THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio’s sinking economy might be causing a spike in reports of child abuse and neglect.

For the first time, new allegations of abuse and neglect topped 100,000, according to a statewide survey released yesterday.

The report by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio found that in 2007, reports of abuse and neglect statewide were up 14 percent from 2005.

 To read the entire article, please click here.

To access PCSAO’s report, please click here.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Even in boom times, young people who become too old for the foster-care system often struggle to make it on their own, lacking families, job skills or adequate educations. Now, the recession has made the challenges of life after foster care even more formidable, especially for those seeking federal housing vouchers, which are contingent on having an income.

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Children raised in poverty suffer many ill effects: They often have health problems and tend to struggle in school, which can create a cycle of poverty across generations.

Now, research is providing what could be crucial clues to explain how childhood poverty translates into dimmer chances of success: Chronic stress from growing up poor appears to have a direct impact on the brain, leaving children with impairment in at least one key area — working memory.

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It is a fact that there are many children and youth who are in need of an intensive treatment environment. The life circumstances that these children have seen and endured have impaired their ability to properly handle their emotions. For some children, this leads to violent behavior that causes them to be a threat to themselves or others. The staff who work with these children are often confronted with verbal and physical aggression. As a result, the staff are regularly trained in de-escalation techniques, as well as physical restraint. These techniques can be utilized whenever a child exhibits behaviors that are a danger to themselves or others. Whenever a restraint occurs, there are internal and external reviews that take place to ensure the proper utilization of these techniques. We as agencies are always concerned with the safety of the child, as well as the adult in these situations, and utilize nationally acceptable models for de-escalation and restraint. Additionally, all residential providers are licensed by either the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or the Ohio Department of Mental Health and most are accredited by a national accrediting body. In order to receive accreditation and licensure, providers must meet numerous standards, rules, and regulations related to the care and treatment of children, including restraints.

Our thoughts are with the family as well as the staff at Parmadale. Until the investigation is complete, it would be improper to comment further.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – State budget cuts are forcing some of the nation’s youngest criminals out of counseling programs and group homes and into juvenile prisons in what critics contend is a shortsighted move that will eventually lead to more crime and higher costs.

For the entire AP story, click here.

Pediatricians Don’t Routinely Ask About Mental Health
December 15, 2008 03:48 PM ET | Nancy Shute |
Don’t count on your child’s doctor to ask whether you’re worried about mental health issues such as ADHD or bad behavior. Fifty-six percent of parents say their pediatrician or family-practice doctor never asks about mental health concerns, according to a new survey out of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan. Another 22 percent say they get asked sometimes, with 22 percent more saying their doc is always on the ball.

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WEDNESDAY, Dec. 3 HealthDay News, U.S. News and World Report – Urban kids who took part in a social development program in elementary school had improved mental health, sexual health, and educational and economic success as young adults, a new study finds.

Crime, drug use, teen pregnancy, school dropouts and mental health problems are among the challenges faced by many children and families who live in cities, noted study author J. David Hawkins and colleagues at the University of Washington, Seattle.

View the entire article on the U.S. News and World Report website.

Deb Tilly’s son, Ryan, spent 11 days in a Massachusetts emergency room with a security guard outside his door. His mother said there was no choice but to bring him there.

“He was not safe around himself. He was not safe in the house with us. We were just trying to get him some help,” said Tilly.

On the 11th day, the nurse called Tilly with an alarming report.”

He was very despondent, on the floor in a fetal position. He was crying out to me and was not eating,” said Tilly.

View full article on the TheBostonChannel.com.