Journals and news
Parental incarceration can be worse for a child than divorce or death of parent
Source: EurekAlertUS study finds that "children's health disadvantages are an overlooked and unintended consequence of (parental) incarceration" and in some cases can be more detrimental than other forms of parental absence such as divorce.
Doctors start work as U.N. estimates 400,000 Gaza children need psychological care
Source: NewsweekUNRWA-run schools in Gaza strip have now made psychotherapy a part of their curriculum.
Melbourne hosts national MH17 memorial service at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Source: ABC RN BreakfastListen to RN Breakfast interview with Professor Beverley Raphael on the national day of mourning for flight MH17 victims (begins at 16:00)
Child abuse data collection needs consistent parameters
Source: MNTResearch reiterates the importance of epidemiologically informed methods in monitoring child maltreatment data across the nation and the need for a collective solution.
Survey results show Oklahoma Messages Program DVDs may help fight the cycle of incarceration
Source: The OklahomanNot for profit film incarcerated parents talking to and reading a book to their children and send the videos to their child. Survey finds that after viewing, 68% of children showed moderate to huge improvements in stress and anxiety.
Child protection report: 84pc of abuse allegations in Tasmania not investigated
Source: ABC NewsThe report reveals Tasmania has a considerably lower rate of number of investigations (16%) compared to other states and territories (45%).
How much could we improve children’s life chances by intervening early and often?
Source: BrookingsNew Centre on Children and Families research finds that well-evaluated childhood interventions can significantly close the gap between more and less-advantaged youth. They found that intervening at several life stages was the most effective.
Nearly 500 ACT children suffered or were at risk of abuse, neglect or harm
Source: Sydney Morning HeraldNeglect and emotional abuse were the most common types of substantiations for ACT children, says report.
Community service programs that include reflection found to be more beneficial to youth
Source: ScienceDailyStudy indicates that organised community service for adolescents has positive effects, particularly when complemented with opportunities for reflection.
Disparities in adverse childhood experiences among individuals with a history of military service
Source: JAMA PsychiatryStudy finds US servicemen in all-volunteer era had a higher prevalence of ACEs than men without military service. The differences were not as apparent in women.
Tougher child protection measures needed
Source: ABC NewsSeries of changes to state's child protection system are being considered after alleged sexual abuse cases of seven preschool aged children.
Bloody scenes haunt kids as bombs fall in Israel-Gaza fight
Source: BloombergExperts say children will start to deal with the trauma suffered only after the conflict is ended.
Death of a parent during childhood is associated with greater mortality in early adulthood
Source: ScienceDailyStudy finds 50% greater risk of mortality for those who have experienced parental death in childhood.
Media coverage of disasters: helping children cope
Source: ABC Health & WellbeingThe heavy media coverage of flight MH17 and the Gaza conflict often contain distressing images of the events. This is a reminder to everyone who has a child and/or those working with children, especially pre-school age, that we should be mindful of how much exposure they have to this.
Report: Poverty holding Oregon's children back
Source: Statesman JournalUS national studies show that several factors related to poverty affect child well-being. "Poverty brings its own form of trauma for kids."