Child Advocacy Research Articles

Parent-child concordance and treatment outcome of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy in a child advocacy center

Child maltreatment has been associated with the development of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms. Research suggests that parent-child concordance on ratings of child PTS symptoms after maltreatment may pose clinical implications that can guide treatment. The current study examines parent-child concordance of child PTS symptoms and changes in symptoms from pre- to post-treatment with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy using archival clinical records of 29 children seen in a Child Advocacy Center. Cohen’s Kappa and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analyses indicated that child and parent ratings were only concurrent post-treatment. PTS symptoms as rated by parents and children decreased significantly from pre- to post-treatment. Findings highlight the importance of comparing cross-informant ratings and support using evidence-based treatment to reduce PTS symptoms in children.

The experiences of counselors caring for children and adolescents with problematic smartphone use

This study examines field experts’ experiences to ascertain the actual circumstances and strategies to increase the efficacy of intervention programs for children and adolescents with problematic smartphone use. Three focus group interviews were conducted via video conferencing. The data were grouped into three major themes: (1) the screening and inflow phase, which included the inaccuracy of the screening tests, barriers in the inflow process, and the importance of school cooperation; (2) the intervention phase, which included the necessity of developing a program tailored to the target audience, the importance of parental participation, and concerns about the vulnerable; and (3) the maintenance phase, which included the lack of a long-term strategy, the need to re-establish the purpose of the counseling/intervention programs, and the need for systematic maintenance of the system. To improve the reliability of the screening test for children and adolescents with problematic smartphone use, it is necessary to improve the measurement tools and environment. To increase parental involvement, education should be provided on perceiving the severity of problematic smartphone use, and program running hours should be varied. The findings offer information necessary for improving counseling and interventions for children and adolescents with problematic smartphone use.

An observational study of childhood iron deficiency anaemia and the factors affecting the outcome of oral iron therapy

Background: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide. In-depth studies examining facilitators and barriers to oral iron therapy are lacking. The aim of our study is to determine the factors affecting the outcome of oral iron therapy in iron deficiency anaemia. Methods: This is an observational study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Mumbai in children in the age group of 12 to 60 months. Out of a total of 416 children screened, 208 were eligible for oral iron therapy and were given oral iron in the dose of 3 milligrams per kilogram per day and reviewed after two months. A comprehensive questionnaire was given to parents after the completion of therapy to study the factors affecting iron therapy. The details were then analysed using Excel sheets, and correlation was calculated using SPSS program version 20.0. Results: After 2 months of oral iron therapy, IDA was corrected in 68.98%. Factors that led to an unsatisfactory outcome with iron therapy were, history of low birth weight, past hospital admissions, gastrointestinal side effects, malnutrition, and children who had tea, milk, or food with iron therapy. In contrast, children who took iron on an empty stomach and along with vitamin C-rich foods had a significant increase in haemoglobin levels. Conclusions: Various modifiable factors affect adherence and outcome of oral iron therapy. Tea and Coffee are to be avoided when the child is on iron therapy. Meticulous counselling of parents and children is pivotal for the successful management of IDA with oral iron therapy.

Assessment of Dietary Acid Load in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: An Observational Study.

Dietary acid load (DAL), which reflects the balance between acid- and alkaline-forming foods, is a modifiable risk factor for metabolic acidosis in CKD. Owing to the paucity of data in the Indian context, we undertook this cross-sectional study to estimate DAL and assess acid and alkaline food consumption in children with CKD2-5D (Chronic kidney disease stage 2 to 5 and 5D-those on hemodialysis). Clinical profile, dietary assessment of energy, protein intake/deficits, and macronutrients were noted and computed using software created by the division of nutrition, St John's research institute based on Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines in clinically stable children with CKD2-5D. DAL was estimated using potential renal acid load (PRAL in mEq/day) = (0.49 × protein intake in g/day) + (0.037 × phosphorus-intake in mg/day) - (0.02 × potassium intake in mg/day) - (0.013 × calcium intake in mg/day) - (0.027 × magnesium intake in mg/day). A positive dietary PRAL (>0) favors acidic content and negative (<0) favors alkaline content. PRAL was stratified into quartiles for analysis. The association of various clinical and dietary parameters were analysed across these quartiles. Eighty-one children [of mean age 122 ± 47 months; 56 (69%) boys, 29 (36%) on dialysis, 62 (77%) non-vegetarians] were studied. Twenty-eight (34%) were on bicarbonate supplements. A positive PRAL (9.97 ± 7.7 mEq/day) was observed in 74/81 (91%) children with comparable proportions in those with CKD2-5 and 5D [47/52 (90%) vs. 27/29 (93%) respectively, P > 0.05]. Protein intake was significantly higher in the highest quartile compared to the lowest quartile of PRAL in CKD2-5 (55 ± 16 g/day vs. 40 ± 14 g/day, P < 0.001) and 5D groups (47 ± 15 g/day vs. 25 ± 11 g/day, P = 0.002). A majority of the participants 60/81 (74%) consumed highly acidic and minimal alkali foods. In children with CKD2-5D, PRAL estimation revealed high DAL in the majority with a high consumption of acidic foods. These findings provide implications for appropriate dietary counseling in children with CKD.

Improving teamwork in multidisciplinary cross-sector teams: Adaption and pilot testing of a team training for Child Advocacy Center teams

BackgroundEffective teamwork is critical to the mission of Child Advocacy Center (CAC) multidisciplinary teams. Team interventions designed to fit the unique cross-organizational context of CAC teams may improve teamwork in CACs. MethodsA collaborative, community-engaged approach was used to adapt TeamSTEPPS, an evidence-based team training for healthcare, for CAC multidisciplinary teams. The adapted training was piloted with one team and evaluated using mixed methods. Team members completed pre-training (n = 26) and follow-up surveys (n = 22) and participated in qualitative interviews (n = 9). ResultsThe adaptation process resulted in the creation of TeamTRACS (Team Training in Roles, Awareness, Communication, and Support). Participants rated TeamTRACS as highly acceptable, appropriate, feasible, relevant, and useful for CAC teams. They identified positive and negative aspects of the training, ideas for improvement, and future uses for TeamTRACS. ConclusionsTeamTRACS is a feasible approach to team training in CACs, and team members find the content and skills relevant and useful. Additional research is needed to test the effectiveness of TeamTRACS and identify appropriate implementation strategies to support its use.

Advocate for children receiving medical care: A study on pediatric care and children’s rights

Background: Advocacy for children is an essential part of pediatric medical practice. The rights of children receiving medical care should be protected while accommodating each individual’s attributes. The current study aimed to identify the policies and practices on medical care and children’s rights based on a survey conducted at 907 hospitals and clinics in 2016 by the Kanto Bar Association.Methods: The survey results were analyzed with the approval of the Kanto Bar Association. This research focused on the rights of children receiving medical care to make their own decisions and psychosocial factors involved in medical practice.Results: Explanation was actively provided to children receiving medical care. Moreover, support was found to be important in providing children with easy-to-understand explanations, assuring that consent was obtained from children, and assessing psychosocial factors affecting decision-making. Improving the physical and human environment can promote and enable the voluntary participation of children. That is, information about the right to voluntary participation among children should be disseminated, medical staffs must be educated, medical fees should be evaluated, and professionals must be trained.Conclusions: This study recommends to protect the personal integrity and dignity of children receiving medical care by respecting them as individuals and ensuring their right to express opinion and self-determination.

Expert consensus on genetic testing and genetic counseling for children with congenital hyperinsulinemia (2023)

Expert consensus on genetic testing and genetic counseling for children with congenital hyperinsulinemia (2023)

Analisis Tingkat Kesulitan Guru Bimbingan Konseling dalam Memberikan Layanan BK di Sekolah Inklusif SMA Muhammadiyah Curup

The study aims to examine the implementation of Counseling Guidance (BK) services in an inclusive school, namely SMA Muhammadiyah Curup. This research is motivated by the need for ABK so that they can develop more optimally like other ordinary students. While ABK has problems with; the process of adjustment at school, school stigma on ABK is considered to reduce school quality, lack of ABK learning facilities, bullying behavior on ABK, and labeling report cards that read inclusive students. For this reason, BK teachers must be able to provide complex and specific BK services that are easily understood and implemented by ABK and ordinary. These students can unite ABK and ordinary students in learning.The research method used a descriptive qualitative approach with descriptive analysis, namely analyzing the problems of counseling teachers at SMA Muhammadiyah Curup, using in-depth interviews and observations of counseling teachers and students. For technical data validity with source and technique triangulation, then the data is verified and displayed descriptively.The research results show that: First; BK services with a classical format can be applied to all students, Second; Counseling for children with mental retardation and mild autism requires special training on measurable changes in behavior, with reinforcement or rewards. Third; the consistency of school collaboration with parents is very necessary in order to maintain independent behavior that has been formed with empathy from all parties. Fourth; It is easier for BK teachers to make ABK independent with the same disorder than those with various disorders. Fifth; BK teachers don't understand sign language, Braille writing, and other unique things about ABK.

Climate Change Imperils Pediatric Health: Child Advocacy Through Fossil Fuel Divestment.

Climate change poses an existential threat to children's health. Divestment of ownership stakes in fossil fuel companies is one tool available to pediatricians to address climate change. Pediatricians are trusted messengers regarding children's health and therefore bear a unique responsibility to advocate for climate and health policies that affect children. Among the impacts of climate change on pediatric patients are allergic rhinitis and asthma; heat-related illnesses; premature birth; injuries from severe storms and fires; vector-borne diseases; and mental illnesses. Children are disproportionately affected as well by climate-related displacement of populations, drought, water shortages, and famine. The human-generated burning of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere and cause global warming. The US healthcare industry is responsible for 8.5% of the nation's entire greenhouse gases and toxic air pollutants. In this perspectives piece we review the principle of divestment as a strategy for improving childhood health. Healthcare professionals can help combat climate change by embracing divestment in their personal investment portfolios and by their universities, healthcare systems, and professional organizations. We encourage this collaborative organizational effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Classroom Teachers Role in Implementing Guidance and Counseling for Children with Aggressive Behavior

The class teacher is a teacher in a school who has the task of teaching various subjects. In addition to their duties in providing learning, class teachers also have responsibilities that must be carried out, namely, carrying out guidance and counselling. This study aims to describe the classroom teacher's role in implementing guidance and counselling for mentally disabled children who behave aggressively at a private Special School (SLB) in Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia. This study is a descriptive qualitative research. The subjects in this study were 4 class teachers and 2 parents of students with mental retardation who behaved aggressively. Data collection techniques in this study include observation techniques, interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques in this study used qualitative data analysis, which consisted of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results of this study indicate three role of class teacher in implementing guidance and counselling for mentally disabled children who behave aggressively, namely as an informant, namely providing information related to learning, guidance and counselling as well as the values of life that apply in the social environment; as a facilitator namely facilitating student needs such as understanding student learning skills, providing actions that are following students' interests and talents, facilitating learning facilities and infrastructure; and as a mediator, namely being an intermediary in overcoming learning difficulties and student development problems.

Penyuluhan Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat di Kecamatan Minasatene Kabupaten Pangkajene Kepulauan

Clean and healthy living behavior is a behavior that is practiced by students, teachers and the school community on the basis of awareness as a result of learning, so that independently they are able to prevent disease, improve their health, and play an active role in creating a healthy environment. Early learning given at school age helps in instilling awareness of the importance of cleanliness as an effort to maintain health. School-age children are a critical age group, because at that age a child is vulnerable to health problems. In addition to being vulnerable to health problems, school-age children are also in a condition that is very sensitive to stimuli so that they are easily guided, directed and instilled good habits, including clean and healthy living habits. Community service activities in Biraengng Village, Minasatene District, Pangkep Regency were carried out well in one meeting, namely on May 16 2023 which was attended by around 35 participants. Participants in this service are school-age children. This PKM aims to provide information for students about PHBS at SD Negeri Pangkep. The implementation method is carried out with counseling and simulations on how to wash hands and brush your teeth properly. PHBS counseling for school children at Pangkep Public Elementary School ran smoothly, all participants were very enthusiastic about participating in this PKM activity.

Running Head: Child Advocacy for Rape Victims in Kecapi Bay Village

Purpose: Many violent cases experienced by children and officers' lack of law enforcement become a reason for poor justice. Each case needs advocacy. Theoretical framework: Social advocacy needs to be done by those who deal with child victims of physical abuse. Method: This research is qualitative research with a simple description. A descriptive method is used in research on a human, an object, a set of conditions, a system, a group's mindset, a system, or a current situation that aims to obtain a systematically actual and accurate description, picture of facts and characteristics and their correlation with an observed phenomenon. Result and Conclusion: This research involves psychology services. It is helpful for the trauma recovery of victims who experience abuse effects directly and indirectly. During the break time situation at SDN (Public Elementary School), 16 Pemulutan is crowded with students. They also usually play various games in the yard. A reason for sexual abuse is parents’ lack of control over their children. Childhood is when everything the children see, hear, and read influences their future, positively or negatively. Research implication: Therefore, researchers prevent the situation by giving religious education to the children. Religious education from as early as possible has a very relevant impact so that it can avoid deviant actions. Originality/value: The result of this research that became Novelty lies in how parents should be fully responsible for assisting in children's daily lives at the age of adolescence so that they can avoid unlawful acts.

The importance of youth perspectives in understanding perceptions of safety and outcomes in group homes

Child mental health practitioners and advocates have raised concerns about the use of group homes for youth with mental and behavioral health concerns. However, little is known about what factors contribute to the tremendous variation in youth outcomes following group home care. The current study draws from a large-scale, quasi-experimental, NIMH-funded study of group homes in a southeastern state. This study uses data from interviews with guardians, youth, and group home staff to understand the experiences of 554 diverse youth staying in 44 group homes across 14 agencies. Pre- and post-behavioral and mental health outcomes were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Youth were asked to assess staff caring, fairness, pleasantness, and teaching as well as overall group home safety.Youth behavioral and mental health improved between admission and discharge. Most youth felt that staff were certainly fair, caring, pleasant, and teaching them things. A small but meaningful portion of children reported feeling unsafe. Youth perception of the staff as caring and fair and the group home as safe in their first interview significantly predicted improved behavioral and mental health at discharge. To date this is the only study examining youth’s prospective assessment of group home treatment quality on their later treatment outcomes. Along with the broader literature, these findings imply that building trusting, safe relationships with youth should be a top priority and suggests youth perspectives should be a valuable part of staff and safety assessments.

Vigorously promote the research on diagnosis, treatment and genetic counseling of children with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

先天性低促性腺激素性性腺功能减退症（CHH）是罕见的影响青春期发育和成年期生育的疾病。述评通过儿童期开展CHH诊治的意义、面临的困难、遗传学研究助力儿童CHH诊断及未来的研究方向4个方面呼吁从事儿童性腺疾病诊疗的医师进行更多和深入的大型临床研究以获得更多证据，为减少性腺疾病对患儿心理、骨代谢及成年期心血管风险等的影响，为成年期生育力提升提供更多保障，为家庭避免再发生此类疾病提供背景知识。.

Parental Rights Laws and the Impact on Mental Health Services and Counseling for Adolescents.

Parental Rights Laws and the Impact on Mental Health Services and Counseling for Adolescents.

Community perceptions of vaccine advocacy for children under five in rural Guatemala.

Historically, partnerships with community leaders (e.g., religious leaders, teachers) have been critical to building vaccination confidence, but leaders may be increasingly vaccine hesitant. In rural Guatemala, the extent of vaccine hesitancy among community leaders is unclear, as are their perceptions of advocacy for childhood vaccines. We sought to: (i) compare Guatemalan religious leaders' and community leaders' attitudes toward childhood vaccines, (ii) describe leaders' experiences and comfort with vaccination advocacy, and (iii) describe community members' trust in them as vaccination advocates. In 2019, we surveyed religious leaders, other community leaders, and parents of children under five in rural Guatemala. We recorded participant demographic information and assessed participant vaccine hesitancy regarding childhood vaccines. We analyzed data descriptively and via adjusted regression modeling. Our sample included 50 religious leaders, 50 community leaders, and 150 community members (response rate: 99%); 14% of religious leaders and community leaders were vaccine hesitant, similar to community members (P = 0.71). In the prior year, 47% of leaders had spoken about vaccines in their formal role; 85% felt responsible to do so. Only 28% of parents trusted politicians "a lot" for vaccine advice, versus doctors (72%; P < 0.01), nurses (62%; P < 0.01), religious leaders (49%; P < 0.01), and teachers (48%; P < 0.01). In this study, religious leaders and community leaders were willing but incompletely engaged vaccination advocates. Most community members trusted doctors and nurses a lot for vaccination advice; half trusted teachers and religious leaders similarly. Public health officials in rural Guatemala can complement efforts by doctors and nurses through partnerships with teachers and religious leaders to increase vaccination confidence and delivery.

536 Firework Injuries in Pediatric Patients: A 15 Year Review

Abstract Introduction The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated that 15,600 firework-related injuries were treated in US hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2020 and that there has been a trend of increased injuries from 2005-2020. The goal of this project was to look at the experience of one center with a large referral network, to identify trends and opportunities. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed to analyze data points including mechanism, age, sex, TBSA, injury locations, procedures performed, outcomes and complications length of stay, and services involved. The burn registry was utilized to identify cases throughout a 15-year period. Results During this period, 24 pediatric patients required admission for firework injuries. Eighty-four percent were males compared to 16% in females. Most injuries (67%) occurred while the patient was holding the firework and lighting it as opposed to being struck by a firework. Most of the injuries had small TBSA percentages (84% &amp;lt; TBSA of 15). In addition, most were referred from outside facilities. Most common sites of injury included the hands and face, followed by the eyes. Sixty percent of patients required operative intervention for their injuries, some requiring multiple surgeries. The average length of stay was 2 days, while 8 patients stayed longer than 5 days. Ninety-two percent were admitted to the burn service with additional specialty consultants. Most children required multiple follow up visits. Conclusions Firework related injuries in children result in significant injury often requiring surgical procedures along with a long outpatient treatment course. This work highlights a need for continued advocacy, education, an intervention. This program uses a curriculum and process for children who are injured due to setting fires. The program is evaluating a similar model of intervention and 1:1 counseling for children injured due to fireworks. Applicability of Research to Practice This project is applicable to practice as it highlights the continued opportunity for intervention and prevention for firework related injuries. The trends are not decreasing, and the injuries are significant. Evaluation of a model for youth who have fireworks related injuries, similar to the youth fire-setting program, would be a beneficial next step.

CHILD ABUSE IN PAKISTAN: SOCIETAL FACTORS AND ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS

Child abuse is on the rise in Pakistan and the major reason can be attributed to the unawareness of the people about religious teachings and guidelines regarding the treatment and rearing of the children. Moreover, there is an apprehension that they do not have knowledge and access to social welfare institutions working for the counselling, rescue and rehabilitation of children. One important factor may be that they are not considering the severity of the act and its implications for a child’s life, nor do they wish to address it considering its severity. A survey was conducted to seek answers to these questions and a scale was designed to get the responses. Lahore Division including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahab was identified as population and 200 responses were collected and analyzed, both qualitatively and quantitatively, which reflects that generally people are aware of the rising menace of child victimization, and they take child sexual abuse as the worst form of all abuses. Majority of the respondents stated that there are injunctions in Islam regarding children and equally the similar proportion also admitted that those injunctions are not being propagated. Children are not a priority by many as gauged from the responses. Mostly of the respondents agreed that there are injunctions in Islam regarding children and mosque can play its role to bring about a change in the treatment of children by disseminating religious teachings. Research instrument was designed on personal and social level; therefore, it can be resolved through concerted efforts of individuals and institutions.

Content Analysis of Child and Adolescent Counseling Outcome Studies in Counseling Journals

ABSTRACT This content analysis provides an overview of articles specific to outcome-based research on children and adolescents in the counseling field published in the American Counseling Association (ACA), American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and American Mental Health Counseling Associated (AMHCA) affiliated journals between the years 2012 and 2021. Results indicated that minimal articles (133 articles or 3.11%) were outcome research examining efficacy of counseling interventions across community and school settings with most of interventions being evidence-based and group-based, and the target outcome being prosocial behavior. Of 133 articles, Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling is the most prevalent journal that published outcome research with children and adolescents (18.45%), followed by Journal of Specialist in Group Work (12.97%), and Professional School Counseling (7.04%). The paper concludes with a discussion of limitations and recommendations for future research.

The Randomized Controlled Trial and Child Counseling Interventions: The Why and the How

ABSTRACT Counselors are ethically bound to facilitate counseling interventions supported by rigorous research methods. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs are considered the gold standard of credible quantitative designs in the determination of evidence-based counseling interventions. The purpose of the current article is to present rationale to promote the implementation of RCTs in the field of child and adolescent counseling and to further provide step-by-step actions that illustrate the procedures involved in conducting RCTs.