Practice-relevant information in the areas of Mental Health, Education, Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Family Involvement, Youth Development, and Cultural Competence

New Booklet: Helping Children Become Responsible Citizens

This booklet provides information about the values and skills that make up character and good citizenship and what parents can do to help their child develop strong character. It suggests activities that parents and their school-aged children can do to put those values to work in their daily lives and tips for working with teachers and schools to promote basic values. The booklet provides an extensive list of books and other resources with character-related themes that parents can read and discuss with their children to encourage character and citizenship development.

To view the booklet online or to order a hard copy, visit http://www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/citizen/index.html.

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New Set of Parent Briefs: Promoting Effective Parent Involvement in Secondary Education and Transition

Supplemental Security Income: A Bridge to Work (Part 1 of 3 on the Supplemental Security Income Program)

This parent brief is part 1 of a 3-part series on supplemental security income. This brief gives parents of youth with disabilities practical information about how youth can use Social Security work incentives to facilitate a gradual transition from dependence on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to partial or complete financial independence. Social Security work incentives allow a recipient of SSI to earn wages while maintaining SSI cash benefits and Medicaid. Background information, definitions, and specific financial criteria for using SSI work incentives are included.

To view the complete parent brief, visit http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=937.

Supplemental Security Income: So You Have Decided to Apply (Part 2 of 3 on Supplemental Security Income Program)

This parent brief is part 2 of a 3-part series on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The brief is tailored for parents of youth with disabilities and provides a detailed description of the process for applying for SSI. The brief outlines four elements: a) the process of making an appointment with a Social Security Administration representative, b) the specific steps in applying for benefits, c) criteria that the Social Security Administration uses to determine an applicant’s eligibility, and d) information about the evaluation conducted if the Social Security Administration cannot initially make a decision about your child's eligibility.

To view the complete parent brief, visit http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=938.

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Community Resource Mapping: A Strategy for Promoting Successful Transition for Youth With Disabilities

This brief introduces a dynamic process for creating community collaboration among those concerned with youth development and for maximizing the community’s human and financial resources that support youth. The brief gives an explanation of Community Resource Mapping, a list of the benefits of mapping, examples of mapping efforts, people to contact for further information, plus related resources.

To view the complete brief, visit http://ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=939.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Family Guide Website

This public education website was developed to support the efforts of parents and other caring adults to promote mental health and prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs among 7- to 18-year-olds.

To view the website, visit http://family.samhsa.gov/.

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2003 California Department of Developmental Services Autism Report

This report provides information on the population of persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorder served by the California Department of Developmental Services through 2002. The report shows that new cases of diagnosed full syndrome autism in the state increased a staggering 634 percent in the 15-year period from 1987 through 2002.

To view the full report, visit http://www.dds.ca.gov/Autism/pdf/AutismReport2003.pdf.

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Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Best Practice Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Assessment

This publication provides professionals, policymakers, parents, and others with detailed “best practice” recommendations and rationale for screening, evaluating, and assessing individuals suspected of having autistic spectrum disorders. These guidelines are the product of nearly a year’s work by experts in the field of autistic spectrum disorders and are based on validated scientific evidence, clinical experience, and clinical judgment.

To view the publication, visit http://www.ddhealthinfo.org/asd.asp.