced the influence of barriers and were significant unique predictors of father involvement. Findings suggest that fathers' beliefs are more proximal to parenting practices than is family context, which have implications for early intervention programs serving children in at-risk families. (Author abstract)

Note: This article is part of the journal special issue entitled Men in the Lives of Children.

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