Child Advocacy Research Articles

Using an AI-based avatar for interviewer training at Children's Advocacy Centers: Proof of Concept.

This proof-of- concept study focused on interviewers' behaviors and perceptions when interacting with a dynamic AI child avatar alleging abuse. Professionals (N = 68) took part in a virtual reality (VR) study in which they questioned an avatar presented as a child victim of sexual or physical abuse. Of interest was how interviewers questioned the avatar, how productive the child avatar was in response, and how interviewers perceived the VR interaction. Findings suggested alignment between interviewers' virtual questioning approaches and interviewers' typical questioning behavior in real-world investigative interviews, with a diverse range of questions used to elicit disclosures from the child avatar. The avatar responded to most question types as children typically do, though more nuanced programming of the avatar's productivity in response to complex question types is needed. Participants rated the avatar positively and felt comfortable with the VR experience. Results underscored the potential of AI-based interview training as a scalable, standardized alternative to traditional methods.

Children’s Experiences of Undergoing Forensic Interviews and Forensic Medical Examinations in a Danish Child Advocacy Center

Child abuse is a severe global problem associated with various negative consequences. It is therefore important that the services received at Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) are perceived as positive as possible by children affected by abuse. Preliminary research indicates that CACs are successful in terms of providing coordinated, professional services. However, existing research has primarily focused on service and criminal justice system outputs, rather than documenting the experiences of the target group: i.e., children undergoing the CAC proceedings. The present study seeks to investigate the children’s experiences of the forensic procedures in a CAC. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 children undergoing case proceedings at a Danish CAC. The overall experiences of the children of the forensic interview and forensic medical examination were documented. Additionally, five overall themes were constructed using Thematic Analysis: Localities and surroundings, Relational and communicative work, Ambivalent experiences, Need of information and overview, and Missing out on everyday life. The findings of the current study underline the importance of the physical environment of the CAC, the need of information and overview as well as strong relational and communicative skills among professional as core elements in establishing positive encounters with the CAC. Furthermore, the results indicate how negative experiences of visiting a CAC are not necessarily directly linked to the CAC but may be a result of the children experiencing missing out on well-liked everyday activities. Altogether these results are important to consider when planning future CAC visits to support the well-being of the child.

The association of socioeconomic status with the success of chat-based online counseling for children and youth: A latent change score modeling approach

Children and youth from lower subjective socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds are at a heightened risk of mental disorders. Online counseling is a valuable tool to reach those less likely to seek professional help, but its success across different SES backgrounds remains unclear. This study explores the association between subjective SES and online counseling outcomes. Children and youth (N = 2139) between 10 and 24 years-of-age received chat-based online counseling and reported on SES, negative feelings before and after the chat, and perceived helpfulness of the chat via an online assessment tool. The results of a latent change score model showed a significant association between SES and negative feelings before chatting, indicating that lower SES predicted more negative feelings (r = −0.26, p < .001). Further, SES was indirectly associated with the change in negative feelings from before to after counseling, mediated by the extent of negative feelings before the chat (β = 0.07, 95%CFI = [0.05–0.10]). Current findings extend research on online counseling programs in the context of SES. Despite higher counseling needs among low SES individuals, they do not benefit proportionally from existing online services in this sample. Future research should investigate barriers to help-seeking and implement specialized counselor training programs.

The experiences of families of children with cerebral palsy and complex disability after three years accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

In Australia, children with cerebral palsy and complex disability receive funded supports through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This individualised funding scheme requires parents to navigate and advocate on behalf of their child, supported by expert reports, recommendations, and allied health services. Supports aim to enable participation in all areas of daily life, which may be otherwise largely inaccessible to children with complex disability and their families. This study aimed to explore the experiences of families of children with complex disability after 3 years accessing the NDIS. A qualitative research design with a demographic questionnaire and in-depth interview was undertaken. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from one organisation providing occupational therapy and other allied health services. Data analysis implemented Braun and Clarke's thematic approach to examine the experiences of participants. This research was conducted with a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme provider to give voice to parent consumers who raise children with complex disability. Seven mothers and one father (N = 8) of children with complex disability were interviewed. Most parents reported increased success and satisfaction navigating the scheme. Five overall themes were generated from the data: pivotal roles of families, parental empowerment, life-changing equipment, the fallibility of the scheme, and a critical scheme. Parents reported reliance on the scheme for their child's basic daily care and a more enriched life for their child and family. Parents were grateful for the scheme but experienced inconsistencies, navigation difficulties, and variable choice and control. Most parents had fears about the sustainability of the scheme, translating into uncertainty about their child's future. Allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, are key advocates for children with complex disability and their families. Collaboration through sharing knowledge and skills to support children, their families, and carers is key to empowering parents to navigate the NDIS. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for people with permanent and significant disability. Children with cerebral palsy (and other complex disability) are lifetime users of the NDIS. For children with complex disability, their families are crucial to ensuring that their daily needs are being met, including providing medication. Previous research indicated that parents rely on the NDIS to support their children; however, there have been various challenges such as long wait times for equipment and difficulty understanding how to use the scheme. This study explored the experiences of families of children with complex disability, after more than 3 years of being an NDIS participant. Eight parents from one therapy service provider completed a short questionnaire about themselves, their child, and their family, followed by an interview with the first author. Four authors (occupational therapists) worked together to design and implement this study. The findings highlighted several key points: the important role of parents as caregivers; parents became more knowledgeable and confident to navigate the NDIS with time; equipment funded by the NDIS was life-changing; the NDIS has ongoing issues; and the crucial nature of the NDIS. Occupational therapists can be extremely important to families, including with supporting families to navigate the NDIS and advocating for them. Occupational therapists must stay current with their knowledge of the NDIS as they provide lifetime support, including prescribing equipment, technology, and home modifications.

Families as Healing Partners: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Suicidality in Child Counseling

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States for youth ages 12 to 17; thus, child counselors are encouraged to gain knowledge and skills to address this public health crisis. A major component of all child counseling practices, and particularly crisis counseling, is family collaboration. Given the dearth of research and scholarship regarding family counseling practices for addressing youth suicidality, we propose a five-week model to support counselors’ systemic healing work: Family Collaboration in Suicide Prevention ( FCSP). In this article, we introduce the model through providing (a) strategies for family rapport building, (b) engaging in means reduction with families, (c) developmental considerations for response and assessment practices, and (d) an overview of the model objectives and weekly curriculum.

Адаптация русскоязычной версии детского опросника соматических симптомов на выборке детей-сирот и детей, оставшихся без попечения родителей

&lt;p&gt;This study was aimed to adapt the Russian version of the Children&amp;rsquo;s Somatic Symptoms Inventory-8 (CSSI-8). The participants were 160 orphans and children and adolescents left without parental care, including 80 girls and 80 boys aged 9 to 17 years (M=14,51; Me=15 years; SD=1,79). All participants completed CSSI-8 and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-30 (RCADS-30). The Russian version of the inventory was reliable and valid: firstly, it has a high Cronbach&amp;rsquo;s &amp;alpha;, showing its internal reliability; secondly, it has a one-factor structure, indicating its factor validity; thirdly, the relationship of somatic symptoms with anxiety and depressive symptoms proves convergent validity. Thus, 76,2% of children and adolescents had at least one specific somatic symptom, 44,4% complained of pain in stomach or abdomen, 58,7% of headaches, 30,6% of pain in lower back, 19,4% of faintness or dizziness, 29,4% of pain in arms or legs, 28,7% of heart palpitations, nausea or upset stomach, 47,5% of weakness in some parts of the body. In conclusion, it is important to make future psychometric examinations of the adapted questionnaire, which allow us to recommend it for school diagnosis and psychological counseling of children and adolescents, as well as screening and monitoring of somatoform disorders.&lt;/p&gt;

A Content Analysis of Recent Qualitative Child and Adolescent Counseling Research and Recommendations for Innovative Approaches

ABSTRACT Children and adolescents communicate differently than adults and require use of creative, behavior, and play-based interventions in the counseling process. However, these strategies are not as often utilized to capture the experiences of children and adolescents in counseling-related qualitative research studies. Utilizing content analysis, we examined qualitative research studies published in counseling journals in the last six years to identify contributions, gaps, and opportunities for growth in child and adolescent qualitative research. Based on the results, we provide recommendations for conducting qualitative research using innovative adaptations to represent the voices of children and adolescents in developmentally meaningful ways.

Youth-Centered Qualitative Research: Strategies and Recommendations

ABSTRACT Qualitative research methodologies offer many benefits to the counseling field: a thick, vibrant description of a construct or experiences pertinent to a specific group; a critical lens to qualitative research can also propel social justice, advocacy, and systemic change. Despite qualitative research being regularly used in the counseling profession, the majority of this research has been utilized on/with adults, leading to the need for greater guidance specific to youth: children and adolescents. This article is the first in a special issue from The Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, on youth-centered qualitative research. In this lead article, we outline concrete, practical strategies for conducting youth-centered qualitative research; this paper is organized according to a qualitative guide by Goodman-Scott, but applied to youth specifically. Given the importance of social justice and advocacy, this article is also grounded in a critical research paradigm.

부모의 심리적 통제가 아동의 공격성에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purpose of this study is to improve parents' understanding of children's problem behavior and to present effective counseling intervention plans by selecting major environmental and personal factors that affect children's relational and overt aggression. Methods The effect of parents' psychological control on children's relational and overt aggression was verified through the mediating effect of moral disengagement and emotion regulation. PCS-YSR, relational and overt aggression scale, and emotion regulation scale were used for 684 students in 4th to 6th grades at 5 elementary schools in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do. The collected data were analyzed for correlation between measurement variables using SPSS 23.0. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to verify the mediation effect between variables. Results First, there was a significant positive correlations between parents' psychological control and children's relational and overt aggression, and moral disengagement. On the other hand, there was significant negative correlations in emotion regulation and the other variables. Second, it was found that parents' psychological control affects children's relational and overt aggression, and moral disengagement is partially mediated. Third, it was found that parents' psychological control affects children's relational and overt aggression, and their emotion regulation is partially mediated. Conclusions As a result of this study, the influence of psychological control of fathers and mothers on children's relational and overt aggression was confirmed, and the mediating effect of moral disengagement and emotion regulation was verified. These findings can provide basic data for child counseling and parent education programs that can alleviate children's relational and overt aggression.

The Construction of the Narrative Self: Applying the Internal Multi-Actor Performance Method for Children (IMAP-C) to Help Children Cope with Emotional Distress

Currently, young people are confronted with a rapidly changing world filled with uncertainty, which often triggers negative emotions such as fear or sadness, ultimately leading to emotional distress. This article demonstrates a method that structures practitioners’ work and helps young people to cope with emotional distress. Known as the dialogical Method of Internal Multi-Actor Performance (IMAP) (Gkantona, 2023), this method was founded on the Dialogical Self Theory (DST) and has been developed for therapeutic and counseling procedures. The IMAP is a narrative method which aims to analyze the client’s multi-voicedness and its methodology follows four evolving dialogical stages (Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis, and Meta-thesis), which facilitate the reorganization of clients’ internal narratives. Thus, the Internal Multi-Actor Performance Method for Children (IMAP-C) is presented, as modified to meet the needs of counseling and therapeutic procedures for children and adolescents experiencing emotional distress. Its adjustment to children’s needs focuses on developmental issues and the dialogical features of working with children as well as the use of art therapy techniques (i.e., role plays, drawings and therapeutic puppetry). A clinical case example illustrates the dialogical processes underlining the application of the IMAP-C in the treatment of a nine-year old boy who suffers from fears and post-traumatic stress. The child’s first attempts to form an integrated narrative identity are also highlighted.

Effective counseling for children's bone health

Poor bone health is a significant contributing factor to the frequency and severity of many childhood injuries and fractures. Osteoporosis starts in childhood. Therefore, it is important to optimize bone health in children in order to decrease the risk of injury, improve healing and maximize peak bone mass. To do this, pediatricians and pediatric orthopedists need to effectively counsel patients and families to give them the tools necessary to effect lasting change. Bone health is a recipe that requires ingredients including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin K and physical exercise. Required amounts of each component change as children grow and are lifelong requirements. Unfortunately, at this time, there is no uniform consensus on vitamin D supplementation guidelines or optimal serum levels. Current vitamin D dosing guidelines are age-based, but vitamin D is stored in adipose tissue and higher weights/BMIs require higher doses of vitamin D. Routine monitoring of vitamin D is recommended in all patients. However, re-evaluating the dosing guidelines to base them on weight/BMI, rather than age, should be considered. Key Concepts(1)Bone health needs to be prioritized so that peak bone mass is reached by age 30.(2)Patient counseling and patient buy-in are imperative to create lasting impact.(3)Bone health is a recipe and amounts of ingredients needed will vary according to growth and body size.(4)Vitamin D dosing should take weight and body mass into consideration to achieve optimal serum levels.

‘We aren’t valued for who we are’: Australian nurses’ and midwives’ perceptions of challenges and barriers to safeguarding children

PurposeProfessionals working with children, including nurses and midwives, are foundational to effectively safeguarding children from maltreatment. However, little is known about the full nature and scope of nurses' and midwives' roles in safeguarding children in Australia presenting barriers to effective workforce preparation and support. Design and methodsThis study reports an inductive analysis of qualitative responses (n = 51 Round 1, n = 17 Round 2) from a two-round Delphi study. The Delphi study aimed to build consensus on the nature and scope of nursing and midwifery practice in safeguarding children, and this manuscript presents findings of an inductive analysis of qualitative responses beyond the scope of the Delphi study. Participants were Australian nurses and midwives (n = 51, n = 17) from diverse child-focussed settings. ResultsNurses and midwives experienced many factors outside of their control that restricted their capacity to safeguard children. Influences included high workloads, burnout, lack of support, poor collaboration, structural barriers and inaccessible services for children. ConclusionsNurses and midwives are advocates for children but experienced many factors preventing them from effectively safeguarding children. Future approaches to reducing child maltreatment must be underpinned by support for frontline professionals to promote workforce capacity and sustainability. Practice implicationsDespite nurses' and midwives' best intentions, their attempts to prevent and respond to child maltreatment were hampered by systemic factors beyond their control. This study highlighted the need to address broader influences on nursing and midwifery practice to reduce the impacts of child maltreatment and support children to thrive.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Undergraduate Nursing Students.

Background There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence and prevalence rate of autism globally. This increase could be correlated to the increase in the awareness level and understanding of the disorder among healthcare providers and autistic children's families. Aim This study aimed to assess undergraduate nursing students' knowledge about and attitudes toward children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods A cross-sectionalquantitative study design was used. A convenience sample of 235 undergraduate nursing students from all levels was obtained. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis (including mean, median, and standard deviation) was conducted. Inferential analysis was conducted to identify the relation between participants' demographic data and the subscales. Results The majority of the studied sample was aged 20 years or over (n=194, 82.55%) and was from the second year of undergraduate nursing school (n=120, 51.1%). The total mean score of the overall knowledge levels among nursing students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) was mild (M=0.91, SD=±1.04), whereas the overall mean percentage score of undergraduate nursing students' attitudes toward care, education, and advocacy for autistic children was 74.38%, indicating a positive high level of attitude. Conclusions This study highlighted the level of nursing students' knowledge about childhood autism. Additionally, it disclosed their attitudes toward autistic children. The study filled a gap in the literature by revealing the perspectives of nursing students toward ASD.

Practitioner Adherence and Competence in MEYA, a Free Online Self-Instruction Program in Modular Psychotherapy and Counseling for Children's Autism-Related Clinical Needs.

The quality of care in public schools and other community settings for school-aged youths on the autism spectrum is variable and often not evidence-based. Training practitioners in these settings to deliver evidence-based practices (EBPs) may improve the quality of care. We developed a free internet-based training and clinical guidance system synthesizing multiple EBPs for youth on the autism spectrum addressing a range of mental health needs and autism-related behaviors, entitled Modular EBPs for Youth on the Autism Spectrum (MEYA; meya.ucla.edu). A multiple baseline study was conducted with seven practitioners recruited from mental health practice settings across the United States who were providing services to children on the autism spectrum (aged 6 to 17years). Practitioners were randomly assigned to undergo baseline conditions of 2 to 8weeks. Once online training in MEYA commenced, practitioners engaged in algorithm-guided self-instruction in EBPs for autism. Participants video-recorded sessions. Independent coders used the MEYA Fidelity Scale (MEYA-FS) to rate adherence and competence in EBPs for autism. Practitioners also completed measures pertaining to implementation outcomes and parents rated youth outcomes on personalized target behaviors. Five of seven practitioners increased their adherence to MEYA practices (i.e., MEYA-FS scores) following MEYA training. Findings for competence were similar, though somewhat less robust. Practitioners generally viewed MEYA as feasible, understandable, and acceptable. Most youth outcomes improved during MEYA. A randomized, controlled trial of MEYA would be helpful in characterizing its effectiveness for supporting practitioner EBP implementation and youth outcomes in school and community service settings.

The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and developmental disorders: implications for family support and child advocacy

ABSTRACT The association between developmental disorders, specifically ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is examined in this study. The National Survey of Children’s Health was utilized to generate odds ratios using logistic regression. Children with developmental disorders had higher odds of all ACEs compared to neurotypical children. ASD diagnosis had the strongest correlation with Community ACEs, while ADHD diagnosis was more strongly correlated with household ACEs. Co-occurring ASD/ADHD correlated strongly with abuse/neglect ACEs. These findings indicate the need for targeted interventions to reduce experiences of ACEs and support access to and navigation of healthcare systems.

Functionality of Child Advocacy Centers in the Light of Practices

Çocuk İzlem Merkezi (ÇİM), cinsel istismar mağduru çocuk ve ergenlere yönelik adli, tıbbi ve sosyal işlemlerin tek bir merkezden yürütülmesine olanak sağlayan merkezlerdir. ÇİM’in adli boyutunu yöneten, ÇİM öncesi ve sonrası süreci bilen farklı meslek gruplarına mensup personeller tarafından uygulamanın işlevselliğinin değerlendirildiği çalışmalar oldukça kısıtlıdır. Amaç: ÇİM’ler kurulmadan önce ve kurulduktan sonra cinsel istismar mağduru çocuğun adli ayağında çalışmış kişilerin deneyimlerinden hareketle ÇİM’lerin işlevselliğinin ortaya konulması ve literatürdeki boşluğun doldurulması amaçlanmıştır. Buna göre, merkezin iyi yönleri tespit edilir iken eksik kalınan noktalarda nelerin yapılabileceği konusu tartışılacaktır. Yöntem: Araştırma nitel araştırma deseninde, ÇİM’in adli ayağını oluşturan 15 profesyonelin yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmelerinden oluşmaktadır. Veriler içerik analizi tekniği ile analiz edilmiştir. Veriler yorumlanırken temalar tespit edilmiştir. ÇİM kurulmadan önceki süreçler ve merkezin işlevlerine yönelik söylemler olmak üzere iki genel tematik alan oluşturulmuştur. Bulgular: Personel yetersizliğinden ve kayıt cihazlarından kaynaklı birtakım aksaklıkların olduğu vurgulansa da katılımcıların ortak görüşü; ÇİM’in mağdur çocuklar açısından olumlu ve faydalı olduğu yönündedir.

A Case Study of Marcus Rashford: The People’s Champion, a “National Treasure,” and an Inspirational Personal Brand

This case study examined the English soccer player Marcus Rashford’s personal brand and illustrates the transformational difference celebrity athletes can make through social activism and advocacy for philanthropic causes through their skillful use of social media. It employed a textual analysis methodology and drew conceptual insights from the revised Model of Athlete Brand Image to chronicle how Rashford’s social activism and philanthropy resonated with his fans, followers, and the public on social media. His authentic social activism and philanthropic advocacy for disadvantaged and vulnerable children gave the nation a “feel-good” story during the COVID-19 crisis and enhanced his personal brand image. This case study recommends that future analyses of celebrity athlete personal brands should consider including three new categories in the marketable life section of the revised Model of Athlete Brand Image: social activism, cobranding partnerships, and awards and honors.

Effectiveness of Maher’s Fluid Intelligence Psycho-Educational Intervention Package on Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Maher’s fluid intelligence psycho-educational intervention package on improving cognitive emotion regulation in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methodology: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population included 10-12-year-old boys with ADHD who had visited counseling and psychological service centers for children in Tehran during the first half of 2023. From this population, 30 participants were selected through multistage cluster sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The data collection tools included the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRCBP) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children (CERQ-K-P). The experimental group underwent 10 sessions of 45-minute group interventions, while the control group remained on the waiting list. Findings: Results of the Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the increase of adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, specifically positive refocusing and refocus on planning, and the decrease of maladaptive strategies (p&lt;0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of adaptive strategies such as acceptance, positive reappraisal, and perspective-taking (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Maher’s fluid intelligence psycho-educational intervention package effectively improves emotional regulation and cognitive performance in children with ADHD. By enhancing fluid intelligence and working memory, this intervention helps children better manage the challenges associated with ADHD and achieve better emotional regulation.

Participatory, Multimodal Approaches to Child Rights Education in Global Contexts: Reflections on a Study with Schoolchildren in Uganda and Canada

Globally, we have much to learn about fulfilling international child education rights, particularly in times of crisis, as evidenced during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Although the right of children to know their rights is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other documents, such as the African Charter on Rights and Welfare of the Child, child rights are rarely introduced to children as part of their formal learning experience in school, because children are deemed unable to understand the concepts of rights (and responsibilities) (Alderson, 2008; Jerome, 2018). This lack of child-rights education means children are denied opportunities for empowerment: e.g., awareness and knowledge needed for self-advocacy, advocacy for other children with respect to the ability to claim and exercise their rights (Covell et al., 2017; Wabwile, 2016). Drawing on a case study conducted in Uganda and Canada, this paper discusses how participatory, empowering, multimodal, and contextually-responsive/sensitive approaches to child rights education enables children to engage meaningfully in learning about their rights.

Knowledge and Attitude on Breastfeeding Practices among Medical Students in South India

The study was performed to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students about breastfeeding. It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 104 students in their first and final years. The study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire. The average age of study participants is 20.311.83. The majority of the study participants were female (63, 60.6%), and 63, 59.4%, belonged to the first year. 99% of the students are aware that mother’s milk is the best food for babies. Only 29.8% of students were aware of breastfeeding when a baby has diarrhea, and there is also poor knowledge about latching methods. 54.8% of students knew that breastfeeding reduces the risk of pregnancy. The overall knowledge was good, and when compared, final-year students and females performed better than the other groups. Medical students, as future physicians, will be at the forefront of assisting mothers with breastfeeding issues. Because these students will become an important cadre of health professionals, the medical curriculum should place a strong emphasis on nutrition counseling for mothers and children. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Medical Students