Blueprints for Violence Prevention

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) announces the availability of two new publications on the OJJDP-funded Blueprints for Violence Prevention initiative, which was developed by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado-Boulder. After reviewing more than 600 violence prevention programs, the initiative has identified 11 model and 21 promising programs that prevent violence and drug use and treat youth with problem behaviors.

• “Blueprints for Violence Prevention,” a 180-page online report, describes the Blueprints initiative, presents lessons learned about program implementation, and provides recommendations for those designing, implementing, and funding violence prevention programs. You can read “Blueprints for Violence Prevention” online only by visiting http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=11721 .
• “Successful Program Implementation: Lessons from Blueprints,” a 12-page bulletin, presents findings from a process evaluation of Blueprints programs, identifying critical components of implementation. You can read “Successful Program Implementation: Lessons from Blueprints” online by visiting http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=11719 .

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Victims of Violent Juvenile Crime

This Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention bulletin analyzes the extent and nature of nonfatal violent victimizations committed by juvenile offenders, based on 1997-98 data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Incident-Based Reporting System. The bulletin examines characteristics of victims and offenders (age, gender, and relationship), types of offenses, use of guns, and injuries. The authors note that juvenile offenders are involved in approximately one-fifth of nonfatal violent victimizations. Most victims of juvenile violence are themselves juveniles, and nearly all victims know the offender.

You may read “Victims of Violent Juvenile Crime” (NCJ 201628) by visiting http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=11718 .

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High School Diplomas for Youth with Disabilities: Options and Alternate Routes

This transcript of the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition at the University of Minnesota teleconference call held on April 27, 2004 highlights findings from a national study on Graduation Requirements and Diploma Options for Youth with Disabilities. Also presented are findings from a recent study of alternate routes for obtaining standard diplomas in states with graduation exams.

You can read more by visiting http://www.ncset.org/teleconferences/transcripts/2004_04.asp .

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How Informative Are Parent Reports of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms for Assessing Outcome in Clinical Trials of Long-Acting Treatments?

Parents of children being treated for ADHD can accurately detect changes in their children's functioning, according to new research reported in Pediatrics . Parent reports can be combined with teacher reports to assess treatment for an individual child, and aid in defining treatment protocols for children with ADHD.

You can read a summary of the article by visiting http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/113/6/1667 .

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Young People: Victims of Violence

This review highlights recent developments in the research on young victims of crime in the home, school, and community, and increases awareness of the need to recognize psychopathology in young victims. According to the review, research on young people as victims of violence is beginning to identify processes, mechanisms, and interventions that can start to counteract the damage done to the individual, families, communities, and generations of children.

Read the full article at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/481699?src=mp . (Medscape is a free service provided by WebMD; registration is required.)

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Psychological Therapy Boosts Antidepressant Compliance

Researchers report that the superior effectiveness of combined pharmacotherapy and psychological treatment of depression over drug treatment alone may be because of an increased adherence to antidepressant regimens. Researchers suggest that compliance-encouraging interventions might be one way of improving the response rate to antidepressant therapy.

Read more at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/484381?src=mp . (Medscape is a free service provided by WebMD; registration is required.)

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ADHD Is a Risk Factor for Unprovoked Seizures in Children

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be a risk factor for incident unprovoked seizures in children, according to a report published in the July issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Read more at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/484118?src=mp . (Medscape is a free service provided by WebMD; registration is required.)

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Substance Use among Youths Who Had Run Aaway from Home

This report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies, is based on the analysis of data from the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The NSDUH asked youth ages 12 to 17 to report whether they had run away from home and slept on the street in the past 12 months. Youths were also asked about their use of alcohol or any illicit drug during the year prior to the interview. Responses were analyzed by age and gender.

Read the report at http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k4/runAways/runAways.pdf .

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National Dispute Resolution Use and Effectiveness Study

The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) has been systematically gathering dispute resolution information from state education agencies to analyze formative (process) and summative (outcome) information on the use and effectiveness of conflict resolution procedures. The study reviews previously published research, examines recently collected data, and makes important recommendations.

To review the study, visit http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/effective.cfm .

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New Study Reveals Scale of Education Gap Between Latino and White Students

A new report released by the Educational Policy Institute and the Pew Hispanic Center documents the progress of Latino students from eighth grade to the workforce. The study found that for every 1,000 eighth-grade students who are of Hispanic origin, 142 earn a Bachelor's degree within 8 years of scheduled high school graduation. By comparison, 318 White students—more than double the number of Latino students—achieve the same outcome.

You can read the full report by visiting http://www.educationalpolicy.org/pdf/Latino_Youth.pdf .

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Data Trends: Tampa and Portland

Data Trends is produced to increase the dissemination of current research findings in children's mental health services. Here are new releases:

Tampa

Inner-city child mental health service use: The real question is why youth and families do not use services

Many children of color who reside in low-income, urban neighborhoods are at risk for emotional and behavioral problems, yet empirical studies show that these children and their families receive relatively few mental health services, possibly due to inadequate supports and/or cultural differences. To better understand the gap between service need among this population and service use, the research team investigated parental help-seeking behaviors and use of services. Miscommunication between parents and service providers was the most often cited reason for nonuse of services.

To view the summary of the study, visit h ttp://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu/rtcpubs/datatrends/summary_103.pdf .

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Use of practice guidelines in the primary care of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The authors surveyed primary care physicians in Michigan to determine the adoption of practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and to describe factors associated with adherence to these practice guidelines . Sixty-one percent of respondents had incorporated the guidelines into their practice. Differences between respondents in diagnosis (e.g., adopting fewer than all five diagnostic modalities, etc.) and management of ADHD were also found.

To view the summary of the study, visit http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/114/1/e23 .

Portland

Suicidality among urban African American and Latino youth

This article presents the results of a survey investigation of prevalence and predictors of suicidality among 879 urban adolescents. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts are reported by approximately 15% of this group (ages 16 and 17). Identified risk and protective factors are discussed, together with some implications for suicide prevention.

To view the summary of the study, visit http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/phpCountDTPDF.php .

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Resilience-based prevention: A multi-year multi-site program evaluation

This article describes the positive results of an evaluation of Al's Pals1, a prevention program designed to promote social and emotional competence in young children by enhancing teachers' abilities to create nurturing classroom environments and to foster development of resilience-related behaviors.

To view the summary of the study, visit http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/phpCountDTPDF.php .

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Employment experiences of youth with emotional and behavioral disorders: Perspectives of youth and their supervisors

The purpose of this study was to understand better why maintaining employment is so challenging to youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. It offers information about the perceptions of work behaviors and the relative importance of these behaviors by these youth and their supervisors. Youth satisfaction with certain aspects of their employment situation is also explored. Implications for working with adolescents entering employment are also discussed and suggestions for designing transition programs and employment interventions are offered.

To view the summary of the study, visit http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/phpCountDTPDF.php

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Are schools ready for Joshua? Dimensions of African American culture among students identified as having behavioral/emotional disorders

The author suggests ways to understand culturally socialized behaviors and to use more culturally responsive pedagogy.

The author suggests that the behavior of African American males in school may be misinterpreted. Specifically, culturally-based forms of expression by African American males are perceived differently than those of their school-aged counterparts, often resulting in disproportionately high rates of suspensions, expulsions, and referrals to classrooms with extra behavioral supports. The study was designed to examine coping styles enacted in special education classes that demonstrate African American cultural norms, to describe teacher perception of those behaviors, and to discuss the possible impact on academic success. Implications for educating African American youth are also discussed.

To view the summary of the study, visit http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/phpCountDTPDF.php .

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The Effects of Having a Child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) on Family Members and Family Management

The authors report the results of a qualitative study of how families who have a child diagnosed with ADHD cope and function in their daily lives. Authors investigated the experiences of family members affected by ADHD and examined the ways in which parents, siblings, and the children themselves spoke of the functioning of their families. The two articles reported here focused on the views of parents regarding the effects of ADHD on their own lives and the ways their families functioned.

To view the summary of the study, visit http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/phpCountDTPDF.php .