Myth: If I hold my baby or respond to his cries too much, I will spoil him.
Fact: There is no such thing as emotionally spoiling an infant. Studies spanning the last several decades demonstrate substantial lifelong advantages in physical, mental, social, and emotional health for children who receive consistent, warm, positive, and developmentally appropriate attention and care.
Read more online at PBS's This Emotional Life: http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/childhood-attachment
Friday, January 29, 2010
SAMHSA.gov - Grant Announcement FY 2010 Drug Free Communities Support Program
The Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) are accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2010 Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC) grants. The purpose of this program is to establish and strengthen collaboration to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth.
Find more information online at: http://samhsa.gov/Grants/2010/SP-10-005.aspx
Find more information online at: http://samhsa.gov/Grants/2010/SP-10-005.aspx
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Citizens Review Panel Annual Report
Dear friends and colleagues,
As you are aware, I’m a member of the New York State Citizen Review Panels for Child Protective Services. Yesterday, our panel chairs met in Albany to release and they hand delivered our report, The Time for Change is Now , to OCFS Commissioner Carrion, Assembly Member Scarborough, Senator Montgomery, and Executive Chamber staff. Our report builds on the Panels’ previous reports calling for fundamental reform in child welfare.
The report highlights the underlying causes of maltreatment, why there is urgency for change, and provides recommendations for a shift in funding from investigations and foster care placement to primary prevention and intervention services that keep children from being harmed. The report also highlights five innovative practices with promising results.
New York spends over $3 billion annually for child welfare, mostly for Child Protective investigations and foster care. At a time when the state can least afford to invest in programs and services that fail, the Panels call for a shift in child welfare funding to achieve better outcomes for children and families and save money over the long-term.
The Panels’ recommendations call for a reduction in foster care placements, a shift to preventive services, increased cultural competency, and increased parental access to information, especially for immigrant and vulnerable families. In addition, panel members call for the elimination of educational neglect as a basis for child protective reports for children 13 and older and increased responsibility on the part of school districts for reducing absenteeism. The CPS system is not equipped to help families with teens who are refusing to attend school. New York State must develop other options to reach out to these youth.
Children cannot wait for a time when reform is convenient. During this deep recession, more and more families with children have fallen into poverty, leaving them unable to provide basic necessities. While poverty by itself does not lead to child maltreatment, it can exacerbate stresses and strains in any household. Most families need help accessing public benefits, job programs, and safe housing instead of a report to the SCR. This is a time when the state can least afford to spend scarce resources on programs, services, or approaches that don’t work.
To view a copy of our report: http://www.citizenreviewpanelsny.org/documents/2009_crp_annual_report.pdf
Citizen Review Panels are mandated by federal law to assess the extent to which agencies are effectively carrying out their child protection responsibilities. There are three independent panels in New York State, each with 13 members. Each panel has up to 13 citizen volunteers as members, seven of which are appointed by the Executive Chamber, three appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, and three appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate. Each year, the Panels are required to submit a report with their activities and recommendations to the state.
For more information about the panels: http://www.citizenreviewpanelsny.org/
Sincerely,
Jorge Saenz De Viteri
BCC Child Development Center, Inc
As you are aware, I’m a member of the New York State Citizen Review Panels for Child Protective Services. Yesterday, our panel chairs met in Albany to release and they hand delivered our report, The Time for Change is Now
The report highlights the underlying causes of maltreatment, why there is urgency for change, and provides recommendations for a shift in funding from investigations and foster care placement to primary prevention and intervention services that keep children from being harmed. The report also highlights five innovative practices with promising results.
New York spends over $3 billion annually for child welfare, mostly for Child Protective investigations and foster care. At a time when the state can least afford to invest in programs and services that fail, the Panels call for a shift in child welfare funding to achieve better outcomes for children and families and save money over the long-term.
The Panels’ recommendations call for a reduction in foster care placements, a shift to preventive services, increased cultural competency, and increased parental access to information, especially for immigrant and vulnerable families. In addition, panel members call for the elimination of educational neglect as a basis for child protective reports for children 13 and older and increased responsibility on the part of school districts for reducing absenteeism. The CPS system is not equipped to help families with teens who are refusing to attend school. New York State must develop other options to reach out to these youth.
Children cannot wait for a time when reform is convenient. During this deep recession, more and more families with children have fallen into poverty, leaving them unable to provide basic necessities. While poverty by itself does not lead to child maltreatment, it can exacerbate stresses and strains in any household. Most families need help accessing public benefits, job programs, and safe housing instead of a report to the SCR. This is a time when the state can least afford to spend scarce resources on programs, services, or approaches that don’t work.
To view a copy of our report: http://www.citizenreviewpanelsny.org/documents/2009_crp_annual_report.pdf
Citizen Review Panels are mandated by federal law to assess the extent to which agencies are effectively carrying out their child protection responsibilities. There are three independent panels in New York State, each with 13 members. Each panel has up to 13 citizen volunteers as members, seven of which are appointed by the Executive Chamber, three appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, and three appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate. Each year, the Panels are required to submit a report with their activities and recommendations to the state.
For more information about the panels: http://www.citizenreviewpanelsny.org/
BCC Child Development Center, Inc
Funder Collaboratives | GrantCraft
When it comes to funder collaboratives, is the whole truly greater than the sum of its parts? Can foundations make a bigger impact with grant dollars by working together than by going it alone? Yes, grantmakers say, as long as members define their goals, set clear operational guidelines, and work from the start to make the collaborative function well for grantees. In this guide, contributors share strategies for structuring a collaborative to fit its purpose, building strong relationships and resolving conflicts, and figuring out if the collaborative you're in is working. Contributors also offer ample proof that collaboratives are leading the field in bringing the voices of nonfunders — grantees, intended beneficiaries, experts, and others — into the process of making grants.
Read more online at: http://www.grantcraft.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewPage&pageID=1205
Read more online at: http://www.grantcraft.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewPage&pageID=1205
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Teens and Sexting | Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project
As texting has become a centerpiece in teen social life, parents, educators and advocates have grown increasingly concerned about the role of cell phones in the sexual lives of teens and young adults. A new survey from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project found that 4% of cell-owning teens ages 12-17 say they have sent sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images or videos of themselves to someone else via text messaging, a practice also known as “sexting”; 15% say they have received such images of someone they know via text message.
Read more from Pew online at: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/Teens-and-Sexting.aspx
Read more from Pew online at: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/Teens-and-Sexting.aspx
Monday, January 25, 2010
New Resources
Children and Families First: A Chronicle of the Alameda County Social Services Agency Foster Care System
Understanding How Trauma Impacts Children in Child Welfare and What to Do About It [Presentation Slides]
Challenges for Mothers with HIV [Fall 2009 of The Source]
Engaging Dads: The National QIC on Non-Resident Fathers and the Child Welfare System
The Investigative Windows of Opportunity: The Vital Link to Corroboration in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Hawaii's Differential Response System: An Interview With John Walters
Information Packet: Rural Issues in Child Welfare
Promoting Physical Health (Chapter 2 of Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Futures: A Judge's Guide)
Addressing Early Mental Health and Developmental Needs (Chapter 3 of Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Futures: A Judge's Guide)
Children on the Homefront: The Experience of Children From Military Families
Views from the Home Front: The Experience of Children from Military Families
Pop's Culture: A National Survey of Dads' Attitudes on Fathering
Developing Models for Workforce Recruitment and Retention
Spotlight on Child Welfare Leadership: Strengthening the Workforce: Workforce Institute Launches With Ambitious Program
Understanding How Trauma Impacts Children in Child Welfare and What to Do About It [Presentation Slides]
Challenges for Mothers with HIV [Fall 2009 of The Source]
Engaging Dads: The National QIC on Non-Resident Fathers and the Child Welfare System
The Investigative Windows of Opportunity: The Vital Link to Corroboration in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Hawaii's Differential Response System: An Interview With John Walters
Information Packet: Rural Issues in Child Welfare
Promoting Physical Health (Chapter 2 of Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Futures: A Judge's Guide)
Addressing Early Mental Health and Developmental Needs (Chapter 3 of Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Futures: A Judge's Guide)
Children on the Homefront: The Experience of Children From Military Families
Views from the Home Front: The Experience of Children from Military Families
Pop's Culture: A National Survey of Dads' Attitudes on Fathering
Developing Models for Workforce Recruitment and Retention
Spotlight on Child Welfare Leadership: Strengthening the Workforce: Workforce Institute Launches With Ambitious Program
Follow-up evaluation of Head Start program finds that most gains in cognitive development fade out by first grade
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released a follow-up to a 2005 study assessing gains made by approximately five thousand children randomly assigned to Head Start programs compared to children who did not attend Head Start programs. The 2005 study found that children made some progress on cognitive measures, particularly in pre-literacy skills. Kindergarten and first grade follow-up assessments, however, found that Head Start children's gains in these areas faded out, with the exception of small gains in vocabulary. These findings are particularly noteworthy based on the high profile that the Head Start program has in the Obama administration's efforts to promote early learning, particularly with regards to vulnerable children.
Read the news release at the Department of Health and Human Services website:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/01/20100113a.html
Read the excutive summary at the Department of Health and Human Services website:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hs/impact_study/reports/impact_study/executive_summary_final.pdf
Read the news release at the Department of Health and Human Services website:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/01/20100113a.html
Read the excutive summary at the Department of Health and Human Services website:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hs/impact_study/reports/impact_study/executive_summary_final.pdf
The Intrepid Philanthropist
The Intrepid Philanthropist is a brand-new blog from the Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy. A group effort, the blog offers a series of posts by several respected philanthropic thought leaders. Bloggers include Sally Osberg, President and CEO of the Skoll Foundation; Phil Buchanan, President of the Center for Effective Philanthropy; Venture Philanthropy Partners' Mario Morino; and Joel Fleischman and Edward Skloot of the Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society.
Read more online at: http://cspcs.sanford.duke.edu/blog
Read more online at: http://cspcs.sanford.duke.edu/blog
Social Outcomes': Missing the Forest for the Trees?
By Mario Morino
For the past month, I have worked through draft after draft of this column as I've struggled to properly express my concern about the growing movement to advance 'social outcomes'—as well as 'impact,' 'measurement,' 'metrics,' 'evaluation,' 'accountability,' and a half-dozen other related concepts—for nonprofit organizations.
Here is my concern, as best as I can manage to articulate it. I am increasingly worried that the vast majority of funders and nonprofits are achieving, at best, marginal benefit from their efforts to implement outcomes thinking. Granted, there has been some truly meaningful progress. Select hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic have made great strides in assessing their outcomes and being transparent about their performance. And the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and a few others have keenly focused on the challenge of social outcomes and have dealt with them well. Yet many other efforts may end up misdirecting, even wasting, precious time and financial resources. In some extreme situations, well-intentioned efforts may actually risk producing adverse effects on nonprofits and those they serve.
Keep in mind this comes from a guy who has been strident in stressing the importance of outcomes and assessment for nonprofits for close to 15 years!
Read the rest of Mario's blog online at: http://www.vppartners.org/learning/enews/archive/2010/jan10.html#cc1
For the past month, I have worked through draft after draft of this column as I've struggled to properly express my concern about the growing movement to advance 'social outcomes'—as well as 'impact,' 'measurement,' 'metrics,' 'evaluation,' 'accountability,' and a half-dozen other related concepts—for nonprofit organizations.
Here is my concern, as best as I can manage to articulate it. I am increasingly worried that the vast majority of funders and nonprofits are achieving, at best, marginal benefit from their efforts to implement outcomes thinking. Granted, there has been some truly meaningful progress. Select hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic have made great strides in assessing their outcomes and being transparent about their performance. And the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and a few others have keenly focused on the challenge of social outcomes and have dealt with them well. Yet many other efforts may end up misdirecting, even wasting, precious time and financial resources. In some extreme situations, well-intentioned efforts may actually risk producing adverse effects on nonprofits and those they serve.
Keep in mind this comes from a guy who has been strident in stressing the importance of outcomes and assessment for nonprofits for close to 15 years!
Read the rest of Mario's blog online at: http://www.vppartners.org/learning/enews/archive/2010/jan10.html#cc1
5 Social Media Secrets for 2010
Thanks to Slideshare.net for this:
Social media took a wild ride in 2009. The mainstream press fell in love with Twitter, Facebook grew aggressively and a new wave of companies starting taking social media seriously as a business tool. Below are 10 secrets to staying on top of it all in 2010
1. Pay Attention to the Metrics
You can't manage what you can't measure. Chief Marketing Officers are going to pay more attention to metrics and tie in social media more directly to overall business goals, not just web-related goals. When starting up new project agree on what the metrics should be and what goals are appropriate.
2. Scale Good Habits
As you grow, make sure you match your structure, policy and guidelines to your organization size. What works with 2 people won't work with 20 people. All in all your structure should encourage good habits. Your entire team should be motivated to respond quickly, post consistently and talk like a human. Speaking of policies and rules...
3. Have Rules, But Trust People
As your social media strategy matures, you'll add in more rules and guidelines. However, you can't have a rule for every situation. You need to trust your team. Lead by example, don't manage with rulebook.
4. Creativity & Personality Trump Big Budget
Social media is definitely one of those areas in life where more money doesn't always win. Two of the most powerful ingredients in social media are creativity and personality. They are the key to having a viral message and to being a trusted resource. They are also essential to discovering useful strategies and tactics. You can't be afraid to try something new or go against the grain.
5. Listen Listen Listen
Don't focus so much on you and your message. Put that farther down on your To Do List. Focus first on your customers. Hear what they are saying, see what they're up to. Once you've been able to connect, and figure them out, then see how you can help.
Social media took a wild ride in 2009. The mainstream press fell in love with Twitter, Facebook grew aggressively and a new wave of companies starting taking social media seriously as a business tool. Below are 10 secrets to staying on top of it all in 2010
1. Pay Attention to the Metrics
You can't manage what you can't measure. Chief Marketing Officers are going to pay more attention to metrics and tie in social media more directly to overall business goals, not just web-related goals. When starting up new project agree on what the metrics should be and what goals are appropriate.
2. Scale Good Habits
As you grow, make sure you match your structure, policy and guidelines to your organization size. What works with 2 people won't work with 20 people. All in all your structure should encourage good habits. Your entire team should be motivated to respond quickly, post consistently and talk like a human. Speaking of policies and rules...
3. Have Rules, But Trust People
As your social media strategy matures, you'll add in more rules and guidelines. However, you can't have a rule for every situation. You need to trust your team. Lead by example, don't manage with rulebook.
4. Creativity & Personality Trump Big Budget
Social media is definitely one of those areas in life where more money doesn't always win. Two of the most powerful ingredients in social media are creativity and personality. They are the key to having a viral message and to being a trusted resource. They are also essential to discovering useful strategies and tactics. You can't be afraid to try something new or go against the grain.
5. Listen Listen Listen
Don't focus so much on you and your message. Put that farther down on your To Do List. Focus first on your customers. Hear what they are saying, see what they're up to. Once you've been able to connect, and figure them out, then see how you can help.
What Works for Parent Involvement Programs for Children and Adolescents
Parents can play an important role in helping their children acquire or strengthen the behaviors and skills that promote physical and mental health and overall well-being. Two new Child Trends fact sheets synthesize the findings from evaluations of parent involvement programs for children ages 6-11 and adolescents ages 12-17. The authors identify the components and strategies associated with successful programs. What Works for Parent Involvement Programs for Children and What Works for Parent Involvement Programs for Adolescents.
State Laws on Family Engagement in Education | PTA
National PTA developed this publication as a tool for State PTAs and other family and child advocates to increase systemic, effective family engagement in all of our nation’s public schools. Family engagement in education is a critical strategy for ensuring students’ academic achievement, graduation from high school, and overall success in life. Low levels of family engagement in schools must be addressed at the federal, state, and local levels through the development of sound public policy and implementation, evaluation, and replication of best practices.
Download the resource at: http://pta.org/3717.asp
Download the resource at: http://pta.org/3717.asp
SRCD - Healthy Development: A Summit on Children's Mental Health
In April, 2009, the Society for Research in Child Development was the lead sponsor for an interdisciplinary summit on children's mental health, which was held at the University of Denver. There were more than twenty other sponsoring groups, listed here. The summit was designed to emphasize collaboration among researchers, mental health experts, other stakeholders and communication scientists about the importance of children's mental health for optimal development in order to inform public attitudes and public policy.
The format of the Summit included a few presentations designed to catalyze discussion, but the real work of the meeting happened in four small groups; each focused on one of the following topics: (1) The importance of mental health for normal child development; (2) Everyday challenges for parents and child mental health; (3) Prevention opportunities in child mental health; and (4) Child mental health disorders: Treatment works.
Each group aimed to discuss, among those findings that are empirically supported, what are the most critical and useful ideas to improve public understanding? The summit was dedicated to the life and work of Jane Knitzer.
Read the report from the summit online at: http://www.srcd.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=353&Itemid=1
The format of the Summit included a few presentations designed to catalyze discussion, but the real work of the meeting happened in four small groups; each focused on one of the following topics: (1) The importance of mental health for normal child development; (2) Everyday challenges for parents and child mental health; (3) Prevention opportunities in child mental health; and (4) Child mental health disorders: Treatment works.
Each group aimed to discuss, among those findings that are empirically supported, what are the most critical and useful ideas to improve public understanding? The summit was dedicated to the life and work of Jane Knitzer.
Read the report from the summit online at: http://www.srcd.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=353&Itemid=1
2010 National Topical Conference Call Series
The National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health, at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, is again sponsoring this exciting and well-received monthly series of topical calls. The conference calls cover important and emerging trends in the mental health field. Presentations from expert resource persons are followed by open discussion in order for all participants to ask questions and enrich the conversation.
Please visit the website: http://gucchdtacenter.georgetown.edu/resources/2010calls.html for registration information and the full 2010 Calendar of Calls, including:
Please visit the website: http://gucchdtacenter.georgetown.edu/resources/2010calls.html for registration information and the full 2010 Calendar of Calls, including:
- Advancing a Public Health Approach to Children's Mental Health
- What Are We Learning About the Early Childhood System of Care Grantees: A Focus on Outcomes
- Family Engagement and Its Impact
- Healthy Children and Families: Reducing Behavioral Health Disparities in Rural and Frontier Areas
- Mental Health Disparities and Young Adults of Transition Age
- Designing a Recovery-Oriented Care Model for Adolescents and Transition Age Youth with Substance Use or Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
- Making the Case for Partnerships Between School Mental Health and Community Services: The Use of Evaluation Data to Strengthen These Partnerships
- Healthy Transitions to Adulthood – Policy Implementations
- Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Children and Families in the Child Welfare System
Child Welfare Information Gateway Updates
In advance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, several prevention-related areas of the Information Gateway website have been enhanced. In addition to updated resources throughout the Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect section, some of the major improvements you will notice on the website include:
Reorganized and updated content in the Evaluating Prevention Programs
http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/evaluating/
An updated Early Childhood and Child Care Services
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service_array/earlychildhood/
An updated Respite Care Services
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service_array/respite/
Reorganized and updated content in the Evaluating Prevention Programs
http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/evaluating/
An updated Early Childhood and Child Care Services
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service_array/earlychildhood/
An updated Respite Care Services
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service_array/respite/
Examining the Impact of Unemployment on Children and Youth
One in seven American children has an unemployed parent as a result of the current recession, according to a new brief from First Focus Campaign for Children. The brief finds that children are twice as likely to be affected by unemployment as adults. Families of the Recession: Unemployed Parents & Their Children also finds that children with an unemployed parent are more likely to experience homelessness and child abuse, and to drop out of high school or college. Among the recommendations in the report are proposals to implement a state education fund of at least $23 billion to address educational needs of children and appropriate $1.5 billion through the Workforce Investment Act youth program to support year-round youth employment opportunities.
Download the report from the Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity at: http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/consequences_of_poverty.aspx
Download the report from the Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity at: http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/consequences_of_poverty.aspx
White House Event Promotes Mentoring
On January 21, 2010, in a White House ceremony marking January as National Mentoring Month, mentors and mentees from across America joined President Barack Obama and the First Lady in an effort to increase public awareness of the benefits of mentoring.
National Mentoring Month is a collaborative initiative of the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. This year's campaign features a public service announcement by General Collin Powell and leverages the work of local and corporate partners to encourage more Americans to serve as mentors.
As President Obama has observed, "Every day, mentors in communities across our nation provide crucial support and guidance to young people." During National Mentoring Month, we honor their commitment and invite you to join them.
To learn more about National Mentoring Month, visit: http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org
National Mentoring Month is a collaborative initiative of the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. This year's campaign features a public service announcement by General Collin Powell and leverages the work of local and corporate partners to encourage more Americans to serve as mentors.
As President Obama has observed, "Every day, mentors in communities across our nation provide crucial support and guidance to young people." During National Mentoring Month, we honor their commitment and invite you to join them.
To learn more about National Mentoring Month, visit: http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org
Kids Count Survey Shows Impact of Economy
The impact of the down economy can been seen in the latest “Iowa Kids Count” survey that measures the well-being of Iowa kids based on 18 factors. The latest survey covers 2008, and Michael Crawford of the Child and Family Policy Center says most economic factors were down.
He says the unemployment rate, and food assistance rate have both increased more than 50-percent since 2000 and there are now one in seven childrend in Iowa living in poverty and one in three schoolchildren are now eligible for free and reduced priced lunches.
Read more online at: http://www.radioiowa.com/2010/01/20/kids-count-survey-shows-impact-of-economy-2/
He says the unemployment rate, and food assistance rate have both increased more than 50-percent since 2000 and there are now one in seven childrend in Iowa living in poverty and one in three schoolchildren are now eligible for free and reduced priced lunches.
Read more online at: http://www.radioiowa.com/2010/01/20/kids-count-survey-shows-impact-of-economy-2/
Who Are America's Poor Children?
More than 13 million American children live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level, which is $22,050 a year for a family of four. The number of children living in poverty increased by 21 percent between 2000 and 2008. There are 2.5 million more children living in poverty today than in 2000.
Not only are these numbers troubling, the official poverty measure tells only part of the story. Research consistently shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice the federal poverty level to make ends meet. Children living in families with incomes below this level – for 2009, $44,100 for a family of four – are referred to as low income. Forty-one percent of the nation’s children – more than 29 million in 2008 – live in low-income families.
Download this report from: http://www.nccp.org/publications/pub_912.html?utm_source=NCCP+Update&utm_campaign=4e6990bfb8-Update_1_20_2010&utm_medium=email
Not only are these numbers troubling, the official poverty measure tells only part of the story. Research consistently shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice the federal poverty level to make ends meet. Children living in families with incomes below this level – for 2009, $44,100 for a family of four – are referred to as low income. Forty-one percent of the nation’s children – more than 29 million in 2008 – live in low-income families.
Download this report from: http://www.nccp.org/publications/pub_912.html?utm_source=NCCP+Update&utm_campaign=4e6990bfb8-Update_1_20_2010&utm_medium=email
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Disaster Preparedness & Response Web Section
Navigate the complex process of developing and implementing emergency response plans for States, Tribes, and child welfare agencies. This streamlined web section includes more recent and relevant resources to help States and jurisdictions develop comprehensive disaster preparedness plans and respond to emergencies quickly and effectively to protect children and families. The resources are organized by preparedness before a disaster, response (the immediate aftermath), and recovery (the long-term reconstruction and healing phase).
Visit the website online at: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/disaster_preparedness
Visit the website online at: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/disaster_preparedness
Our Children Need Our Help
A blog on the Times Union Website, by Kenneth Braswell, David Miller, and Philip Jackson
First published in print: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
On Sept. 25, the body of Derrion Albert, a 16-year-old student, was found on a Chicago street corner. His vicious beating -- he was punched, kicked and struck with 2 by 4s -- left an indelible mark on our psyches. His death reminded many of the 1954 murder of Emmit Till in Money, Miss., though Till's assailants were white and the suspects in this case are black.
In New York City's first murder of 2010, a 21-year-old father was stabbed to death on a Brooklyn street, just hours into the new year.
Both deaths show the need for decisive action. Newspapers publish story after story of black and brown boys and young men murdered each year in our inner cites. These incidents expose the nihilism, benign neglect and acts of cowardice masquerading as bravado, that permeate so many of our communities where there is an absence of positive male role models.
Read more online at: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=890815&category=COMMENTARY
First published in print: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
On Sept. 25, the body of Derrion Albert, a 16-year-old student, was found on a Chicago street corner. His vicious beating -- he was punched, kicked and struck with 2 by 4s -- left an indelible mark on our psyches. His death reminded many of the 1954 murder of Emmit Till in Money, Miss., though Till's assailants were white and the suspects in this case are black.
In New York City's first murder of 2010, a 21-year-old father was stabbed to death on a Brooklyn street, just hours into the new year.
Both deaths show the need for decisive action. Newspapers publish story after story of black and brown boys and young men murdered each year in our inner cites. These incidents expose the nihilism, benign neglect and acts of cowardice masquerading as bravado, that permeate so many of our communities where there is an absence of positive male role models.
Read more online at: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=890815&category=COMMENTARY
Saturday, January 23, 2010
A 100% Response
The classic long copy fundraising letter from 1925 that pulled a 100% response. Check it out online at: http://www.sofii.org/active%20site/Members%20area/FA281BruceBartonLetter.html
The 8 Keys to Networking
Networking has been and continues to be the number one job search strategy. A network is an interconnected group of supporters who serve as resources for your job search. Some folks hesitate to network because they feel awkward asking for help. Though you might feel nervous when approaching a potential contact, networking is a skill that develops with practice, so don't give up. Most people love to talk about their jobs and are willing to give realistic, and free advice.
1. Be Prepared - First, define what information you need and your core goals for networking. Remember, your purpose is to get to know people who can provide information regarding careers and leads. Other benefits include increased visibility within your field, propelling your professional development, finding suitable mentors, increasing your chances of promotion and perhaps finding your next job. Second, know yourself, your education, experience and skills. Practice a concise, one-minute presentation of yourself. Your networking meeting should include the following elements: introduction, self-overview, Q&A, obtaining referrals and closing.
2. Be Targeted - Identify your network. You may be saying, “I don't have much of a network. I really don't know anyone.” You can start by listing everyone you know who are potential prospects: family members, friends, faculty, neighbors, classmates, alumni, bosses, co-workers, Facebook friends and community associates. Attend meetings of organizations in your field of interest and get involved. You never know where you are going to meet someone who can give you a lead.
3. Be Professional - Ask your networking prospects for advice, not for a job. Your networking meetings should be a source of career information, advice and contacts. Start off the encounter with a firm handshake, eye contact and a warm smile. Focus on asking for one thing at a time. Your contacts expect you to represent yourself with your best foot forward.
4. Be Patient – Heena Noorani, Research Analyst with New York-based Thomson Financial, recommends avoiding the feeling of discouragement if networking does not produce instant results. She advises, “Be prepared for a slow down after you get started. Stay politely persistent with your leads and build momentum. Networking is like gardening: You do not plant the seed, then quickly harvest. Networking requires cultivation that takes time and effort for the process to pay off.”
Read about the other 4 at http://blog.timesunion.com/careers
1. Be Prepared - First, define what information you need and your core goals for networking. Remember, your purpose is to get to know people who can provide information regarding careers and leads. Other benefits include increased visibility within your field, propelling your professional development, finding suitable mentors, increasing your chances of promotion and perhaps finding your next job. Second, know yourself, your education, experience and skills. Practice a concise, one-minute presentation of yourself. Your networking meeting should include the following elements: introduction, self-overview, Q&A, obtaining referrals and closing.
2. Be Targeted - Identify your network. You may be saying, “I don't have much of a network. I really don't know anyone.” You can start by listing everyone you know who are potential prospects: family members, friends, faculty, neighbors, classmates, alumni, bosses, co-workers, Facebook friends and community associates. Attend meetings of organizations in your field of interest and get involved. You never know where you are going to meet someone who can give you a lead.
3. Be Professional - Ask your networking prospects for advice, not for a job. Your networking meetings should be a source of career information, advice and contacts. Start off the encounter with a firm handshake, eye contact and a warm smile. Focus on asking for one thing at a time. Your contacts expect you to represent yourself with your best foot forward.
4. Be Patient – Heena Noorani, Research Analyst with New York-based Thomson Financial, recommends avoiding the feeling of discouragement if networking does not produce instant results. She advises, “Be prepared for a slow down after you get started. Stay politely persistent with your leads and build momentum. Networking is like gardening: You do not plant the seed, then quickly harvest. Networking requires cultivation that takes time and effort for the process to pay off.”
Read about the other 4 at http://blog.timesunion.com/careers
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Effects of the Recession on Child Poverty
A new brief from The Brookings Institution finds that 25 states may face high child poverty rates in 2009 as a result of the recession. In making this assessment, The Effects of the Recession on Child Poverty examines child poverty rates in 2008 and the increase of enrollment rates for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) between 2008 and 2009. The report identified the District of Columbia and eight states, including Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, as facing the highest risk of high child poverty in 2009. All eight states and Washington, D.C. experienced high child poverty rates in 2008 and a very high increase in SNAP enrollment rates. The report also finds that only five states, which had low child poverty rates in 2008 and only a moderate increase in SNAP enrollment, are at low risk of child poverty in 2009.
Download the report online at: http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/EconomicOpportunityResearch.aspx
Download the report online at: http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/EconomicOpportunityResearch.aspx
Teambuilding and Meeting SEDL Guidleines through Challenge Course Activities: April 22, 2010
Cooperative games, initiatives and ropes courses help to create and strengthen bonds between participants. Administrators, teachers, and non-teaching staff benefit from the engaging social, emotional, mental and physical challenges presented. Suitable for all ages and physical abilities, the program helps to develop cooperation and communication skills and appreciation of others. Educators will also learn activities that they can adapt to the school setting.
Fore more information, visit: http://www.nassauboces.org/enviroed/profdev.htm
Fore more information, visit: http://www.nassauboces.org/enviroed/profdev.htm
Save the Dates: Webinars Introducing the NEW Strengthening Families Online Self-Assessment
The new Strengthening Families Online Self-Assessment is coming soon! The Self-Assessment been generalized to apply to all settings where young children and/or their families are served, and a new online interface will allow people at all levels to use the tool and access important data. CSSP will be hosting introductory webinars for those interested in learning more about how the new Self-Assessment can support their work when it is released in February 2010. Save the date and plan to attend one of these introductory webinars (invitations will be sent at a later date): February 16, 2010, 2:30 - 4:00 Eastern Time and March 3, 2010, 2:30-4:00 Eastern Time.
These webinars will be most appropriate for state Strengthening Families partners, Children's Trust Fund staff, trainers, and those who will support multiple programs in using the Self-Assessment. Training for individual program-level users will be available on-demand when the new online Self-Assessment is released.
PDF copies of the and supporting tools, a staff survey and the Protective Factors Survey for parents, are available on the Strengthening Families website.
These webinars will be most appropriate for state Strengthening Families partners, Children's Trust Fund staff, trainers, and those who will support multiple programs in using the Self-Assessment. Training for individual program-level users will be available on-demand when the new online Self-Assessment is released.
PDF copies of the and supporting tools, a staff survey and the Protective Factors Survey for parents, are available on the Strengthening Families website.
From CSSP: Research Briefs Summarize Studies Relevant to Strengthening Families
The Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) created five research briefs summarizing seminal studies or areas of research and their relevance to Strengthening Families and released them at the Strengthening Families Leadership Summit in October, 2009. The one-page research briefs, which are all available online, cover the following topics:
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, which shows a direct correlation in negative experiences in childhood and poor outcomes in adulthood
Childhood Stress across the Lifespan, on the different degrees of stress that children experience and its impact throughout life
Infant Mental Health and Social-Emotional Compentence, about the development of normal social-emotional capacities and signs of abnormal development
Resilience in Childhood, which addresses the factors that influence resilience among young children that enable some to function successfully in difficult contexts
Risk and Protective Factors, on the dynamic relationship between different types of risk and protective factors for families
CSSP is seeking feedback on these and future research briefs. If you have not already responded to our brief survey, please take a moment to do so. CLICK HERE FOR THE BRIEF SURVEY.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, which shows a direct correlation in negative experiences in childhood and poor outcomes in adulthood
Childhood Stress across the Lifespan, on the different degrees of stress that children experience and its impact throughout life
Infant Mental Health and Social-Emotional Compentence, about the development of normal social-emotional capacities and signs of abnormal development
Resilience in Childhood, which addresses the factors that influence resilience among young children that enable some to function successfully in difficult contexts
Risk and Protective Factors, on the dynamic relationship between different types of risk and protective factors for families
CSSP is seeking feedback on these and future research briefs. If you have not already responded to our brief survey, please take a moment to do so. CLICK HERE FOR THE BRIEF SURVEY.
10 Inspiring Documentary Recommendations for 2010
Thank you to Jessie Rock, of Every Child Matters Long Island, for this post!
The medium of film allows us intimate access to others' lives, their struggles, and ultimately to the humanity that links us all. The following are ten documentary recommendations that feature children and youth. The stories they reveal and the people they introduce us to will inspire you and compel you to act. There is also one bonus film selection.
(All synopses are from Netflix)
1. "Blindsight" (2006)
Six blind Tibetan teenagers set off on a gripping adventure as they attempt to climb the 23,000-foot Lhakpa Ri on the north side of Mount Everest. Considered cursed in Tibetan culture, blind children are often hidden away to live as pariahs. Determined to challenge that perception, the kids gear up for a demanding expedition led by climber Erik Weihenmayer -- the first blind man to scale Everest -- and learn some lessons about life along the way.
2. "Born Into Brothels" (2004)
British filmmaker Zana Briski's Oscar-winning documentary is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in Calcutta's red-light district, where their mothers work as prostitutes to ensure their survival. Spurred by the kids' fascination with her camera, Briski decides to teach them photography. As they begin to look at and record their world through new eyes, the kids awaken to their own talents and sense of worth.
3. "The Boys of Baraka" (2005)
In an experimental program to reduce the rate of juvenile delinquency, the city of Baltimore sent a group of 12-year-olds deemed "at risk" to a boarding school in Kenya, affording the boys the rare opportunity to turn their troubled lives around. Focusing on four of the youths, this compelling documentary follows the students as they struggle to overcome the obstacles of their past in their hopeful bid for a shot at a brighter future.
4. "The Business of Being Born" (2007)
Director Abby Epstein's controversial documentary takes a hard look at America's maternity care system, juxtaposing hospital deliveries against the growing popularity of at-home, natural childbirths that some expectant parents are opting for. Former talk show host Ricki Lake was inspired to produce this compelling exposé after a dissatisfying birthing experience with her first child left her with many unanswered questions.
5. "Garbage Dreams" (2009)
Teens Adham, Nabil and Osama are forced to find new ways to support themselves and their families when their jobs as under-compensated garbage collectors are replaced in director Mai Iskander's documentary. Born and raised in Mokottom -- aka "Garbage City" in Cairo -- the boys had little choice but to join the Zaballeen, who've cleaned up the city for 100-plus years. But foreign contractors are disrupting all they've ever known.
6. "Mad Hot Ballroom" (2005)
Ballroom dancing goes from lame to cool for a group of New York City students in this insightful documentary, which follows a group of 11-year-olds as they learn to dance old-school styles including the merengue, rumba, tango, foxtrot and swing. Candid interviews capture the kids' initial reluctance at learning ballroom dance and their transformation into serious competitors determined to win a citywide competition.
7. "Praying with Lior" (2007)
Lior Liebling, a Jewish boy with Down syndrome, spends his days praying endlessly to God, much to the delight -- and occasional befuddlement -- of those around him. Follow Lior, nicknamed "the little rebbe," as he approaches his bar mitzvah. Ilana Trachtman's coming-of-age documentary paints a touching portrait of a family, while raising tough questions about notions of faith and disability.
8. "A Touch of Greatness" (2004)
When he became a teacher in the 1940s, Albert Cullum realized something was lacking in his classes and decided to stray from the by-the-book, discipline-heavy style favored by his colleagues, instead using poetry and drama to put life and emotion into his teaching. This documentary from Leslie Sullivan (produced by Catherine Gund) depicts a man who challenged traditional teaching methods and proved that creativity has a place in every classroom.
9. "Very Young Girls" (2007)
David Schisgall's startling documentary captures the heartbreaking stories of underage girls -- many as young as 13 -- who've been forced into prostitution in New York, exposing how pimps use isolation, violence and drugs to keep girls dependent. Many of the girls interviewed take part in GEMS, a shelter and mentoring program founded by activist Rachel Lloyd -- once a prostitute herself -- that helps them transition out of "the life."
10. "War Dance" (2006)
Set in civil war-ravaged Northern Uganda, this Best Documentary Oscar nominee follows the lives of three youngsters who attend school in a refugee camp and find hope through a rich tradition of song and dance. Coming from a world in which children are abducted from their families and forced to fight in the rebel army, these kids give it their all when they travel to the capital city to take part in the prestigious Kampala Music Festival.
***BONUS: This film is guaranteed to inspire you into action!***
"Favela Rising" (2005)
Co-directors Jeff Zimbalist and Matt Mochary's acclaimed documentary charts the growth of Rio de Janeiro's AfroReggae movement, a grassroots effort to combat the soul-crushing oppression of the city's most notorious slum. Led by former street thug Anderson Sa, the nonviolent program celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture, drawing on hip-hop music and dance to unite the impoverished neighborhood against the ubiquitous drug pushers and corrupt cops.
The medium of film allows us intimate access to others' lives, their struggles, and ultimately to the humanity that links us all. The following are ten documentary recommendations that feature children and youth. The stories they reveal and the people they introduce us to will inspire you and compel you to act. There is also one bonus film selection.
(All synopses are from Netflix)
1. "Blindsight" (2006)
Six blind Tibetan teenagers set off on a gripping adventure as they attempt to climb the 23,000-foot Lhakpa Ri on the north side of Mount Everest. Considered cursed in Tibetan culture, blind children are often hidden away to live as pariahs. Determined to challenge that perception, the kids gear up for a demanding expedition led by climber Erik Weihenmayer -- the first blind man to scale Everest -- and learn some lessons about life along the way.
2. "Born Into Brothels" (2004)
British filmmaker Zana Briski's Oscar-winning documentary is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in Calcutta's red-light district, where their mothers work as prostitutes to ensure their survival. Spurred by the kids' fascination with her camera, Briski decides to teach them photography. As they begin to look at and record their world through new eyes, the kids awaken to their own talents and sense of worth.
3. "The Boys of Baraka" (2005)
In an experimental program to reduce the rate of juvenile delinquency, the city of Baltimore sent a group of 12-year-olds deemed "at risk" to a boarding school in Kenya, affording the boys the rare opportunity to turn their troubled lives around. Focusing on four of the youths, this compelling documentary follows the students as they struggle to overcome the obstacles of their past in their hopeful bid for a shot at a brighter future.
4. "The Business of Being Born" (2007)
Director Abby Epstein's controversial documentary takes a hard look at America's maternity care system, juxtaposing hospital deliveries against the growing popularity of at-home, natural childbirths that some expectant parents are opting for. Former talk show host Ricki Lake was inspired to produce this compelling exposé after a dissatisfying birthing experience with her first child left her with many unanswered questions.
5. "Garbage Dreams" (2009)
Teens Adham, Nabil and Osama are forced to find new ways to support themselves and their families when their jobs as under-compensated garbage collectors are replaced in director Mai Iskander's documentary. Born and raised in Mokottom -- aka "Garbage City" in Cairo -- the boys had little choice but to join the Zaballeen, who've cleaned up the city for 100-plus years. But foreign contractors are disrupting all they've ever known.
6. "Mad Hot Ballroom" (2005)
Ballroom dancing goes from lame to cool for a group of New York City students in this insightful documentary, which follows a group of 11-year-olds as they learn to dance old-school styles including the merengue, rumba, tango, foxtrot and swing. Candid interviews capture the kids' initial reluctance at learning ballroom dance and their transformation into serious competitors determined to win a citywide competition.
7. "Praying with Lior" (2007)
Lior Liebling, a Jewish boy with Down syndrome, spends his days praying endlessly to God, much to the delight -- and occasional befuddlement -- of those around him. Follow Lior, nicknamed "the little rebbe," as he approaches his bar mitzvah. Ilana Trachtman's coming-of-age documentary paints a touching portrait of a family, while raising tough questions about notions of faith and disability.
8. "A Touch of Greatness" (2004)
When he became a teacher in the 1940s, Albert Cullum realized something was lacking in his classes and decided to stray from the by-the-book, discipline-heavy style favored by his colleagues, instead using poetry and drama to put life and emotion into his teaching. This documentary from Leslie Sullivan (produced by Catherine Gund) depicts a man who challenged traditional teaching methods and proved that creativity has a place in every classroom.
9. "Very Young Girls" (2007)
David Schisgall's startling documentary captures the heartbreaking stories of underage girls -- many as young as 13 -- who've been forced into prostitution in New York, exposing how pimps use isolation, violence and drugs to keep girls dependent. Many of the girls interviewed take part in GEMS, a shelter and mentoring program founded by activist Rachel Lloyd -- once a prostitute herself -- that helps them transition out of "the life."
10. "War Dance" (2006)
Set in civil war-ravaged Northern Uganda, this Best Documentary Oscar nominee follows the lives of three youngsters who attend school in a refugee camp and find hope through a rich tradition of song and dance. Coming from a world in which children are abducted from their families and forced to fight in the rebel army, these kids give it their all when they travel to the capital city to take part in the prestigious Kampala Music Festival.
***BONUS: This film is guaranteed to inspire you into action!***
"Favela Rising" (2005)
Co-directors Jeff Zimbalist and Matt Mochary's acclaimed documentary charts the growth of Rio de Janeiro's AfroReggae movement, a grassroots effort to combat the soul-crushing oppression of the city's most notorious slum. Led by former street thug Anderson Sa, the nonviolent program celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture, drawing on hip-hop music and dance to unite the impoverished neighborhood against the ubiquitous drug pushers and corrupt cops.
Working Solo Minute: Marketing in a Tight Economy - January 13, 2010 (#088)
Courtesy of Working Solo:
While recent economic news is a bit brighter, the reports I'm hearing from the front lines are that soloists are still facing some pushback when it comes to selling their products and services. Here are three things to keep in mind when marketing in a tight economy:
1. Specify.
Yes, you still need to sell benefits over features -- the delight, pleasure, satisfaction, relief of stress or fear, or financial returns attained through buying your product or service. But in today's economy, soloists also must be specific and provide as many details as possible. With funds tight, buyers want to know all the details, so they can be assured of investing their resources wisely.
Read more online at: http://www.workingsolo.com/minute088.html
While recent economic news is a bit brighter, the reports I'm hearing from the front lines are that soloists are still facing some pushback when it comes to selling their products and services. Here are three things to keep in mind when marketing in a tight economy:
1. Specify.
Yes, you still need to sell benefits over features -- the delight, pleasure, satisfaction, relief of stress or fear, or financial returns attained through buying your product or service. But in today's economy, soloists also must be specific and provide as many details as possible. With funds tight, buyers want to know all the details, so they can be assured of investing their resources wisely.
Read more online at: http://www.workingsolo.com/minute088.html
NYS Child Abuse Prevention Conference Early Bird Registration!
Register before January 22, 2010 to receive the special early bird fee of $325 (discounted from $350)!
The NYS Child Abuse Prevention Conference inspires and equips professionals, advocates, parents and other caregivers with the latest abuse prevention, child protection, and parenting strategies, skills and techniques.
Plenary Speakers:
John J. Pelizza, Ph.D.
The Common Link in Balancing Work and Life
Motivational Speaker
Shawn Dove
Navigating the 7C's of Deep-End Leadership
Campaign Manager, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Open Society Institute
Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D
How Early Experiences Effect Development, Including the Impact of Maltreatment on Brain Development
Senior Fellow, The ChildTrauma Academy
Special Session with Bruce Perry:
Where to Go from Here: Implications for Practice and Policy
Workshop tracks include:
* Parenting/Caregiver Education & Support
* Domestic & Family Violence
* Child Welfare
* Child Abuse Treatment & Prevention
* Not-for-profit Leadership
How do you register?
Register here if you are paying by credit card. Participants paying by check or purchase order can register here. For more information about the Early Bird rates and registration process, please visit Prevent Child Abuse New York's website.
Who should attend?
Participants work in many arenas: parent and family education and support, child protective services, domestic violence, health care, mental health, education, law enforcement, legal services, religious and civic organizations, and in the home as parents. Their common purpose is to nurture and protect children. What can you expect? Participants leave the conference with skills, strategies and tactics they can immediately put to use back home, in their jobs, in their homes, and in their communities.
Other highlights:
* More than 40 workshops presented by renowned experts
* Exhibit marketplace
* Networking opportunities
The NYS Child Abuse Prevention Conference inspires and equips professionals, advocates, parents and other caregivers with the latest abuse prevention, child protection, and parenting strategies, skills and techniques.
Plenary Speakers:
John J. Pelizza, Ph.D.
The Common Link in Balancing Work and Life
Motivational Speaker
Shawn Dove
Navigating the 7C's of Deep-End Leadership
Campaign Manager, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Open Society Institute
Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D
How Early Experiences Effect Development, Including the Impact of Maltreatment on Brain Development
Senior Fellow, The ChildTrauma Academy
Special Session with Bruce Perry:
Where to Go from Here: Implications for Practice and Policy
Workshop tracks include:
* Parenting/Caregiver Education & Support
* Domestic & Family Violence
* Child Welfare
* Child Abuse Treatment & Prevention
* Not-for-profit Leadership
How do you register?
Register here if you are paying by credit card. Participants paying by check or purchase order can register here. For more information about the Early Bird rates and registration process, please visit Prevent Child Abuse New York's website.
Who should attend?
Participants work in many arenas: parent and family education and support, child protective services, domestic violence, health care, mental health, education, law enforcement, legal services, religious and civic organizations, and in the home as parents. Their common purpose is to nurture and protect children. What can you expect? Participants leave the conference with skills, strategies and tactics they can immediately put to use back home, in their jobs, in their homes, and in their communities.
Other highlights:
* More than 40 workshops presented by renowned experts
* Exhibit marketplace
* Networking opportunities
January is National Mentoring Month!
Thanks to Generations United for this update.
"Whether a day is spent helping with homework, playing catch, or just listening, these moments can have an enormous, lasting effect on a child's life," states President Obama's proclamation recognizing January as National Mentoring Month. In its ninth year, National Mentoring Month calls attention to the importance of mentoring programs, many of which engage older adults as mentors to youth. To read the full Presidential Proclamation, click here.
"Whether a day is spent helping with homework, playing catch, or just listening, these moments can have an enormous, lasting effect on a child's life," states President Obama's proclamation recognizing January as National Mentoring Month. In its ninth year, National Mentoring Month calls attention to the importance of mentoring programs, many of which engage older adults as mentors to youth. To read the full Presidential Proclamation, click here.
National Abandoned Infants Assistance Resource Center: Summit
This national summit will convene approximately 250 professionals from the fields of child welfare, maternal-child health, obstetrics, pediatrics, nursing, social work, courts, and drug treatment for interdisciplinary dialogue, information sharing, and exploration of policies and collaborative approaches to prevent, identify, and address the needs of substance exposed newborns (SEN).
Through various formats, this summit will showcase exemplary policies and practices for identifying pregnant substance users and their newborns; referring them to child welfare, treatment and other community services; and developing plans of safe care for the newborns. Participants also will have an opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary discussions to explore challenges, best practices, and future directions in addressing the needs of pregnant substance users and SEN.
Click here, if you would like to receive reminders and updates about this summit.
Through various formats, this summit will showcase exemplary policies and practices for identifying pregnant substance users and their newborns; referring them to child welfare, treatment and other community services; and developing plans of safe care for the newborns. Participants also will have an opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary discussions to explore challenges, best practices, and future directions in addressing the needs of pregnant substance users and SEN.
Click here, if you would like to receive reminders and updates about this summit.
Three States Approved For Kinship-Guardianship Option, 11 More Pending
From the CWLA Children's Monitor. Sign-up for the Monitor online at: http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/monitoronline.htm
The Children's Bureau has now approved amended state plans from Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee that will allow the states to utilize Title IV-E funds for the new kinship-guardianship option as provided for through last year's Fostering Connections Act (P.L. 110-351). Ten other states along with the District of Columbia have also submitted state plan amendments. These states are Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington.
The kinship-guardianship option became effective shortly after Fostering Connections was signed into law in October 2008, but there is no timeframe or deadline for states to take the option. While some were expecting states to act more quickly, enactment coincided with the recession, which has had a delaying impact. Factors that may inhibit states include some states requiring legislative changes, other states contemplating dramatic cuts in human service funding, and other states awaiting greater instruction and clarification from HHS, including on an important issue as to whether or not children already in kinship placements and otherwise eligible being covered once a state has taken the option or whether coverage extends only to new kinship arrangements established after a state plan has been amended. HHS has stuck by the December 2008 guidance, requiring the narrower eligibility, but some states such as California are seeking a broader interpretation.
The Children's Bureau has now approved amended state plans from Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee that will allow the states to utilize Title IV-E funds for the new kinship-guardianship option as provided for through last year's Fostering Connections Act (P.L. 110-351). Ten other states along with the District of Columbia have also submitted state plan amendments. These states are Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington.
The kinship-guardianship option became effective shortly after Fostering Connections was signed into law in October 2008, but there is no timeframe or deadline for states to take the option. While some were expecting states to act more quickly, enactment coincided with the recession, which has had a delaying impact. Factors that may inhibit states include some states requiring legislative changes, other states contemplating dramatic cuts in human service funding, and other states awaiting greater instruction and clarification from HHS, including on an important issue as to whether or not children already in kinship placements and otherwise eligible being covered once a state has taken the option or whether coverage extends only to new kinship arrangements established after a state plan has been amended. HHS has stuck by the December 2008 guidance, requiring the narrower eligibility, but some states such as California are seeking a broader interpretation.
FRIENDS—the National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention's Evidence-based Parenting Directory
This new directory can be downloaded from http://www.lapen.org/uploads/1FRIENDSappendixA.pdf
Additionally, FRIENDS has compiled a Program and Practice Matrix that shows how the different sites compare in ranking the same programs. This matrix can be downloaded at http://www.friendsnrc.org/download/eb_prog_direct.pdf beginning on page four.
Additionally, FRIENDS has compiled a Program and Practice Matrix that shows how the different sites compare in ranking the same programs. This matrix can be downloaded at http://www.friendsnrc.org/download/eb_prog_direct.pdf beginning on page four.
What Works Wisconsin: Evidence-based Parenting Program Directory
This directory provides an overview of currently available evidence-based parenting programs, a subset of the larger body of evidence-based programs. It is intended to serve the needs of parent educators, family practitioners, program planners and others looking for effective programs to implement with parents and families. The directory is divided into three sections: section one focuses on parenting education/training for parents of children within a single age range; programs in section two include options for parenting education/training across multiple age ranges; and section three consists of multiple-component programs where one of the components is parenting education.
http://whatworks.uwex.edu/Pages/2parentsinprogrameb.html
http://whatworks.uwex.edu/Pages/2parentsinprogrameb.html
The Health and Well-Being of Children: A Portrait of States and the Nation 2007
The Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau is pleased to announce that the The Health and Well-Being of Children: A Portrait of States and the Nation 2007 is now available either online or you can request a hardcopy through the addresses listed at the end of this message. The chartbook provides both national and state-level data on U.S. children based on the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health.
Among the findings which can be found in this report and at www.childhealthdata.org are:
The National Survey of Children’s Health collected information on 91,642 children. Interviews were conducted with parents or guardians who know about the child's health. The survey provides information about the oral, physical and mental health of children from birth to age 17 and includes national and state-by-state data. The survey covers a broad range of parental attitudes and assessments of other important child development benchmarks, including access to recreational facilities, school engagement, and screen-viewing habits.
Survey data books on children’s emotional and behavioral health, children with special health care needs, and rural children’s health, all based on the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health, will be released in the future.
If you would like a hard copy of the chartbook, please contact the HRSA Information Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-HRSA or 703-442-9051.
Among the findings which can be found in this report and at www.childhealthdata.org are:
- In 2007, 88.5 percent of children reported receiving a preventive health care visit, up from 77 percent in 2003. Among children who had no health insurance, however, the rate was far lower: only 72.6 percent of children who were uninsured at the time of the survey had a preventive health care visit.
- More than 15 percent of U.S. children had no health insurance for all or part of 2007.
- Nearly one-third of U.S. children, ages 10 to 17, were overweight or obese. Most significantly, the incidence of obesity continued to rise from 14.8% of U.S. children in 2003 to 16.4% by 2007.
- About four out of 10 children in need of mental health services for emotional development or behavioral problems did not receive them. Among uninsured children, more than half did not.
- Over 25 percent of American children under age 5 were at risk for developmental and behavioral problems or social delays. But fewer than one in five received recommended screening.
- More than 4 in 10 children were not receiving care within a “medical home,” defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics as care that is accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated and compassionate.
The National Survey of Children’s Health collected information on 91,642 children. Interviews were conducted with parents or guardians who know about the child's health. The survey provides information about the oral, physical and mental health of children from birth to age 17 and includes national and state-by-state data. The survey covers a broad range of parental attitudes and assessments of other important child development benchmarks, including access to recreational facilities, school engagement, and screen-viewing habits.
Survey data books on children’s emotional and behavioral health, children with special health care needs, and rural children’s health, all based on the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health, will be released in the future.
If you would like a hard copy of the chartbook, please contact the HRSA Information Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-HRSA or 703-442-9051.
HealthyChildren.org - Healthy Children
A new website for parents and providers, powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Definitely a great new resource worth taking some time to peruse:
http://www.healthychildren.org
http://www.healthychildren.org
Child Abuse May Lead to Adult Migraines and Pain Disorders, Family Health Articles
Researchers from the American Headache Society's Women's Issues Section Research Consortium found that children who were abused and neglected have higher incidence of migraines and pain disorders. In addition, the same research has found that people who suffer from migraines and have a history of abuse tend to show more signs of adjacent, related conditions than patients without such a history. The findings carry considerable implications, and should be of use to policymakers in designing new laws to protect children from their own parents or relatives.
Read more on this at: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1357/5/35045/child-abuse-may-lead-adult-migraines-and-pain-disorders.html
Read more on this at: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1357/5/35045/child-abuse-may-lead-adult-migraines-and-pain-disorders.html
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Webinar: Further Discussion of Cross-systems Parenting Initiatives
Monday January 11th, 2010
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EST
The call will be the first in a series of conference calls designed to increase the value of each NCCP-hosted webinar to ECCS stakeholders. After each webinar, NCCP will host follow-up conference calls on the same topic. The follow-up calls will focus primarily on answering questions that may have come up since the event. This new model is meant to encourage cross-systems communication and allow ECCS stakeholders the opportunity to discuss pursuing opportunities presented in the webinar with partners and others in the ECCS community.
Please note, Project Thrive always welcomes your questions in advance to help shape our interactive events. Email your questions or suggestions to: higgins@nccp.org
Confirmed Speakers:
Susan Perkins and Michelle Gross of the New York State Parenting Education Partnership (NYSPEP) will answer any questions that listeners may have related to their wonderful presentation during the December 9th Project Thrive webinar.
Melanie Bronfin from Louisiana's ECCS initiative--BrightStart-- will tell us about their efforts to make parenting a priority at the state level, including the formation of the Louisiana Parenting Education Network (LAPEN), an association of professional parenting educators.
K. Vilay of First Things First Arizona will speak about the ECCS initiative's progress in distributing Parent Kits and related efforts at regional and state levels.
Although this event is a "conference call", we will be hosting the call through Webex to offer flexibility in participation. You can listen to the call through audio stream on your computer or you may call in. All attendees must be logged in through Webex in order to ask questions through the Q & A panel or over the phone line.
All attendees must register through the link below in order to receive an e-mail confirmation. Please remember to log-in through Webex prior to joining the teleconference.
https://nccp.webex.com/nccp/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=661486368
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EST
The call will be the first in a series of conference calls designed to increase the value of each NCCP-hosted webinar to ECCS stakeholders. After each webinar, NCCP will host follow-up conference calls on the same topic. The follow-up calls will focus primarily on answering questions that may have come up since the event. This new model is meant to encourage cross-systems communication and allow ECCS stakeholders the opportunity to discuss pursuing opportunities presented in the webinar with partners and others in the ECCS community.
Please note, Project Thrive always welcomes your questions in advance to help shape our interactive events. Email your questions or suggestions to: higgins@nccp.org
Confirmed Speakers:
Susan Perkins and Michelle Gross of the New York State Parenting Education Partnership (NYSPEP) will answer any questions that listeners may have related to their wonderful presentation during the December 9th Project Thrive webinar.
Melanie Bronfin from Louisiana's ECCS initiative--BrightStart-- will tell us about their efforts to make parenting a priority at the state level, including the formation of the Louisiana Parenting Education Network (LAPEN), an association of professional parenting educators.
K. Vilay of First Things First Arizona will speak about the ECCS initiative's progress in distributing Parent Kits and related efforts at regional and state levels.
Although this event is a "conference call", we will be hosting the call through Webex to offer flexibility in participation. You can listen to the call through audio stream on your computer or you may call in. All attendees must be logged in through Webex in order to ask questions through the Q & A panel or over the phone line.
All attendees must register through the link below in order to receive an e-mail confirmation. Please remember to log-in through Webex prior to joining the teleconference.
https://nccp.webex.com/nccp/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=661486368
Tickets for the 3rd Annual Daddy Daugher Valentine's Dance are now available!
See a special video from last year's Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb29mUont20
Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out! There are only a specific number of tickets that can be sold and last year they sold out weeks before the event. Don't miss this opportunity to spend quality time with your daughter. These are the moments that she will cherish forever, at a special dinner and dance with her very special escort, her Dad!
The Real Dads Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2010, 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at Landmark on the Park, 160 Central Park West in Manhattan.
Tickets are $110 for a dad and daughter and $155 for a dad and 2 daughters. Tickets may be purchased at the web site, www.RealDadsNetwork.com. Tickets will not be sold at the door! Order early before they are sold out. Make this a Valentine's weekend to remember!
Special surprise guests and giveaways for those attending. Father-figures are encouraged to attend with that special young woman in your life.
Suggested age range for daughters is 4 through 14.
For more information you may call 212-875-7725.
Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out! There are only a specific number of tickets that can be sold and last year they sold out weeks before the event. Don't miss this opportunity to spend quality time with your daughter. These are the moments that she will cherish forever, at a special dinner and dance with her very special escort, her Dad!
The Real Dads Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2010, 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at Landmark on the Park, 160 Central Park West in Manhattan.
Tickets are $110 for a dad and daughter and $155 for a dad and 2 daughters. Tickets may be purchased at the web site, www.RealDadsNetwork.com. Tickets will not be sold at the door! Order early before they are sold out. Make this a Valentine's weekend to remember!
Special surprise guests and giveaways for those attending. Father-figures are encouraged to attend with that special young woman in your life.
Suggested age range for daughters is 4 through 14.
For more information you may call 212-875-7725.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Spotlight Webcast: How Shrinking State Budgets are Affecting Low-Income Families
As low-income families continue to struggle to make ends meet, state governments are making drastic budget cuts to education, healthcare and other vital social services. The latest Spotlight webcast examines current state fiscal policies in North Carolina and Massachusetts and presents ways for other state governments to mitigate the impact of the recession on low-income families. The webcast also examines the effect of federal fiscal relief and other American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provisions intended to offset state budget cuts. Guests include Nick Johnson, director of the State Fiscal Project at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; Elaine Mejia, director of the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center; and Noah Berger, executive director of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center.
View the webcast here: http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/news.aspx?id=b5ef29ed-7e5a-4218-bfa8-c149a6abf902
View the webcast here: http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/news.aspx?id=b5ef29ed-7e5a-4218-bfa8-c149a6abf902
Roadmap to End Childhood Hunger in America by 2015
A coalition of the nation's leading secular and faith-based anti-hunger organizations released a report outlining nine steps to eliminate childhood hunger. Among its proposals, the report recommends strengthening income supports and the nutritional safety net. The Roadmap to End Childhood Hunger also urges policymakers to take immediate steps such as reauthorizing child nutrition programs and reforming unemployment insurance to include part-time workers. The National Anti-Hunger Organizations drafted the report in response to President Obama's goal to end childhood hunger by 2015.
Download the report here: http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/anti_poverty_proposals.aspx
Download the report here: http://www.spotlightonpoverty.org/anti_poverty_proposals.aspx
Public Health Agencies Play a Role in Child Maltreatment Prevention
Public health agencies can make a difference in the lives and health of both children and adults by helping prevent child maltreatment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Violence Prevention invites you to learn more by watching a webinar titled A Better Start: Child Maltreatment Prevention as a Public Health Priority
CDC initially hosted the webinar in the fall of 2009. Now, the event and associated slides are permanently available online for your convenience.
The webinar features presentations by:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Violence Prevention invites you to learn more by watching a webinar titled A Better Start: Child Maltreatment Prevention as a Public Health Priority
CDC initially hosted the webinar in the fall of 2009. Now, the event and associated slides are permanently available online for your convenience.
The webinar features presentations by:
- Ms. Francie Zimmerman, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation – Child Abuse Prevention Program
- Dr. Jack Shonkoff, Harvard University – Center on the Developing Child
- Dr. James Mercy, CDC – Division of Violence Prevention
- The important role public health agencies can and do play in preventing child maltreatment
- The body of research linking harmful childhood experiences with long-term quality of life
- How public health agencies can prevent child maltreatment by using the concept of safe, stable, nurturing relationships
(Old) Newsflash: Kids Find Control-Freak Parents "Intrusive"
It's commonly known that the more parents try to control their kids, the less likely their kids will be to listen. And a new study conducted at Orebro University in Sweden reinforces this notion. Researchers found that adolescents viewed both behavioral control (which relates to self-regulation and rule setting) and psychological control (which is considered more manipulative) negatively when parents went overboard. However, adolescents viewed psychological control more negatively than behavioral control when parents kept their oversight at moderate levels.
Read more online at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-11/sfri-ysa110609.php
Read more online at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-11/sfri-ysa110609.php
For Some Teenagers, "Growing Pains" Stem from Infancy
We all know that early childhood experiences impact our long-term emotional health. However, a new study from the Université de Montréal, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, and McGill University suggests that insecure teens' physical health may also be at stake, as they tend to suffer more intense head, stomach, and joint pain. According to Dr. Michael Sullivan, one of the authors of the study, "We found that adolescents with insecure relationships tend to be more 'alarmist' about their pain symptoms; they have a tendency to amplify the degree of threat or severity of their pain. This amplification leads to more intense pain and more severe depressive symptoms.
Read more online at: http://www.nouvelles.umontreal.ca/udem-news/news-digest/early-relationships-influence-teen-pain-and-depression.html
Read more online at: http://www.nouvelles.umontreal.ca/udem-news/news-digest/early-relationships-influence-teen-pain-and-depression.html
Media Images May Not Add to Preschool Girls' Anxiety about Female Beauty
A study from the University of Central Florida shows that girls as young as 3-6 years old are worried about being fat. However, the study found that watching video clips of beautiful, slender princesses did not seem to affect their self-esteem or behavior. In fact, researchers said that young girls who watched these clips were no more likely to engage in appearance-related play than those who watched clips not focused on physical beauty. Although no short-term effects were identified in the study, researchers still believe that the media's representation of female beauty is a factor in how young girls view their bodies.
Read more online at: http://news.ucf.edu/UCFnews/index?page=article&id=002400413702bfed0124310819fb0014eb
Read more online at: http://news.ucf.edu/UCFnews/index?page=article&id=002400413702bfed0124310819fb0014eb
Differentiating Volunteering and Working for Pay
From Susan Ellis's Blog:
My professional wish for the new year is that everyone (and especially decision-makers, the news media, and funders) open their eyes to the important things that make employees and volunteers different.
Much of volunteer management today focuses on the similarities of volunteers and employees – how both groups are recruited and supported to be successful in working toward the same mission. As a practical matter, this is appropriate. But it is also limiting. It tends to push volunteers into uniformity rather than celebrating their potential to act with far fewer boundaries.
In our desire to gain acceptance for volunteers within agencies, we work to reassure colleagues that volunteers are just “like” employees. Is this really the goal? Think of what we might accomplish if volunteers had free rein to make the most of what distinguishes them from a paid work force: flexibility, the luxury of focus, short bursts of energy, and multiplicity of perspectives.
Read more online at: http://energizeinc.com/hot/2010/10jan.html
My professional wish for the new year is that everyone (and especially decision-makers, the news media, and funders) open their eyes to the important things that make employees and volunteers different.
Much of volunteer management today focuses on the similarities of volunteers and employees – how both groups are recruited and supported to be successful in working toward the same mission. As a practical matter, this is appropriate. But it is also limiting. It tends to push volunteers into uniformity rather than celebrating their potential to act with far fewer boundaries.
In our desire to gain acceptance for volunteers within agencies, we work to reassure colleagues that volunteers are just “like” employees. Is this really the goal? Think of what we might accomplish if volunteers had free rein to make the most of what distinguishes them from a paid work force: flexibility, the luxury of focus, short bursts of energy, and multiplicity of perspectives.
Read more online at: http://energizeinc.com/hot/2010/10jan.html
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
PASTA: Train the Trainer
"Train the trainer" for the newly revised PASTA - Parenting the Second Time Around curriculum is scheduled in Ithaca from January 28-29, 2010. This national award winning program is now fully updated with new legal information (co-author, Gerard Wallace, Esq.) and two new lessons on caregivers raising adolescents - a total of eight workshops in all, including a set of outcome based evaluation tools. The cost of the training includes the full curriculum and two training days. Interested professionals and grandparents alike are welcome to attend.
If you are unable to attend, but still interested in the curriculum, it is available for purchase. Please see attached registration form and brochure for details.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Denyse Variano directly at 845-344-1234 or dav4@cornell.edu.
If you are unable to attend, but still interested in the curriculum, it is available for purchase. Please see attached registration form and brochure for details.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Denyse Variano directly at 845-344-1234 or dav4@cornell.edu.
New Research on Homelessness and Parenting
For mental health and substance abuse counselors and clinicians, keeping at-risk families together can be a challenge in the best of circumstances. If parents and children are experiencing homelessness, the challenge is even greater. Yet prior research on homelessness has focused only minimally on families and the role of parenting. 
To help, SAMHSA’s Homelessness Resource Center (HRC) recently guest-edited a Special Section of the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Released in October 2009, all 10 articles are downloadable at no charge from the HRC Web site. (See below for more information.)
This Special Section fills a significant gap. The research articles and editorials provide important insights into the needs of parents and children who are experiencing homelessness.
“Our goal on this project was to offer cutting-edge research and information,” said Deborah Stone, Ph.D., SAMHSA’s HRC Project Officer at the Homeless and Co-Occurring Programs Branch at SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). “We wanted to bring up some of the issues people are talking about. In the past, CMHS focused primarily on the chronically homeless individual. However, we decided to expand that focus and look at families—because in the field service providers work with families as well as individuals.”
Read more online at: http://www.samhsa.gov/samhsaNewsletter/Volume_17_Number_6/HomelessnessParenting.aspx
WNYC - News - Reuniting Familes: Lawyers Team Up With Social Workers
NEW YORK, NY December 22, 2009 —When it comes to cases of child abuse, sympathy clearly goes first and foremost to the children. But the parents also need help. Even those who are vilified for terrible acts. There’s a little-talked-about world of lawyers who spend their days defending parents who have had their children taken away from them. WNYC’s Ailsa Chang explores how they fight to give parents a second chance.
Read more online at: http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/146911
Read more online at: http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/146911
New Study Links Child Abuse, DNA Damage
Beyond the psychological and emotional stress of childhood abuse and neglect, a Brown University study shows a link with damage to victims’ DNA in later life.
The study, published in October in the journal Biological Psychiatry, examined the DNA of 31 adults who had reported experiencing maltreatment as children, but who had not been diagnosed with any major psychiatric disorders.
The researchers found that their subjects had shortened telomeres on their DNA strands, shorter than those found in otherwise similar adults who did not experience childhood mistreatment. Telomeres are the “end-caps” of DNA strands, and their shortening is an indication of advanced cell aging.
The study is yet further evidence that child abuse and neglect can have far-reaching effects on an individual, all the way down to the cellular level.
Read more online at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/284493
The study, published in October in the journal Biological Psychiatry, examined the DNA of 31 adults who had reported experiencing maltreatment as children, but who had not been diagnosed with any major psychiatric disorders.
The researchers found that their subjects had shortened telomeres on their DNA strands, shorter than those found in otherwise similar adults who did not experience childhood mistreatment. Telomeres are the “end-caps” of DNA strands, and their shortening is an indication of advanced cell aging.
The study is yet further evidence that child abuse and neglect can have far-reaching effects on an individual, all the way down to the cellular level.
Read more online at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/284493
Here's to An Alcohol-Free Pregnancy!
There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink and no safe kind of alcohol. CDC urges pregnant women not to drink alcohol any time during pregnancy.
For more on this topic, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/AlcoholFree/
For more on this topic, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/AlcoholFree/
Nurse Home Visitation Program Reduces Girls' Potential Criminality Later in Life
Girls whose mothers were visited at home by nurses during pregnancy and the children's infancy appear less likely to enter the criminal justice system by age 19, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
"Preventive interventions for parents of young children that improve parental competencies and the early learning environment of the child hold considerable promise as a means of reducing health and developmental problems across the life course and associated costs to government and society," the authors write as background information in the article. Home visitation services that focus on promoting a mother's health and teaching caregiving skills during pregnancy and infancy have received attention recently but have not been assessed over the long term.
Read more online at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104161756.htm
"Preventive interventions for parents of young children that improve parental competencies and the early learning environment of the child hold considerable promise as a means of reducing health and developmental problems across the life course and associated costs to government and society," the authors write as background information in the article. Home visitation services that focus on promoting a mother's health and teaching caregiving skills during pregnancy and infancy have received attention recently but have not been assessed over the long term.
Read more online at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104161756.htm
Creating Effective Parent-Practitioner Partnerships
The FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention is pleased to announce a new online course, Creating Effective Parent-Practitioner Partnerships, has been added to the FRIENDS Online Learning Center.
Parent Leadership is a strength-based approach to family support that is founded on the belief that parents are knowledgeable about their families and communities and can provide valuable insight into programmatic and community decision-making to benefit children and families. Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
To learn more about the FRIENDS Online Learning Center visit www.friendsnrc.org/resources/onlinelearn.htm or go directly to the Online Learning Center at www.cequick.com/myeln/FRIENDS/default.asp
Parent Leadership is a strength-based approach to family support that is founded on the belief that parents are knowledgeable about their families and communities and can provide valuable insight into programmatic and community decision-making to benefit children and families. Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Define the roles and list the benefits of parent leadership.
- Describe common fears and barriers of parent leadership.
- Explain basic principles and guidelines of parent leadership.
To learn more about the FRIENDS Online Learning Center visit www.friendsnrc.org/resources/onlinelearn.htm
Emergency Preparedness for Families and Children
Disaster Preparedness
View more presentations from Michelle Gross.
Find more information online at: http://www.disability.gov/emergency_preparedness/personal_preparedness/home
Website: Early Intervention for Young Children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Other Disabilies
This website provides guidelines for early intervention to maximize the language and communication development of young children with special needs including:
- Infants
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Multiple disabilities
- Step-by-step guidelines for early intervention to build language and communication skills
- Photographs and videotaped examples of intervention with young children with special needs
Monday, January 4, 2010
Eight Steps to Connected Parenting
The term connected parenting describes relatively new trend in parenting that aims to bring children up with love and peace, contrary to popular belief that children should be brought up in discipline based on fear. It doesn't mean that we, parents loose control over our child but instead, we give them feeling that they have some more control on their life and by that we are gaining their cooperation.
Read more online at: http://www.squidoo.com/connectedparenting
Read more online at: http://www.squidoo.com/connectedparenting
New Year Changes for Your Business (or Nonprofit)
From the Big Thinking for Small Business Blog
Welcome back to work. We all have files and little things that must be updated each year. I won’t even presume to guess what spreadsheets or documents need to be updated at your place.
Here is a checklist as 2009 flips over to 2010.
* Change the copyright date on your customer-facing websites. Nothing says dated like a 3 year old copyright footer.
* Check your web forms. If any of them (or your paper forms) were configured as 200_, last week was a good time to change them.
* Postage rates rise today. Check out the official USPS site for postage increases. If you are a big mailer and haven’t updated your budget, now would be a good time. Cash flow projections too.
* A new tax year has started. Talk with your tax consultant or accountant, but if you were supposed to change your withholding or take any payroll actions, you should be dealing with that issue now.
* My personal favorite for businesses with more than a handful of employees. Every application that can be logged in from outside (even a blog) should be scrubbed for user name entries and passwords for former contractors, vendors and employees. You should regularly do this, but using the beginning of the year as a double-check is a good reminder.
* The IRS last month established 50 cents as the 2010 mileage rate for deductions. Change your expense reporting.
Read the blog online at: http://www.sbmteam.com/blog/new-year
Welcome back to work. We all have files and little things that must be updated each year. I won’t even presume to guess what spreadsheets or documents need to be updated at your place.
Here is a checklist as 2009 flips over to 2010.
* Change the copyright date on your customer-facing websites. Nothing says dated like a 3 year old copyright footer.
* Check your web forms. If any of them (or your paper forms) were configured as 200_, last week was a good time to change them.
* Postage rates rise today. Check out the official USPS site for postage increases. If you are a big mailer and haven’t updated your budget, now would be a good time. Cash flow projections too.
* A new tax year has started. Talk with your tax consultant or accountant, but if you were supposed to change your withholding or take any payroll actions, you should be dealing with that issue now.
* My personal favorite for businesses with more than a handful of employees. Every application that can be logged in from outside (even a blog) should be scrubbed for user name entries and passwords for former contractors, vendors and employees. You should regularly do this, but using the beginning of the year as a double-check is a good reminder.
* The IRS last month established 50 cents as the 2010 mileage rate for deductions. Change your expense reporting.
Read the blog online at: http://www.sbmteam.com/blog/new-year
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