For Practitioners and Advocates

Chadwick Center for Children and Families, 2008

This document is a resource for service providers who work with Latino families who have experienced traumatic events. The authors cover 12 policy areas, including assessment, therapy, organizational competence, and policy, with an overview of issues, recommendations for improving practice, and resources for each area.

Bigfoot, D.S. and Braden, J., Focal Point: Research, Policy, and Practice in Children's Mental Health: Traumatic Stress/Child Welfare, 21, (1) Winter 2007, p. 19-22

The authors provide an overview of trauma experiences of American Indian and Native Alaskan children, and ways to incorporate Native culture into service systems. Topics include nature of the problem, service needs, honoring children, and successful adaptations of evidence-based programs.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, January 2009

The authors discuss mental health problems experienced by families and children living in border areas, barriers to care, and ways to improve delivery of mental health services. Recommendations include respecting the culture, overcoming language and cultural barriers, preparing families for service, and adapting evidence-based practices.

Osofsky, J.D., Action Plan Update, October 2001

The authors of this report summarize the accomplishments of the Federal Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in breaking the cycle of violence. Topics include data on victimization trends, effective and promising strategies, and Federal programs since 1996.

Banyard, V.L. and Williams, L.M., The Prevention Researcher, 14 (2), 2007, p. 6-10

Using an ecological framework, the authors review key factors which put adolescent survivors of sexual abuse at risk for negative outcomes and discuss resources which might enhance positive outcomes and recovery. The authors include vignettes from the lives of women who experienced sexual abuse during their youth to highlight opportunities for positive recovery.

O'Keefe, M. and Lebovics, S., The Prevention Researcher, 12 (1), 2005, p. 3-7

The authors of this article discuss common reactions by adolescents who witness interparental violence and some of the ways in which exposure may impede their development. Compared to youth from non-violent homes, adolescent witnesses have higher rates of aggression, more fatalistic views of the future, and increased risk for delinquency, school truancy and other risky behaviors.

Pilowsky, D.J., Keyes, K.M., Hasin, D.S., American Journal of Public Health, 99 (2), 2009, p. 258-263

Using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, the authors investigate the association between adverse events in childhood and adolescence and lifetime alcohol dependence in a representative sample of American adults. They conclude that individuals who experienced 2 or more adverse childhood events are at increased risk for lifetime alcohol dependence.

Davies, J., 2009

In this guide, published by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the author describes victims in contact with batterers, explains why they remain in contact, and describes a victim-defined approach to advocacy. Topics include the accuracy of victims’ risk analyses, what to include in a safety plan, what to do when advocates have a different analysis, and when to talk about options for limiting contact. The authors also discuss ways to support a victim’s parenting, reviewing risks to children, and what to do if the children are not okay.

U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2007

In this report, the authors find that the higher rate of poverty and longer stays in foster care are major factors influencing the disportionate representation of African American children in foster care, and also cite “bias or cultural misunderstandings and distrust between the child welfare decision makers and the families they serve.” Topics include promising practices, influence of federal policies, and recommendations for federal subsidies to legal guardians and more active involvement of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in addressing this situation.

Edleson, J.L., Ellerton, A.L., Seagren, E.A., Kirchberg, S.L., Schmidt, S.O., Ambrose, A.T., Children and Youth Services Review, 29 (7), July 2007, p. 961-971

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2004

According to the authors of this brief, estimates of PTSD prevalence in the juvenile justice population range between 3 percent and 50 percent, rates up to eight times as high as other community samples of similar-age. Topics include clinical considerations, juvenile justice environment, assessment approaches, and references.

Sowers, K.M. and Rowe, W., Special Issue on Children, Violence and Mental Health, 4 (1), 2008

In this issue, the authors discuss research findings from the five year national process and outcome evaluation of the Safe Start Demonstration communities, and from innovative research projects designed and executed by six demonstration sites. Topics include service recommendations, building resiliency, crisis intervention for exposure to intimate partner violence, role of law enforcement and other service sectors, and recommendations for mental health systems.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 2009

 
The authors of this technical assistance brief report the results of a survey to determine the extent of judges' knowledge about infant development. Topics include barriers to taking action, promising practices, and ways to expand opportunities for this population.

Institute for Safe Families, 2006

The authors describe a community process to develop a citywide system of integrated care for children exposed to domestic violence using pediatric health care as the focal point. Documents include a needs assessment, process of creating a Pediatric Collaborative, and development of on-site domestic violence and child mental health resources at pediatric sites. 

Mihalic, S., Fagan, A., Irwin, K., Ballard, D., Elliott, D., Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Report, 2004

After reviewing more than 600 programs, the Blueprints initiative identified 11 model programs and 21 promising programs that prevent violence and drug use and treat youth with problem behaviors. In this report, published by the University of Colorado Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, the authors include lessons learned from the Blueprints program implementation and recommendations for program designers and funders.

Family Violence Prevention Fund

The authors of this online curriculum provide resources to help batterer intervention programs help fathers who have perpetrated family violence relate to their children in positive ways. Topics include background information, cultural and parenting issues, staff training activities, evaluations of pilot programs, exercises on empathy, modeling, and the reparative process, personal stories, downloadable guides, and other tools. Available in English and Spanish.

La Vigne, N., Davies, E., Brazzell, D., 2008

 
The authors of this report, published by the Urban Institute, review current research on children with incarcerated parents, and offer recommendations on how to reduce the negative impact of parental incarceration. They focus on the influence that supportive relationships with the incarcerated parent and other adults has on children's outcomes.

Ooms, T., Boggess, J., Menard, A., Myrick, M., Roberts, P., Tweedie, J., Wilson, P., 2006

 
Based on the proceedings of the Building Bridges Wingspread Conference held in May 2006, the authors of this guide, published by the Center for Law and Social Policy and the National Conference of State Legislatures, summarize current tensions among the three fields and discusses possible avenues for collaboration. Topics include misunderstandings among the three fields, concerns and fears, common ground, and ways to work together for better outcomes.
 

Hoover, J. and Stenhjem, P., Issue Brief, 2 (3), 2003

In this overview, the authors argue that whole-school antibullying/antiviolence programs are necessary to address the problem effectively. Topics include definitions of bullying, teasing and disability harrassment, adressing the problem, Professor Olweus' program, Second Step program, and resources.

Sampson, R., Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Problem-Specific Guides Series No. 12, 2009

In this guide, published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the author provides information about bullying in schools and effective responses. Content includes extent and causes of the problem, questions to ask of the school administration, ways to measure effectiveness, common ineffective remedies, and guidelines for developing local solutions.

Scott, K., Francis, K., Crooks, C., Kelly, T., 2006

The authors of this manual offer a 17-session program aimed at helping men who have maltreated their children or exposed them to domestic violence. This program draws from best practices in the fields of batterer intervention, parenting, child maltreatment, behavior change, and working with resistant clients. Designed for use by both novice and experienced service providers, the program is organized around four therapeutic goals: engaging men; building positive parenting; recognizing and countering abuse; and rebuilding trust with children.

Thornberry, T.P., Huizinga, D., Loeber, R., Wyrick, P.A., Howell, J.C., Chibnall, S.H., Abbruzzese, K., Juvenile Justice, September 2004

The authors of this issue summarize empirical findings of three longitudinal studies on the causes and correlates of juvenile delinquency and the research addressing youth gangs. Topics include key risk factors (child maltreatment and gangs), and a framework for a risk-based response to youth gangs.

National Center on Family Homelessness, 2008

The authors of this fact sheet present an overview of the scope, causes, and impact of homelessness on children and families in the United States. By age twelve, 83% of homeless children have been exposed to at least one serious violent event, and almost 25% have witnessed acts of violence within their families. The authors discuss the trauma experienced by homeless children and the impact on their physical and mental health, academic performance and developmental milestones.

Starling, S.P., Heisler, K.W., Paulson, J.F., Youmans, E., Pediatrics, 123 (4), April 2009, p. e595-e602

In this study, the authors surveyed program directors and third-year residents at 67 residency programs to measure the level of knowledge, comfort, and training related to the medical management of child abuse among pediatrics, emergency medicine, and family medicine programs. Their findings indicate that pediatric programs provide far more training and resources for child abuse education than emergency medicine and family medicine programs.

Taggart, S., 2009

In this guide, published by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the authors provide strategies for developing effective Program Improvement Plans (PIPs) to achieve safety, permanency, and well-being in domestic violence cases, and to identify technical assistance needs. Topics include current research on the differential impact of exposure to domestic violence on children, potential PIP strategies, process and practice measures, indicators, and system factors.

Loeber, R., Farrington, D.P., Petechuk, D., Child Delinquency Bulletin Series, May 2003

The authors of this Bulletin present information about delinquent offenders under the age of 13. Topics include risk factors for developing delinquent attitudes and behaviors in later childhood, promising intervention and prevention programs, and policy recommendations.

Family Violence Prevention Fund, 2009

This curriculum guide by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, is designed to empower teachers and others to use literature or other media to educate youth about relationships and family violence. Materials include information about approaching the issue of violence with teens, a resource library, lesson plans, an online program evaluation, videos, and a mini magazine.

Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse, 2007

This is a measure to directly monitor child exposure and involvement in adult domestic violence events. The tool is designed for children ages 10-16. Materials include the scale, a 55-page User Manual, articles about assesing child exposure and the development of the measure, and other supporting materials.

Bragg, H.L., 2003

In this practice manual, published by the Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the author provides concrete strategies for identifying and responding to situations in which children are exposed to domestic violence. Topics include information about the overlap between child maltreatment and domestic violence, conducting an initial screening, practice guidelines for family assessment, practice modifications, enhancing safety, and building collaborative responses.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 57 (1), Winter 2006

In this special issue, written in collaboration with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the authors examine child trauma as it affects both dependency and delinquency issues that come before the court. Topics include the impact of trauma on child development, pathways from child maltreatment to delinquency and the role of the family court judge, trauma-informed custody decisions, supporting children in the child welfare and juvenile court systems, trauma interventions and systems change in rural areas.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 59 (4) Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 2008

This special issue, written in collaboration with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, builds on the 2006 special issue on Child Trauma. In both issues, the authors focus on the impact that trauma has on children and families, and how trauma affects the experience of children and youth who come before the court. Topics include a systems integration approach to helping children heal from trauma, a court response to children who have been traumatized, best practices, obtaining information from children, and how to maintain emotional health while working with trauma.

Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, Focal Point: Research, Policy, and Practice in Children's Mental Health: Traumatic Stress/Child Welfare, 21 (1), Winter 2007, p. 27-30

The authors of this article argue that public policy decisions play a pivotal role in prevention, service, and treatment efforts for children who have been affected by traumatic events, and that good public policy requires strong collaborative relationships among policy leaders, affected families, and all those who work with traumatized children. Topics include need for information at the systems level, policy implications, and current policy issues.

Georgia State Department of Human Resources, 2007

In this training manual, the authors focus on practical applications of knowledge about the co-occurrence of family violence and child abuse. Topics include addressing denial, lethality assessment, child and perpetrator assessment of domestic violence, family safety plans for children and survivors. The training are based on Georgia statutes, but can be adapted to other States.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2008

This guide is designed to teach basic knowledge, skills, and values for supporting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children who are in the child welfare system and who have experienced traumatic stress. The toolkit provides cases analyses in seven modules totaling approximately 12 training hours. Topics include an introduction to child traumatic stress, impacts on behavior, assessment, supporting the child, family, and caregiver, managing professional stress, and appendices with supplemental materials.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2008

This guide is designed to teach basic knowledge, skills, and values for supporting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children who are in the child welfare system and who have experienced traumatic stress. The toolkit provides cases analyses in seven modules totaling approximately 12 training hours. Topics include an introduction to child traumatic stress, impacts on behavior, assessment, supporting the child, family, and caregiver, managing professional stress, and appendices with supplemental materials.

Evans, G.W. and Schamberg, M.A., Social Sciences - Psychology, PNAS, 106 (16), 2009, p. 6545-6549

The authors studied the levels of stress hormones, blood pressure, and body mass (allostatic load) in children at ages 9, 13 and 17, and measured working memory at age 17. They find that chronic stress from growing up in poverty can affect a child's brain and diminish a child's ability to develop language and reading and problem-solving skills. The longer children lived in poverty, the higher their allostatic load and the lower their working memory.

Baker, L.L., Jaffe, P.G., Ashbourne, L., 2002

The authors of this guide, published by the Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada, provide strategies for early childhood educators to help children under 5 years old who are exposed to violence in the home. The strategies are designed to help affected children regain a sense of predictability, consistency, and safey, and to provide support the affected parent. Topics include the impact of domestic violence on children, how to recognize the signs of exposure, how to support children and deal with challenging behaviors, and resources for parents who may be adult victims.

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, 2002

The authors of this information packet provide an introduction to the issue of children's exposure to intimate partner violence. Topics include effects of intimate partner violence on children, co-occurrence of intimate partner violence and child abuse, parenting practices of victims and perpetrators, collaborations between domestic violence and child protection agencies, effective interventions, and resources.

Vuong, L., Silva, F., Marchionna, S., Focus, 2009

The authors of this article review the research through 2007 about the types of violence and the effects on children and what programs might mitigate the trauma in both the short and long term. They include a list of promising prevention and intervention programs to break the cycle of violence.

Groves, B.M., 2002, New York: Beacon Press

This book, published by the Child Witness to Violence Project, is about the pain children experience after witnessing violence. The author presents guidelines for providing the support these children need to become healthy, responsible adults. 
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 2006 
NCJFCJ, in collaboration with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice, has compiled this guide to research and resources to help judges and practitioners in juvenile and family courts identify and understand the key issues surrounding children’s exposure to violence. This publications is available online for a fee at http://www.ncjfcj.org. The companion publication is A Judicial Checklist for Children and Youth Who Have Been Exposed to Violence.

Litton, L.J., 2006

This Guide, published by the Grafton County Greenbook Project, is intended to be a starting point to acquaint CASA volunteers with the issues involved in co-occurrence. Contents include an overview of the issues, role of CASA volunteers, myths and realities, tactics of batterers, decision making and protective strategies of parents who experience domestic violence, speaking with family members, safety planning, and resources for the family.

Jaffe, P.G., Crooks, C.V., Poisson, S.E., Juvenile and Family Court Journal, Fall 2003, p. 57-68

The authors of this article address misconceptions about the extent and impact of domestic violence in child custody proceedings. Topics include gaps between the intended vision of recent legislative reforms and the reality for survivors and children, common misconceptions accompanied by interviews with mothers and practical implications and promising practices associated with each issue.

National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention

The Evaluation Toolkit was developed to assist family support and child abuse prevention programs conduct meaningful evaluations of their services and demonstrate their effectiveness and efficiency. Components include building an evaluation plan, logic model builder, outcomes and indicators, and annotated measurement tools.

Cook, A., Spinazzola, J. Ford, J., Lanktree, C., Blaustein, M. Cloitre, M., DeRosa, R., Hubbard, R, Kagan, R., Liautaud, J., Mallah, K., Olafson, E., van der Kolk, B., Psychiatric Annals - Special Issue on Child Complex Trauma, 2005, p. 390-398

In this paper, published by the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute, the authors argue that complex trauma exposure results in a loss of core capacities for self-regulation and interpersonal relatedness, placing children at greater risk for additional trauma exposure and cumulative impairment. Contents include a theoretical framework, assessment issues, and intervention models.

Family Violence Prevention Fund, 2009

The authors developed this three-hour curriculum, Power Point presentation and related tools for use in child welfare settings with foster parents, kin caregivers, and adoptive parents with all levels of experience in caring for children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Topics include a basic training session on the dynamics of domestic violence, the impact of exposure to domestic violence on children, and strategies for supporting children.

Emery, C.R., 2006

In this review, published by the National Institute of Justice, the author examines the research literature from 1984 to 2004 on the effects of domestic violence exposure on children. The author finds that such exposure significantly predicts externalizing and internalizing behavior, total behavior problems, and use of alcohol among children. Promising treatment approaches include those designed to reduce anxiety, treat acute and post-traumatic stress disorder, improve the parent-child relationship, and teach parenting skills.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

This is a CD-ROM-based training on the impact of domestic violence on children developed for law enforcement. The training presents a "typical" domestic violence scene to which law enforcement officers are called to respond. NCTSN also provides print materials on school and community violence, complex trauma, and child abuse and neglect.

Department for Children, Schools and Families, London, England, 2007

In this report, the authors review outcome studies and cost-benefit analyses of specific US and UK programs designed to positively effect development of preschool children by increasing positive parental characteristics (income, employment, education, family structure) and parental behavior (discipline, involvement). The focus is on programs in the areas of welfare to work, parent education, and general interventions such as home visiting, Healthy Families, and Parents as Teachers. The authors conclude that these programs alone are not sufficient to promote child development, and call for studies of combined approaches such as center-based and parenting education, and programs focusing on father involvement. They also cite U.S. evidence that suggests the greatest benefits will come from programs targeting lower income, at-risk families.

Cohen, E. and Davis, L., 2006

In this issue brief, published by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the authors address the issue of co-occurrence between domestic violence and child maltreatment. Topics include strategies to support child welfare and domestic violence staff in strengthening collaborative relationships with families, supporting the well-being of both adult and child survivors, and ways to engage non-traditional community partners, such as diverse linguistic and cultural groups, parents, and others.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Service System Brief, 1 (1), July 2007

The authors of this brief provide a guide for integrating trauma-focused information into systems and promoting strong collaborations among systems and disciplines. Topics include increasing skills for identifying and triaging traumatized children, gaps in knowledge or practice in specific systems, steps for promoting trauma-based services, and  resources. 

Finkelhor, D. and Ormrod, R., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, September 2001

The authors of this report draw on the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) to provide data on the frequency and nature of crimes against children committed by babysitters. Topics include incidence, likelihood of causing child injury, and recommended precautions.

Martinez, K.and Van Buren, E., 2008

The authors of this guide provide a compendium of knowledge and experience gained since the late 1990s for delivering culturally and linguistically competent evidence-based services in mental health systems of care and other human service agencies. Topics include strategies, best practice examples, resources, and performance indicators for government, service systems, planning/quality improvement, and collaboration and community outreach.

 

D. Gabowitz and K. Konnath, 2008
This training package for providers, published by the National Center on Family Homelessness, focuses on the relationship between homelessness and traumatic stress and how to apply trauma concepts to daily work with homeless families. Educational goals include the relationship between homelessness and trauma, the human stress response, effects of trauma on people's lives, trauma-informed responses within shelter settings, and the importance of self-care.
Gearity, A., 2009
 
Developmental Repair is a relational intervention for young children ages 3 to 3rd grade who need intensive early intervention due to aggressive and disruptive behavior and who have not been able to benefit from usual community resources. The manual is divided into six sections: description of the population; research; practical applications; Developmental Repair model; support for families and staff; and group treatment. Many of the ideas are applicable to children of all ages, in a variety of settings.

R. P. Barth, A. A. Scarborough, E. C. Lloyd, J. L. Losby, C. Casanueva, T. Mann, 2008

In this report, published by the Institute for Social and Economic Development, the authors analyze findings from the National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study and the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. They provide information about the developmental status and early intervention service needs of children under age three who are substantiated for maltreatment. Topics include: 1) the extent to which maltreated children have developmental problems or are subject to factors associated with poor developmental outcomes; 2) the services maltreated children might be eligible for and ones they receive through the child welfare systems; 3) case characteristics, such as child welfare setting, that impact the effect of developmental services; and 4) existing barriers to services.

Wright, R. and Thomas, W., Juvenile and Family Court Journal, Fall 2003, p. 87-95

In this article, the authors provide an overview of the current statistics on the disproportionate representation of communities of color in the domestic violence, child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Topics include factors that are contributing to these trends, and preliminary recommendations for judicial leadership and decision making.

Maze, C., Aaron, S.M., Lederman, C.S., 2005

In this handbook, published by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the authors describe the development, implementation, and lessons learned by an initiative to address co-occurring domestic violence and child maltreatment in a dependency court setting. Contents include the creation of the program, a comprehensive review of daily operations and interventions, and the value of domestic violence advocacy in dependency court.

Lieberman, A. and Van Horn, P., 2005

The authors of this book provide practice treatment guidelines for psychotherapists to address the behavioral and mental health problems of young children whose most intimate relationships are disrupted by the experience of violence. Topics include the impact of violence and concrete intervention strategies to address the consequences of this experience for young children.

Schechter, S.(Ed.), 2004

In this series of 6 papers, published by the University of Iowa School of Social Work, the authors address the challenge of mobilizing community and programmatic resources to provide responsive help to young children and families affected by both domestic violence and poverty. They provide practical guidance for pediatric health care professionals, childcare providers, family support workers, community police officers, and domestic violence advocates, in order to help families find safety and stability and prevent families and children from encounters with child protective services and the courts.

B. Groves, 2007
Focal Point: Research, Policy, and Practice in Children's Mental Health, 21, (1) Winter (Special Issue on Traumatic Stress/Child Welfare), p. 16-18

This issue of Focal Point is devoted to child traumatic stress, particularly as it is found among children and adolescents involved with the child welfare system, and examines current knowledge about the most effective treatments. Articles include Traumatic Stress and the Child Welfare System, Evidence-Based Treatment for Children in Child Welfare, and Early Intervention as Prevention: Addressing Trauma in Young Children.

 

Schechter, S. and Edleson, J., 1999

 
In this guide, published by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the authors provide a policy framework for communities to improve services to families experiencing domestic violence and child maltreatment. The recommendations were developed in collaboration with an interdisciplinary committee of experts from the courts, domestic violence and child welfare systems, federal agencies, and universities. From 2000-2007, six "Greenbook" demonstration sites were funded. Local and national evaluations of these projects, and technical assistance materials are posted online at www.thegreenbook.info.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, (56) August 10, 2007

The authors report the recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services, which in 2004-2006 conducted a systematic review of published scientific evidence and concluded that universal school-based programs decrease rates of violence and aggressive behavior among school-aged children at all levels. Topics include background, method, results, and use of the recommendations in schools and communities.

 

Middlebrooks, J.S. and Audage, N.C., 2008

In this report, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the authors document the link between 'toxic' stress and short- and long-term negative health effects, focusing on the stress caused by child abuse, neglect, and repeated exposure to intimate partner violence. They present prevention strategies based in a socio-ecological model considering the interplay between individual, relationship, community and societal factors.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2009

The authors describe the range of events and experiences that can place children at risk for psychological trauma in school settings, and provide an overview of the affects on studens and recommended actions by school personnel. Topics include the defintion of a traumatic event, effects on students by age level, affects of trauma on the ability to learn, and strategies for readiness, response and recovery in a crisis.

Fairbank, J., PTSD Research Quarterly, 19 (1), 2008, pp. 1-7

The author of this paper reviews general population studies, disaster research, child maltreatment studies, and special population studies that report the prevalence of PTSD in children, adolescents, and young adults. Based on theses studies, he discusses the cumulative adverse effects of traumatic stress experienced from infancy through adolescence.

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2005

The authors of this report explain research findings about the long-term affects of significant adversity early in life on a child's capacity to learn and to adapt to stressful situations. Topics include consequences of "toxic stress" for a child's learning, behavior, physical and mental health, how sensitive and responsive caregiving can buffer the effects of such stress, and how policies could be shaped to minimize the disruptive impacts of toxic stress on young children.

Finkelhor, D. and Jones, L.M., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, January 2004

The authors of this report discuss six plausible explanations for the decline in sexual abuse cases: (1) increasing conservatism within child protective service; (2) exclusion of cases that do not involve caretakers; (3) changes in CPS data collection methods; (4) less reporting to CPS; (5) a diminishing reservoir of older cases; and (6) a real decline in the incidence of sexual abuse.

Hoffman, E. and Perrin, T.C, 2009

In this report, published by the Center for Law and Social Policy, the authors explore the ways home visiting programs are serving children in kinship and family friend care. Topics include implementation, curricula, staffing, service referral, and recommendations for states and federal government.

Casey Family Programs, 2009

This fact sheet provides data on challenges and opportunities that immigration currently presents for child welfare systems. Topics include demographics and practice and policy implications.

Family Violence Prevention Fund, 2009

In this fact sheet, the authors present data about the ways in which youth are affected by violence. For example, women age 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault; youth age 18 and 19 experience the highest rates of stalking; 15.5 million U.S. children live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once during the previous year.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2005

The authors of this fact sheet describe the challenges faced by children of homeless families, which may act as "secondary adversities," putting a child at greater risk for trauma reactions and making recovery difficult. These challenges include such experiences as loss of routines and possessions, abrupt separations, hunger, interpersonal, mental, and physical problems, and ongoing reminders of traumatic experiences. They provide specific recommendations for shelter programs to provide trauma-informed services to children and families, and where to find further information.

Arean, J.C., 2008

In this paper, published by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the author proposes a continuum of interventions for the engagement of abusive fathers in visitation centers. Topics include accountability and connection with fathers, safety for women and children, organizational readiness, cultural context, assessment, community partnerships, and continuum of practices in engaging abusive men.

Youcha, V.,Hudson, L., and Rappaport, D.M.,The Baby Monitor: Zero To Three Policy and Advocacy News, April 3, 2006

In this issue, the authors describe Court Teams for Maltreated Infants and Toddlers, a pilot project launched in three communities in 2005. Participating judges partner with a child development specialist to create a team of child welfare and health professionals, child advocates and community leaders who provide services to abused and neglected infants and toddlers.

M. Deitch, M., Barstow, A., Lukens, L., Reyna, R., 2009

In this report from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, the authors argue that children under the age of 12 do not belong in the adult criminal justice system, regardless of the seriousness of their offense. Topics include differences in brain function of children and adults, lack of programming for children in the adult criminal justice system, suitability of the juvenile justice system for preadolescent offenders, and recommendations for policy-makers.

Office of Justice Programs, U.S. DOJ and International Association of Chiefs of Police, 2009

In this new edition, the authors present strategies and approaches for school staff, students, communities, and law enforcement to consider when creating safer learning environments. Topics include prevention, assessment, crisis planning, and crisis and post-crisis response.

American Bar Association, 2009

Produced by the American Bar Association in collaboration with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and Zero to Three National Policy Center, the authors of this guide address the health needs of very young children in the child welfare system. Topics include research on physical health, child development, attachment, infant mental health, early care and education, and tools to help judges promote better outcomes for preschoolers.

Taylor, N., and Siegfried, C.B., 2005

The authors of this paper, published by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, examine survey data regarding the ways various service systems communicate with each other about trauma and whether they retraumatize the child or promote the child's healing following a traumatic event. They conclude that agency staff have little knowledge or training about child trauma, little awareness of evidence-based interventions, and take inadequate histories, and offer policy recommendations for each service system. 

Litton, L., 2007

In this Guide, published by the St. Louis County Greenbook Initiative, a coalition of the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Court of St. Louis County, and other key partners, the authors analyze current policies and procedures in co-occurrence cases and ways to address existing challenges. The Guide is intended to serve as a framework to assist attorneys, judges, social service providers, and volunteers working with families in co-occurrence cases.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2009

Children and adolescents who come into the court system frequently have experienced not only chronic abuse and neglect, but also exposure to substance abuse, domestic violence, and community violence. The authors of this brief inform judges and related personnel about the psychological, emotional, and behavioral consequences of these experiences. Topics include the effects of traumatic stress by age, assessment, choosing appropriate service providers, and references.

B. M. Groves and K. Fox, 2004
Series Paper #1, Early Childhood, Domestic Violence, and Poverty: Helping Young Children and Their Families, S. Schechter (Ed.), p. 17-40

The authors of this paper discuss best practice for working with young children affected by domestic violence in the pediatric health setting. Topics include research on screening in pediatric settings, mental health services as resources for pediatric providers, when to refer, characteristics of good mental health services, limitations of the current system, and policy recommendations.
Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University, 2009
 
In this brief, the authors present information about home visitation programs for pregnant women and families with new infants and young children. Resources include issue briefs, research findings, policy statements, program guidelines, education materials, core competencies, supervision, evaluation, and training.

National Center for Children in Poverty, 2009

In this brief, published by the National Center for Children in Poverty, the author presents demographic data and outlines major factors contributing to family homelessness. Factors include lack of affordable housing, economic insecurity, violence at home, and lack of positive social support.
Finkelhor, D. and Ormrod, R., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, October 2001

The authors of this bulletin drew on Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other data to provide a statistical portrait of juvenile homicide victimization. Topics include overall patterns, victim age groups, specific types of juvenile homicide victimization, and prevention methods.

Rice, K.F. and Groves, B.M., 2002

The authors of this book provide a guide for early childhood professionals who care for children in a variety of early care and education settings. Topics include how trauma affects children's physical and social-emotional development, building caring relationships for children, creating safe environments, talking about sensitive issues with families, working with other agencies, reporting abuse and neglect, and print, Web, and organization resources for families and early childhood professionals.

 

Lauritsen, J.L., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, November 2003

In this issue, the author uses data extracted from the National Crime Victimization Survey to explore trends in violent victimization among youth, ages 12-17. Results reveal that youth who live in single-parent homes are at significantly higher risk for violence than their counterparts who live in two-parent homes, and have three times the risk for violent victimization than the average American.

Groves, B.M., Augustyn, B., Lee, D., Sawres, P., 2004

Developed in collaboration with professional medical associations, the authors of this report offer specific guidelines for inquiry and response for child health providers implementing domestic violence protocols, and discuss the policy and practice dilemmas that arise. Topics include dilemmas faced by providers, consensus recommendations, and preparing the child health practice.

 

Allo, J. and Ptak, A., 2009
 
Published by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Greenbook was designed to guide collaborative efforts among local child protection agencies, domestic violence advocacy programs, the family or dependency court, and other organizations, to more effectively serve families experiencing domestic violence and child maltreatment. In this document, the authors share leadership lessons from the perspective of the Greenbook project directors. Topics include laying the foundation for change, resources and strategies to promote the change process, and leadership to meet diverse program needs.

 

Johnson, K. and Rosenthal, J., 2009
 

In this report, published by The Commonwealth Fund and the National Academy of State Health Policy, the authors discuss ways to improve linkages between pediatric primary health care and mental health, child welfare, and early care and education. Specific strategies include maximizing the use of personnel, undertaking quality improvement initiatives, and supporting individualized care plans and cross-systems planning.

Department of Health, London, England, 2009

In this toolkit, the authors provide information to improve responses to issues, such as child protection, domestic violence, bullying, sexual violence, and gangs. Topics include tiers of intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, guidance for schools, and sample forms.

Bureau of Justice Statistics and National Center for Education Statistics, 2009

In this annual report, the authors present current statistics on the nature of crime and responses to violence in schools and school environments.Contents include interviews with students, teachers, and principals.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Juvenile and Family Court Journal (Special Issue on Infants and Toddlers), 55 (2), 2004

In this special issue, the authors present information about the needs of children ages birth to three in the court system. Topics include critical issues for juvenile and family courts, and questions judges and lawyers should ask about infants and toddlers in the child welfare system.

Perry, D.F. and Kauffman, R.K., 2009

The Pyramid Model is a tiered framework of strategies and measures to support the socio-emotional health of children, birth to age 5, currently implemented in several states. The authors of this policy brief, published by the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Interventions for Young Children, discuss the purpose of early childhood mental health consultation, knowledge and skills that effective consultants need, research findings, and policy issues that arise when attempting to integrate these two approaches at the state and local levels.

Taylor, C.A., Guterman, N.B., Lee, S.J., Rathouz, P.J., American Journal of Public Health, 99 (1), 2009, p. 175-183

The authors examine the associations of intimate partner violence (IPV) and maternal risk factors for child maltreatment risk within a diverse sample of mothers from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study. In the year before the study, about 40% of the mothers had experienced IPV by their current partners, and many reported acts of psychological and physical aggression or neglect against their 3-year-old children. The authors conclude that further integration of IPV and child maltreatment prevention and intervention efforts is warranted.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 2006

This guide provides an overview of the impact of exposure to domestic and community violence on children and youth, legal issues, promising community collaborations, and a judicial checklist for child protection cases involving domestic violence.  This publications is available online for a fee at http://www.ncjfcj.org.
Loeber, R., Kalb, L., Huizinga, D., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, August 2001
 
The authors of this bulletin focus on victims of assaults or robberies who sustained serious injuries. The longitudinal data answer the following questions: (1) what was the prevalence of victimization involving serious injury in the general population; (2) what were the proximal and distal factors associated with becoming a victim who sustained a serious injury; and (3) which risk factors or combinations of risk factors best predicted victimization involving serious injury?

Finkelhor,D., Ormrod, R., Chaffin, M., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, 2009

 
In this report, published by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the authors present epidemiological information about juvenile offenders who commit sex offenses against minors. According to police reports, juveniles commit more than one-third (35.6 percent) of sex offenses against minors. Topics include motivations and behaviors, offenders under age 16, female offenders, community responses, and implications for prevention.

California Research Bureau, 2007

In this report, the authors review the work of four California communities that have developed protocols to coordinate the response by child welfare services and law enforcement when parents are arrested. These communities experienced lower trauma rates, fewer children taken into formal custody by child welfare, lower child welfare costs, and increased good will between law enforcement, parents, and the community.

D. Finkelhor, H. Turner, R. Ormrod, Child Abuse & Neglect (30), 2006, p. 1401-1421

In this study, the authors compare the violent peer and sibling episodes of younger children to those of older youth in terms of their seriousness and association with symptoms that might indicate traumatic events. They conclude that the younger children's peer and sibling victimization was no less serious than the older youth on several dimensions, and the younger children had similar trauma symptom levels to those experienced by older youth.

Child Witness to Violence Project and Boston Police Department

This 17 minute video is for use with police officers in training on child development and police intervention with children. Filmed at the Child Witness to Violence Project and featuring Boston Police officers and project staff, this video gives officers useful tips on how children view police officers and how to intervene with children in appropriate ways.

Baker, L. and Cunningham, A., 2005

The authors of this paper, published by the Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada, provide an introduction to the topic for families and professionals. Topics include the dynamics of abuse against women, the concept of power and control, incidence statistics, finding appropriate resources, how children are affected by violence at home and how they cope, how to respond to child disclosure, standards of professional conduct, reviewing providers' attitudes, and how to make a difference to end violence. 

National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 2008

The authors of this report describe incidents of intimate partner violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBT) people that were reported in 2007 to community-based, anti-violence organizations in 14 regions throughout the United States. Topics include general information about LGBT domestic violence, regional specific data, availability of orders of protection to LGBT survivors, tips for supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, and recommendations to eliminate discrimination.

Ray, R., 2006

In this report, published by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and the National Coalition for the Homeless, the author explains why so many LGBT youth are becoming and remaining homeless. Topics include a review of the literature, description of the violence many of these youth experience in the shelter system, the impact of the federal government's response, model service agencies, and policy recommendations.

Israel, N., Hodges, S., Ferreira, K., Mazza, J., 2007

In this issue brief, published by the University of South Florida Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health, the authors discuss the relationship between evidence-based practices (EBPs) and systems of care. Topics include key research findings and strategies critical to implementing EBPs.

The Greenbook Initiative, 2008

Effective Interventions in Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment Cases: Guidelines for Policy and Practice, known as the Greenbook, was published in 1999 by the Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges in collaboration with other experts. It provides guidelines for child welfare, domestic violence service providers and family courts to work together more effectively to serve families experiencing violence. The new video clips present interviews with domestic violence advocates in the Greenbook demonstration sites about lessons learned in their communities over the six years of the initiative.

Birman, D., Ho, J., Pulley, E.,Batia, K., Everson, M.L., Ellis, H., Betancourt, T.S., Gonzalez, A, 2005

In this report, published by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the authors report the results of research and findings from a survey conducted among 13 refugee service sites primarily located in urban areas, serving a wide range of refugee populations. Topics include refugee experience and complex mental health needs, key ingredients of a comprehensive, community-based model, and recommendations. 

Virginia Child Protection Newsletter, 2009

Topics in this issue include specific mental health problems, essential resource, use of foster care placement by parents to access mental health services, recent legislation and court cases, and resources for effective treatments.

Cohen, E., Protecting Children, 22 (2), 2007, p. 55-66

In this article, the author outlines an adaptable framework designed to help agencies infuse sensitivity to lifetime exposure of parents and children to family and community violence into the system when working with families. Topics include an overview of available research and concrete recommendations for identifying families with lifetime exposure to violence and engaging them in relevant interventions.

Family Violence Prevention Fund, 2004

In this monograph, published in collaboration with professional medical associations, the authors present guidelines for
assessing and responding to domestic violence in child health settings. The information is divided into four parts: 1)
overview of the impact of domestic violence on children and adolescents; 2) dilemmas that providers may encounter in discussing domestic violence with parents; 3) guidelines for inquiry and response; and 4) recommendations for creating a clinical environment that effectively responds to domestic violence.

OJJDP News @ a Glance, November/December 2008

In 2005, the Court Coordination Program funded five pilot sites to hire a court coordinator to ensure that children appearing before the juvenile court receive comprehensive services. In this article, published by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the author provides a brief overview of the program, including a description of several pilot sites and an example of one child in foster care who was helped to achieve stability through the program.

Harper, M., Hernandez, M., Nesman, T. Mowery, D., Worthington, J., Issacs, M., 2006

In this review, published by the Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health, the authors review cultural competence as currently operationalized and measured at the organizational level. They compare organizational assessment instruments based on the target organization, how the instrument was developed, how cultural competence is defined, domains used as categories of analysis, and considerations for the use of organizational assessment tools to asses cultural competence.

Zero to Three, 2010

In 2009, the authors surveyed 1,615 parents of children birth to three about childrearing practices and gaps in services and supports. Key findings include parents' overestimation of infants and toddlers' emotional control, reliance on grandparents, importance of clergy, and need for outreach to fathers.
Schorr, L.B. and Marchand, V., 2007

The authors of this handbook, published by the California Department of Social Services, offer guidance to communities to work strategically across disciplines, systems and jurisdictions to promote thriving children, families and communities. Topics include strategic planning methods, progress indicators, effective implementation, connecting action and results, and evaluating effectiveness.

CW 360, Spring 2009

This issue contains an overview of key issues, information for practitioners, current research, and special challenges faced by GLBTQ youth and youth with disabilities aging out of foster care.

Paxson, C., Haskins, R., Stagner, M.W., Lansing, J., Wulczyn, F., Daro, D., Dodge, K.A., Barth, R.P., Howard, K.S.,  Brooks-Gunn, J., Testa, M.F., Smith, B., Finkelhor, D., Waldfogel, J., Future of Children, 19(2), 2009

In this issue, the authors present available research on policies and programs designed to prevent maltreatment and examine the gradual shift toward a prevention perspective. They assess whether a range of programs, such as community-wide interventions, parenting programs, home-visiting programs, treatment for parents with drug and alcohol problems, and school-based educational programs on sexual abuse, can prevent maltreatment.

Robison, S., 2007

In this report, published by the California Department of Social Services, the author outlines strategies for state legislators to raise public awareness of the court's role in the lives of vulnerable children and families, and strengthen the collaboration between courts and the child welfare system. Topics include the role of the courts, a child's journey through the child welfare system, opportunities for collaboration, and examples of legislative action taken at the State level.

Knitzer, J., 2000

The author of this issue brief, published by the National Center for Children in Poverty, explores the realities of serving families with multiple challenges in the context of welfare changes. Topics include key findings from research, promising strategies, implications for action, and a recommendation to link welfare implementation with school readiness and other early childhood initiatives at the state and community levels.

Finkelhor, D. and Ormrod, R., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, June 2004

The authors report that police are more likely to categorize juveniles involved in prostitution as offenders rather than crime victims. They recommend that law enforcement agencies and policymakers engage in analysis, planning, and coordination regarding how to respond to and record episodes of juvenile prostitution.

Children's Bureau, 2009

This manual is part of the Child Abuse and Neglect User Manual Series. Topics include the nature of substance use disorders, the impact of parental substance abuse on children, role of protective services, screening, assessment, and cross-systems collaboration.

Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence, 2008

In this practice brief, the authors provide information about youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, or two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S) and how to develop culturally and linguistically competent programs and services. Topics include challenges and needs of these youth, system level approaches, strategies to enhance service delivery, strenthening staff and supports, and protecting these populations.

 

Pope, C.E. and Snyder, H.N., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, April 2003

The authors of this bulletin examine data from the FBI’s 1997 and 1998 National Incident-Based Reporting System, which include law enforcement data from 17 States. Topics include a review of the literature about the effects of race on juvenile justice decision-making, and an examination of the number and race of suspects who are arrested.

Bartholet, E., 2009

In this study, published by the Harvard Law School Faculty Scholarship Series, the author analyzes the Racial Disproportionality Movement and underlying issues. Topics include the Racial Disproportionality Movement, understanding the issue, and policy implications.

Whitman, J., 2007

In this handbook, published by the National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Crime Prevention Council, the author explains the impact of victimization during adolescence and provides strategies for assessing local teen victimization and creating effective teen outreach and service environments. Topics include family and legal issues, mandatory reporting, and related resources.

Family Violence Prevention Fund, Avon Foundation, and Safe Start Center, 2010

In this guide, the authors outline best practices and offer recommendations for integrating domestic violence into existing programs. Topics include the link between domestic violence and child abuse, improving outcomes for children, training strategies, and recommendations for policy and practice. A safety card for survivors is also available.
Ayoub, C., Usable Knowledge E-Newsletter, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2009
 
The author describes the ways significant conflict or loss affects the social and emotional development of children, and the importance of helping children learn to build trusting, positive relationships as part of their recovery. Topics include the ways in which children are affected by trauma, how the behavior of traumatized children may differ from other children, and how some programs prevent and support recovery from childhood trauma.

National Center for Children in Poverty, 2007

Research shows that many disparities in health and well-being are rooted in early childhood. These disparities reflect gaps in access to services, unequal treatment, adverse congenital health conditions, and exposures to elevated community and family risks. In this brief, the authors summarize the issue, describe relevant research, and recommend strategies for state early childhood systems to improve their services and reduce disparities.

Focal Point, 21 (1), Winter 2007

In this special issue, published by the The Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, the authors present findings from current research on causes and effects of child traumatic stress as experienced by children involved in the child welfare system. Topics include the effects of complex trauma on the developing brain in children and adolescents, evidence-based treatments, early intervention as prevention, cultural adapatations for Native American youth, and the implications for treatment, prevention, and policy.

Portune, L., Gatowski, S. Dobbin, S., 2009

First published by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges in 1995, the Resource Guidelines focuses on judicial leadership in judicial reform, and best practices in the handling of child abuse and neglect cases. The 2009 publication provides an overview of the genesis of the original Resource Guidelines and how that publication is being used to support and guide court and systems reform across the nation. Topics include foundational principles for juvenile and family court judges, best practice for cross-system collaborations, and research-based evaluations of court practice and outcomes.

Portune, L.L., Gatowski, S., Dobbin, S., 2009

First published in 1995, the focus of the RESOURCE GUIDELINES is judicial leadership in judicial reform on- and off-the-bench, and the articulation of best practices in the handling of child abuse and neglect cases. This new edition provides an overview of how the RESOURCE GUIDELINES is being used to guide court and systems reform. Topics include foundational principles for juvenile and family court judges, best practice for cross-system collaborations, and research-based evaluations of court practice and outcomes.
Wasserman, G.A., Keenan, K., Tremblay, R.E., Coie, J.D., Herrenkohl, T.I., Loeber, R., Petechuk, D., Child Delinquency Bulletin Series, April 2003

The authors of this bulletin present identified risk and protective factors of child delinquency for offenders under age 13. Topics include individual risk and protective factors, family risk and protective factors, peer factors, interventions, school and community risk factors, and interventions.

Family Communications

This training kit was designed to help caregivers and early childhood teachers work with children exposed to violence and help them feel safer. The contents include a 100-page manual, three videos, workshop materials for ten hours of training, and English and Spanish handouts.

Family Communications

This training kit was designed to help caregivers and early childhood teachers work with children exposed to violence and help them feel safer. The contents include a 100-page manual, three videos, workshop materials for ten hours of training, and English and Spanish handouts.

The Safe Schools Coalition is a nonprofit partnership of more than 70 community organizations, school and government agencies, churches, youth groups and individuals working together to protect every child from the torment of bullying based on perceived sexual orientation. Services include training, information about policy development, research, listserv, blog, and resources (videos, curricula, books, posters) to teach students and staff about GLBTQ issues.

National Evaluation Data Brief, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009

 
In this report, the authors report that over a three-year period, school districts participating in the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative reported 15% fewer students involved in violent incidents and a 12% decrease in experienced/witnessed violence. Under the initiative, schools collaborate with community agencies to implement a comprehensive, community-wide plan to create safe, drug-free schools that promote healthy development.

Safe Start Center, 2008

This booklet describes the 15 Safe Start Promising Approaches communities, funded from 2005 to 2009 by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice. These communities piloted evidence-based, interagency services to reduce the impact of exposure to violence on children and their families. Topics include an overview of the Safe Start initiative, family narratives, descriptions of the collaborative interventions, and a list of the evidence-based practices being piloted.

D. A. Wolfe, C. Crooks, P. Jaffe, D. Chiodo, R. Hughes, W. Ellis, L. Stitt, A. Donner, 2009
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 163 (8), p. 692-699

Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, 2007

The authors of this publication present scientific findings about the development of brain architecture in very young children, and combine these findings with 4 decades of program evaluation research. They identify program features that appear to lead to positive outcomes for children.

The Foundation Review, 1 (1), p. 96-114

In this article, published by Community Science and Neighborworks America, the authors examine success factors of 11 community change initiatives that achieved and sustained positive impacts. They link long-term positive impacts to changes in institutions' policies and practices and development of new strategies that address root causes of social problems.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2008

According to the authors, educators who work with traumatized children are vulnerable to the effects of trauma, being physically, mentally, or emotionally worn out, or feeling overwhelmed by students' traumas. In this brief, they provide 10 tips for coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder.

Beck, A. J., Guerino, P., Harrison, P. M., 2010

 
In this report, published by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the authors present data from the 2008-09 National Survey of Youth in Custody. About 12% of youth in state and large nonstate juvenile facilities reported experiencing one or more incidents of sexual victimization by facility staff or another youth in the past 12 months.

Family Communications

 
This manual was designed to train mental health providers who work with children and families affected by domestic violence. It includes workshop materials for 13 hours of training, PowerPoint presentation, and handouts. The training consists of six modules: (1) domestic violence: principles of empowerment; (2) impact of domestic violence on children; (3) assessment; (4) individual and group treatment; (5) domestic violence, children and the court; and (6) caring for the caregiver.
Menard, S., Youth Violence Research Bulletin, February 2002

The authors of this bulletin examine four questions related to adolescent victimization: (1) what are the immediate effects on the victim; (2) how is adolescent victimization related to certain voluntary and involuntary problems in both adolescence and adulthood; (3) is adolescent victimization related to specific problems in adulthood; and (4) how does adolescent victimization affect adult life?

Cohen, E. and Walthall, B., 2003

In this guide, the authors explain how exposure to violence may disrupt the development of young children ages birth to 5, and the importance of talking with children about traumatic events as a necessary part of the healing process. The authors provide specific recommendations for creating nurturing environments in homes and early care settings to help young children cope. Available in Spanish.

Cooper, J.L., Masi, R., Vick, J., 2009

This brief, published by the National Center for Children in Poverty, outlines the risks faced by young children with social, emotional, and behavioral problems in the foster care system. Topics include the needs of young children, family environmental risk factors, the influence of race and ethnicity, practice barriers, and policy recommendations.

Cooper, J., Masi, R., Dababnah, S., Aratani, Y., Knitzer, J., 2007

The authors of this paper, published by the National Center for Children in Poverty, examine current policy and practice related to children, youth, and families. They identify deficiencies and recommend ways to bridge the gaps in three key areas: (1) differences between observed trauma symptoms and the urgency, depth, and quality of responses; (2) lack of knowledge of current research, intervention, and prevention strategies; and (3) barriers policies present for state and local efforts to develop and sustain trauma-informed practices.

Jaycox, L.H., Langley, A.K., Dean, K.L., 2009

In this manual, published by RAND Corporation, the authors adapt the Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) manual for use by all school personnel. Contents are divided into three parts: a training manual for SSET leaders and other implementers, reproducible lesson plans, and lesson materials and worksheets.

 

Jaycox, L.H., Langley, A.K., Dean, K.L., 2009

 
In this manual, published by RAND Corporation, the authors adapt the Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) manual for use by all school personnel. Contents are divided into three parts: a training manual for SSET leaders and other implementers, reproducible lesson plans, and lesson materials and worksheets.

Cohen, E.

 
Head Start Bulletin, #80, 2009, pp 98-100
In this article, the author discusses ways staff can help very young maltreated children cope with their feelings and anxieties through daily routines, developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and play and creative activities. Topics include guidelines for helping the child develop new attachments and ways staff can establish a nurturing environment.

Backmann, K., Knitzer, J.A., Cooper, J.L., and Dicker, S., 2010

The authors of this report, published by the National Center for Children in Poverty, explore the research on parent training. Topics include strategies for effective programs and recommendations for changing policy and practice.

Hill, R., 2006

In this paper, the author summarizes findings of studies on racial and ethnic inequalities in the child welfare system, focusing on inequities between African-American and Caucasian children. According to the author, race was identified as one of the primary determinants in decisions made by child protective services at the stages of reporting, investigation, substantiation, placement, and exit from care, and a disproportionate number of African-American children are removed from their homes when child abuse and neglect are reported. Once under state-mandated care, inequalities exist in treatment and services offered.

Lower-Basch, E., 2009

The author of this paper, published by the Center for Law and Social Policy, explains how the 2009 TANF Emergency Fund can be used to provide families and children with ongoing cash assistance or short-term benefits. Covered services include emergency shelter, medical treatment, counseling, and relocation assistance.

Gallopin, C., and Leigh, L., Prevention Researcher, 16 (1), 2009, p. 17-20

From April 2007 to June 2008, focus groups were conducted by Break the Cycle with 41 Washington, DC youth, ages 11 to 19. Participants were asked questions exploring their opinions on the prevalence of dating violence among teens, dating violence dynamics, seeking or providing help, and school responses to dating violence. In this article, the authors explore the participants' opnions on these issues and conclude with practical implications for providers.

Hennessey,M., Ford, J.D., Mahoney, K., Ko, S.J., Seigfried, C.B., 2004

In this paper, published by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the authors review studies showing that among those who are exposed to trauma, females are more likely than males to develop mental health problems. Topics include prevalence and descriptive statistics, potential consequences of trauma, impact of processing in the juvenile justice system, and need for gender specific programming.

J. D. Ford, J. F. Chapman, J. Hawke, D. Albert, Research and Program Brief, June 2007

In this paper, the authors discuss the prevalence and impact of trauma and traumatic stress among youth in the juvenile justice system and emerging responses. Topics include the impact of trauma on youth, addressing trauma among youth in the juvenile justice system, and implementing trauma services.

Malik, N., Heller, S., Chazar-Cohen, R.

Head Start Bulletin, #80 (2009), pp 41-44
 
In this article, the authors describe signs of trauma in young children and recommend concrete ways staff can support children and interact with caregivers to promote resilience. Topics include research on trauma, prevalence in early head start families, symptoms in young children, and staff interactions with children and parents.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2008

Written for educators, this toolkit provides facts about trauma, manifestations of trauma and traumatic grief, and psychological and behavioral impact of trauma for children in preschool through high school. Topics include trauma facts for educators, a guide for parents, child traumatic grief, action steps for educators in crisis situations, self-care for educators, and a DVD about students and trauma.

 

National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center and National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2008

The purpose of this project was to identify and describe the level of evidence associated with specific trauma-focused interventions that have been developed for use with trauma-affected youth populations of various cultural backgrounds. The authors present fact sheets describing 23 interventions, providing detailed information such as description of treatment, target population, essential components, clinical and anecdotal evidence, research evidence, and implementation and training requirements. 

Ellis, B.H., 2009

 
In this presentation, published by Harvard University Children's Hospital Center for Refugee Trauma and Resilience, the author presents a socio-ecological model of trauma and describes the continuum of care provided by the community. The project is a partnership between mental health providers, schools, and Somali community agencies and families.

Burns, B.J., Howell, J.C., Wiig, J.K., Leena, K.A., Brendan, C.W., Loeber, R., Petechuk D., Child Delinquency Bulletin Series, March 2003

The authors describe and assess juvenile justice system programs for very young offenders. Topics include four promising programs, a model for comprehensive interventions, and an examination of the Canadian approach to child delinquency.

Finkelhor, D., Hamby, S.L., Ormrod, R.K. and Turner, H.A., Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 164 (3), 2010, p. 238-242

In this study, the authors assess trends in children's exposure to abuse, violence, and crime victimizations based on a comparison of 2 cross-sectional national telephone surveys conducted in 2003 and 2008. Declines occurred in psychological and emotional abuse by caregivers, exposure to community violence, and theft. Physical abuse by caregivers was unchanged.

 

Baker, M.L., Sigmon, J.N., Nugent, M.E., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, September 2001
  
The authors of this report, published by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, present research findings regarding the problem of truancy and describe the correlations of family, school, economic, and student factors. Topics include achieving a standardized approach, gaining cooperation from diverse community players, and implementing data-driven methods.

Walker, L. and Smithgall, C., 2009

The authors of this brief, published by Chapin Hall, highlight the importance of traumatic life experiences on learning and behavior, frequent placement in special education, and poor educational outcomes. They propose more effective ways to work with vulnerable children and youth.

Cohen, E., Groves, B.M., Kracke, K., 2009

In this issue brief, published by the Safe Start Center, the authors assist practitioners in understanding the impact of exposure to violence on the development of children as well as the environmental and family factors that may provide a buffer and prevent or reduce the impact of exposure. Topics include key elements in designing and implementing comprehensive programs that enhance resilience, decrease risks, and provide specialized treatments to children exposed to violence and their families, and strategies for creating a coordinated system of care.

Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2009

The authors of this issue brief provide basic information on brain development and the effects of abuse and neglect. Topics include how the brain develops, effects of maltreatment, and implications for practice and policy.

Davies, E., Brazzell, D., La Vigne, N., Shollenberger, T., 2008

Urban Institute researchers collaborated with Big Brothers, Big Sisters organizations in Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Washington, D.C. to conduct focus groups with the mentors of children whose parents are incarcerated. Topics include the children's living situations, relationships with parents, and emotional and behavioral outcomes. Findings indicate considerable variation between children with incarcerated mothers and those with incarcerated fathers.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

The authors of this booklet inform caregivers, health care professionals, counselors, and the public about complex trauma, which is caused by prolonged or multiple traumatic events typically within a caregiving relationship (neglect, physical or sexual abuse). Topics include information about developmental effects, attachment issues, and tips for caregivers.

 

Gorin, S., 2004

In this literature review, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York, England, the author examines research conducted in the UK from 1990 to 2003 to determine what children say about living in families where there is domestic violence, parental substance misuse or parental health problems. Topics include key themes in children's experiences, how children feel about the difficulties they experience at home, what their coping strategies are, and the support they would like to receive.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2004

The authors of this report provide information about the effects that victimization has on the behavior, attitudes, and functioning of adolescents, and what can be done to mitigate its effects. Topics include rates of adolescent victimizations, relationship of child maltreatment and other victimizations to later delinquency and violence, and recomended interventions.

McCurley, C. and Snyder, H.N., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, July 2004

The authors of this report present data on victims of violent juvenile crime obtained from the National Incident-Based Reporting System for 1997 and 1998. Nineteen percent of the victims of nonfatal violent crimes were victimized by a juvenile offender, and most victims were juveniles, and nearly all victims know the offender.

E. Jouriles, C. Platt, R. McDonald, The Prevention Researcher, 16 (1), 2009, p. 3-7

The authors of this article explore the factors that impact dating violence among adolescents.  Topics include a definition of dating violence and a review of two school-based prevention/intervention programs, Safe Dates and The Youth Relationships Project.
Shaffer, J.N. and Ruback, R.B., Juvenile Justice Bulletin, December 2002

The authors of this bulletin analyze the relationships between violent victimizations and violent offending across a 2-year period, using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The authors address three issues: (1) the relationship between violent victimization and violent offending over time; (2) individual-level factors; and (3) affect of drug use on the relationship between victimization and offending.

Cunningham, A. and Baker, L., 2003

In this exploratory study, published by the Canadian Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada, the authors interviewed children, surveyed mothers during and after prison stays, and reviewed the literature. They present their results in a developmental framework that explicates the differential impact of maternal incarceration from infancy to adolescence, and provide recommendations for creating viable alternatives to imprisonment, assisting women, and supporting children.

Cunningham, A. and Baker, L., 2004

In this study, published by the Center for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada, the authors review the literature on child exposure to domestic violence. They provide a framework for understanding, studying and intervening with children who have lived with women who have been abused, with case studies and children's drawings.

Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada, 2006
 
This study is a collaborative effort of the London Police Service and the Centre for Children and Family's Child Witness Project. Researchers reviewed hundred of case files from a three-year period, and interviewed 17 young people (and their parents) who experienced or witnessed peer violence. The authors describe the key findings of this study, from the decision by a young victim to report the crime through to sentencing in court. The report includes recommendations for schools, police, prosecutors, and those who help young witnesses prepare for court.

Cox, H., Boburka, M., Nick, C., Ryce, C., Ryce, D., Sessions, P., Wetterling, P., 2004

 
The authors of this guide are parents and family members whose children have been abducted. Topics include the role of parents, law enforcement, and volunteers, the long-term search, use of the media and volunteers, and caring for parents, other children, and members of the extended family.

Center for Victims of Crime and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 2010

 
The authors describe the results of a 2009 national survey of victim assistance providers and anti-violence programs serving the LGBTQ community. They identify widespread gaps in victim services, including deficiencies in outreach, training, services, and reporting, and recommend strategies for improving services and accessibility.

Barth, R. and Haskins, R., Future of Children Policy Brief, Fall 2009

In this policy brief, the authors present a strategy for testing community-developed parent training initiatives in order to generate knowledge of the feasibility of different approaches to reducing child maltreatment and promoting child development.

Baker, L. and Jaffe, P., 2007

This Educator's Guide and its Facilitator's Manual were developed by an expert panel formed as part of the Government of Ontario's Domestic Violence Action Plan to serve as a resource for elementary teachers, principals and guidance counselors.  Topics include impacts on children and adolescents, potential impacts at different ages, responding when children show signs of disturbance, reporting guidelines, and school-community partnerships.

E. Cohen and J. Knitzer, 2004
Series Paper #2, Early Childhood, Domestic Violence, and Poverty: Helping Young Children and Their Families, S. Schechter (Ed.), p. 41-58

The authors of this paper provide practical information and resources for staff working with young children and their families in early childhood programs and domestic violence agencies. They focus on the specific service needs of young children living in domestic violence related to their mental, physical, and cognitive development. They also highlight the role of program administrators in supporting staff and strengthening community and state partnerships and policies on behalf of young children and families affected by domestic violence.  Topics include recommended center policies, strategies for staff and administrators, and strategies for interagency collaborations.

 

Gewirtz, A. and Edleson, J., Series Paper #6, Early Childhood, Domestic Violence, and Poverty: Helping Young Children and Their Families, S. Schechter (Ed.), Iowa City: IA, University of Iowa School of Social Work, 2004, p. 141-177

In this article, the authors focus on specific strategies that family support programs can use to expand their capacity to help families with young children. Topics include ways to prepare staff members and the community to respond to violence, tips for talking sensitively to adult victims, children, and batterers, sponsoring dialogues about violence within neighborhoods and communities, and policy recommendations.