Welcome to the March 2011 issue of the Safe Start Center e-newsletter. In this issue, we highlight research on the importance of trauma-informed interventions for children and youth exposed to violence and their families, and present a new compendium of evidence-based practices identified in Federal research databases. Our goal in publishing the e-newsletter is to link service providers, advocates and other community leaders with resources to help make our homes, schools and communities safe for children. Please contact us with your suggestions and comments at info@safestartcenter.org.
IN THIS ISSUE
Current news related to the impact of exposure to family and community violence on children and their families
Conferences, funding opportunities and related initiatives in the news
Print and media resources for professionals and families
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CEV IN THE NEWS
The U.S. Department of Justice Defending Childhood Grantee Meeting Held on January 25-27, 2011
Defending Childhood is a new Department of Justice initiative focused on preventing and reducing children's exposure to violence. The January meeting brought together the initiative's eight demonstration sites for a series of presentations, peer-to-peer exchanges, and dialogue with Justice Department leadership. Conference agenda and presentations are available here.
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Attorney General Holder Meets with Defending Childhood Representatives at the January grantee meeting
Attorney General Eric Holder discussed the goals of the Defending Childhood Initiative: to prevent children's exposure to violence as victims and witnesses, mitigate the negative effects experienced by children exposed to violence, and develop knowledge about and increase awareness of this issue. The text of the Attorney General's comments are available here.
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Trauma-informed Care: A Call to Arms
This letter is a call to arms from Linda Rosenberg, MSW, President and CEO, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. She is asking for a shift to trauma informed mental health care. The author also provides links to resources and background for providers and the general public.
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National Youth Violence Prevention Week is March 21-March 25, 2011
This event raises awareness of effective ways to prevent or reduce youth violence by emphasizing the positive role young people can have in making their school and community safe.
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April 18-22 is Childhood Exposure to Violence Prevention Week
The third week of April has been designated Childhood Exposure to Violence Prevention Week. Chicago Safe Start began this event several years ago and offers a toolkit for other communities wishing to plan local events.
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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
This event raises awareness about child abuse and neglect and works to create strong communities to support children and families. Resources are available to build strong families and help participants get started.
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President Signs Legislation to Prevent Child Abuse, Fund Domestic Violence Services
On December 20, 2010, President Barack Obama signed critical child abuse prevention and domestic violence legislation into law, including the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act(FVPSA).
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EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Babies Remember and Babies Can't Wait
April 13, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PM (EST)
This podcast features Alicia Lieberman, PhD, who summarizes current knowledge about the impact of trauma on young children and the importance of addressing health disparities by bringing trauma-based knowledge into the systems of care.
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The Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare: Multi-System Integration Certificate Program for Public Sector Leaders
This weeklong program offered by the Georgetown University Center for Juvenile Justice Reform is an intensive study designed to increase collaboration among public agencies and other key partners to increase outcomes for crossover youth.
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National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Online Learning Events
Current online learning seminars include the Child Physical Abuse Speaker Series: Assessment of Child Physical Abuse: What, How, and When to Ask, featuring Cynthia Kuelbs, MD, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego on March 17, 2011 (10:00am PST/1:00pm EST). This and other seminars may be viewed live or accessed at anytime at the NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma.
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The Impact of Trauma on Women and Girls Monthly Webinar Series
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (2011)
Series features national experts on issues related to trauma and the implications for women and girls' health. Past webinars are archived and include a discussion of gender-responsive approaches for women and girls affected by trauma.
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National Conference on Juvenile and Family Law
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ)
Reno, NV, March, 27–30, 2011
This conference will feature innovations in programming and practice for courts and communities to improve outcomes for children and families exposed to violence and trauma.
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National Symposium on Child Abuse
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), U.S. Department of Justice
Huntsville, AL, March 28–31, 2011
This event encompasses multidisciplinary training for professionals in child maltreatment. Workshops include: Extended Assessments When Abuse is Suspected but Not Disclosed, and Patterns and Trends in Online Victimization.
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National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect
National Indian Child Welfare Association
Anchorage, AK, April, 17–20, 2011
Expert speakers and workshops on topics related to services that support traditional kinship systems and family life so that children and their families can stay together and thrive.
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2011 National Gang Symposium
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
Orlando, FL, June 7–10, 2011
The symposium offers information about new gang-related programs and trends in youth gang activities. Workshops include Gangs in Schools and Gang Intervention Through Targeted Outreach.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness Conference
Chicago, IL, July 6–9, 2011
This event brings together providers, policymakers, and researchers in the mental health field to share strategies for changing policy and practice.
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American Psychological Association Annual Convention
Washington DC, August 4–7, 2011
This is an opportunity for professionals in psychology to learn about improvements in mental health care delivery, research, and higher education. Breakout sessions cover topics such as parent-child communication and marriage and family.
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RESEARCH TO PRACTICE
Cost-Effective Investments in Children at Risk
DiNavoli, 2011
Using an evidence-based approach to assessment, the authors of this study identify 3 strategies most effective at mitigating risk factors for delinquent behavior. These strategies are: pre-kindergarten programs, drug and alcohol treatment programs for pregnant women, and programs to assist mentally ill parents.
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FEATURED RESOURCES
Evidence-Based Practices for Children Exposed to Violence: A Selection from Federal Databases
U.S. Department of Justice and U.S Department of Health and Human Services
This package of information summarizes findings from federal reviews of research studies and program evaluations to help localities select multidisciplinary interventions to address childhood exposure to violence and improve outcomes for children and families in their communities.
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ONLINE RESOURCES/PUBLICATIONS
Recognizing and Addressing Trauma in Infants, Young Children, and their Families (online tutorial)
Georgetown University Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (2011)
The purpose of this online tutorial is to help early childhood professionals understand what is meant by trauma, recognize the developmental context of trauma in early childhood, and extend their knowledge of intervention through consultation.
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Healing Invisible Wounds: Why Investing in Trauma-Informed Care for Children Makes Sense
Justice Policy Institute (2010)
This issue brief provides information on why children exposed to trauma and violence are at increased risk for developing delinquent behavior and entering the juvenile justice system, and ways to combat the negative effects of violence and trauma in children.
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Domestic Violence and Children: Questions and Answers for Domestic Violence Project Advocates
NCTSN Domestic Violence Collaborative Group (2011)
This factsheet includes information on how children react to domestic violence and factors that can help promote recovery in families.
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Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Benefit From Trauma–Focused Therapy
Brooks (2011)
This study suggests how children who witness domestic violence in the home and show signs of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can benefit from trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). (Free registration required to view article)
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Models for Developing Trauma Informed Behavioral Health Systems and Trauma Specific Services
Jennings (2008)
This technical report includes several evidence based and promising practice models that address trauma in the lives of both children and adults. The authors identify revised criteria for building a trauma-informed mental health service system, and available resources and models for improving implementation.
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Early Childhood Education Update, February 2011
Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) (2011)
This update includes resources for professionals working in the fields of child education, exposure to violence, and prevention. Topics include State data on children living in poverty, a guide to building comprehensive early childhood programs, school readiness, and the new Head Start child outcomes framework.
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Team Decision-making and Domestic Violence: How to Talk to Students About School Violence
Committee for Children (2011)
This is a short factsheet on teaching children and youth about school safety. It provides resources to help youth to develop coping strategies and skills to prevent and handle violence.
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Ten Things Every Juvenile Court Judge Should Know About Trauma and Delinquency
Buffington, Dierkhising and Marsh (2010)
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, in collaboration with the National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network, provide juvenile court justices with a background on trauma and violence exposure's influences on a child's behavior.
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Understanding the Experience of Military Families and Their Returning War Fighters: Military Literature and Resource Review
National Center on Family Homelessness (2010)
This literature review is aimed at providing information for community groups about what can occur when veterans return to their families. If a veteran develops Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, this increases the likelihood of other emotional problems, substance abuse, increased family stress and the risk of intimate partner violence.
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A Review of Minneapolis's Youth Violence Prevention Initiative
National Center for Victims of Crime (2010)
This publication describes a 2006 initiative by the city of Minneapolis to prevent and reduce violence by and against youth. The interventions include the Midtown Community Restorative Justice program and diversion programs in which young women are taught anger management, responsibility, and conflict resolution.
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Beyond the Grant: Planning for Long-Term Sustainability (Webinar)
NCTSN (2010)
The authors outline eight key elements of sustainability for program directors of non-profit organizations serving children and families, and describe planning and self-assessment tools available on the NCTSN Web site.
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The Hope of Family Focused Interventions for Child Physical Abuse (video)
NCTSN (2010)
Using the case of one family that sought treatment, this video outlines the causes and consequences of child abuse, and describes how family-focused interventions such as Alternatives for Families - A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) can help families.
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Serving Immigrant Families
Virginia Child Protection Newsletter, Spring 2011, Volume 90
This newsletter focuses on issues to consider when serving immigrant and refugee families and their children. Topics include: adjustment of immigrant and refugee children, typical conflicts with acculturation, and service provision.
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RELATED LINKS
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CONTACT US
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The Safe Start Center e-Newsletter is distributed by the Safe Start Center under Contract No. GS-10F-0285K with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Information and points of view in this newsletter do not imply endorsement by OJJDP, OJP, DOJ, or the Safe Start Center.
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