Brief
This brief explains the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) is a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology- informed approach to clinical problem solving, NMT is not a specific therapeutic technique or intervention, and NMT is an approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform work with children, families, and the communities in which they live. The three key components of the Neurosequential Approach are reviewed and include training/capacity building, assessment, and the specific recommendations for the selection and sequencing of therapeutic,…
Brief
This brief explains families affected by co-occurring intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use face unique and interconnected needs and identifies promising practices and programs to meet the needs of these women and children. It begins by discussing the prevalence of IPV and substance abuse and the consequences of IPV, including health concerns and mental health concerns. Links between IPV and substance abuse are explored, and the impacts of IPV and parental substance use on children are then described. The following part of the brief outlines best practices for assessing…
Brief
The second in a series that addresses important issues facing those crossover youth who are dually-involved and the systems that serve them, this brief begins by explaining the Crossover Youth Practice Model (CYPM) was developed by the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy to improve outcomes for youth who are dually-involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The model uses a research-based approach to assist child welfare, juvenile justice, and related agencies in adopting policies and practices that better…
Brief
Fathers can influence their children’s health behaviors more than they may realize. This research brief provides information and resources to help fathers improve their own health and well-being, and the health and well-being of their children. Specifically, the brief focuses on healthy eating and sleeping habits, and provides tips for healthy physical activity. These healthy lifestyle habits can lower fathers’ and children’s risk of becoming overweight or obese and reduce the risk of developing other diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer. Other benefits include…
Brief
This brief explains the importance of father engagement in child welfare services. It begins by discussing the rising number of children being raised by single mothers and the disengagement of fathers from their children’s lives. Federal efforts towards nationwide programs that strengthen two-parent families, promote healthy marriage, encourage responsible fatherhood and increase father engagement are noted, and the benefits of paternal engagement are explained. Following sections review effects associated with poor parental engagement, causes of low engagement, and promising interventions to…
Brief
Home visiting programs have a long history in the United States and abroad as a tool for supporting vulnerable families by encouraging positive parenting, promoting child development, and improving maternal and child health. Although programs have traditionally targeted pregnant women and mothers of young children, in the last several years interest has grown in expanding home visiting to more explicitly include fathers. This brief highlights the experiences of a select group of home visiting programs in the United States that are engaging low-income fathers, including the approaches…
Brief
Early childhood home visiting programs typically target pregnant women and mothers of young children, but increasing attention is being given to the practice of engaging fathers as well. The study aimed to understand how home visiting programs engage fathers, what fathers’ experiences are in those programs, and the perceived benefits of fathers’ participation. Qualitative interviews were conducted with home visiting program administrators, staff members, and participating fathers and mothers in five programs implementing strategies to engage fathers in home visiting services. The findings…
Brief
This brief explains culture defines the values, beliefs, and practices surrounding when and how youth transition to adulthood, and presents a checklist to provide medical home teams with a tool to facilitate the programmatic and organizational change necessary to respond effectively to culturally defined beliefs, practices, and preferences and the inherent issues they raise in the provision of health care and related services for youth and their families. Characteristics of culturally competent organizations are described, and six core elements of health care transition are identified. The…
