Law Enforcement

Addressing Youth Victimization

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.

Assessing Exposure to Psychological Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress in the Juvenile Justice Population

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.

Best Practices in Mental Health: An International Journal

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.

Blueprints for Violence Prevention

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.

Causes and Correlates: Findings and Implications

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.

Common Misconceptions in Addressing Domestic Violence in Child Custody Disputes

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.

Cost Benefit Analysis of Interventions with Parents

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.

Crimes Against Children by Babysitters

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.

Cultural and Linguistic Competence: Implementation Guide

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.

Domestic Violence Advocacy in Dependency Court: The Miami-Dade Dependency Court Intervention Program for Family Violence Handbook

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.

Early Intervention as Prevention: Addressing Trauma in Young Children

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.

Guide for Preventing and Responding to School Violence

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.

Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Futures: A Judge's Guide

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.

Helping St. Louis Families: A Guide for Court Professionals on the Co-Occurrence of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse/Neglect

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.

Hope and Healing: A Caregiver's Guide to Helping Young Children Affected by Trauma

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.

Identifying and Responding to Domestic Violence: Consensus Recommendations for Child and Adolescent Health

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.

Infants and Toddlers in Court

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.

Juveniles Who Commit Sex Offenses Against Minors

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.

Kid's Stuff: The Nature and Impact of Peer and Sibling Violence on Younger and Older Children

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.

Learning to Listen, Learning to Help: Understanding Woman Abuse and its Effects on Children

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.

Parenting Infants and Toddlers Today

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.

Protecting Children in Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders

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.

Realizing the Promise of Home Visitation: Addressing Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment – A Guide for Policy Makers

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.

Shelter from the Storm: Clinical Intervention with Children Affected by Domestic Violence

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.

Silent Realities: Supporting Children and Their Families Who Experience Violence

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.

Trauma Among Youth in the Juvenile Justice System: Critical Issues and New Directions

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.

Trauma in the Lives of Early Head Start Children

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.

Trauma-Informed Interventions: Clinical and Research Evidence and Culture-Specific Information Project

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.

Trends in Childhood Violence and Abuse Exposure: Evidence From 2 National Surveys

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.

Truancy Reduction: Keeping Students in School

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.

Victims of Violent Juvenile Crime

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.

Violence in Adolescent Dating Relationships

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.

Waiting for Mommy: Giving a Voice to the Hidden Victims of Imprisonment

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.

When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide

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.

Why It Matters: Rethinking Victim Assistance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Victims of Hate Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

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.

Will Parent Training Reduce Abuse, Enhance Development, and Save Money? Let's Find Out

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.

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