Youth Safety Research Articles

Vulnerable Youth and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

* Abbreviations: COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease of 2019 LGBTQ — : lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning Vulnerable pediatric populations (including youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning [LGBTQ]; homeless; maltreated; in foster care; and struggling with substance use disorders) warrant particular consideration during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is likely that stay-at-home orders, combined with increased economic instability and family pressures, will increase their risks for harm and, in some cases, may make it untenable (and potentially dangerous) for them to shelter in place. Simultaneously, safety nets that protect youth (child protective services, medical and mental health providers, and educators) have fewer staff available or are inaccessible because of the COVID-19 crisis. These conditions highlight how morbidity and mortality in vulnerable pediatric populations will likely extend beyond the pandemic itself. For some children and youth, home can be isolating and, in some cases, dangerous. Adverse childhood experiences, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, are common, with an estimated 678 000 children and adolescents experiencing maltreatment in 2018, and young children are at highest risk for serious harm.1 These risks increase for specific populations. Indeed, LGBTQ and gender nonconforming youth (up to 16% of all youth) are at far higher risk of experiencing physical and sexual abuse, with the level of gender nonconformity predictive of … Address correspondence to Rachel I. Silliman Cohen, MD, Child Abuse Research Education and Service Institute, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, 42 E Laurel Rd, Stratford, NJ 08084. E-mail: sillimancohen{at}rowan.edu

K-12 Health Education, Health Communication, and Health Literacy: Strategies to Improve Lifelong Health.

To promote a health literate K-12 population, this chapter focuses on intersections of Health Literacy (HL), Health Education (HE) and Health Communication (HC) and urges collaborations among professionals from these disciplines as well as with stakeholders who share their interests and concerns. Core definitions and evolutionary highlights of these disciplines are presented, as well as their intersection and promise of impact on student academic and health outcomes. The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model is used as an example of a framework embraced by education and health experts to help students become health literate. Internal and external stakeholders, models of what works, resources and strategies for developing or strengthening school health and health communication practice are presented. Selected contemporary threats to the social and emotional health and safety of youth are reviewed; as are successful, evidence-based, collaborative HE, HC, and HL programs and strategies. Finally, recommendations for future research and strategic actions in combining HE and HC for HL are discussed to empower, build resilience, and improve the lifelong health of children and adolescents as they become adults.

E-LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES IN PROMOTING YOUTH SAFETY

In today's changing environment, with different risks and threats, there is a need to find new ways to educate young people about existing security threats, both physical and virtual. To facilitate this, it is necessary to regularly improve the knowledge of various members of the society on various safety issues. By timely educating members of the society about the various possible unsafe situations and risks, its members will be prepared for an unsafe situation and will know what to do, thus avoiding unnecessary chaos and panic. In addition, it should be understood that today's new opportunities for e-learning and its processes, are reasons to revise the pedagogical process as such, as e-learning platforms can achieve a more personal effect rather than make the learner feel like one small and unimportant part in the audience. Although there may be a loss of personal contact between the teacher and the learner, but the interaction in the large audience is minimal as well. For this purpose, analysis and evaluation of documents, scientific, pedagogical and psychological literature was carried out, as well conclusions were summarized on the possible impact of e-learning technologies on the promotion of youth safety.

Impact of perception of safety on outcomes in the context of trauma

Youth safety is an essential component of trauma-informed services (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2020). Youth perception of safety should be indicative of a healthy care environment and contribute to successful outcomes. It has been shown that trauma impacts an individual’s perception of and response to perceived threat. This study examines the relationship between youth perception of safety, history of trauma, level of aggression, and outcomes in a residential care setting. Data came from the organization’s administrative database and from the care provider certification measures collected during the period of January 2016 through December 2018. Trauma exposure and symptoms, the perceived safety and aggression were used in a mediational path model analysis in predicting goal attainment, program completion, and post-discharge placement. Higher levels of youth trauma were not directly associated with poorer outcomes, and higher percentages of goals met when program supervisor perception of safety was higher. Additionally, trauma symptoms were related to lower rates of program completion when youth perception of safety was higher. Results provide insight into how trauma, perception of safety, and aggression within a residential placement intersect to impact the youth’s treatment progress.

Readiness and Relationships Are Crucial for Coalitions and Collaboratives: Concepts and Evaluation Tools

AbstractCollaboration is identified as an essential component for the successful implementation of a wide range of policies and programs. A major collaboration challenge, particularly in large community initiatives, is the need for multiple organizations to develop strategic partnerships around a shared purpose. Due to the importance of collaboration in achieving desired outcomes, the readiness of organizations to collaborate, and the quality of relationships between organizations are key, particularly in the formation stage. This is especially true of community coalitions, where collaboration requires comprehensive planning, shared decision‐making among stakeholders, and a high level of productivity and quality of relationships based on trust and mutual respect. In this chapter, we present two evidence‐based frameworks and evaluation tools that can be used to assess and build readiness and high‐quality relationships in efforts to improve community outcomes. This is illustrated in a case example of a new community coalition focused on increasing youth safety and improving police‐community relationships in a high crime neighborhood. Implications and lessons learned are discussed.

Can Children Be Safe if Their Caregivers are Not?: Reflections on the “Promise” Study of Workforce Issues in a Residential Treatment Center for Children

ABSTRACT This article reviews findings from a recent ethnographic study of the workforce in a residential treatment center for children. Major threats to workers’ physical safety and psychosocial well-being were documented, including client violence and intensive and threatening regulatory oversight of practice. I show how, in this setting, the effects of client violence against workers and attempts to comply with the regulatory policy appear to have had unintended negative consequences for the safety of youth in care, as well as their caregivers. I argue that attempts to improve safety and the perception of safety for youth in care require a systemic understanding of how violence and its regulation affect the milieu as a whole, with attention to the well-being of both children and workers. I conclude with suggestions for how organizations can maximize safety for all.

Preventing Firearm Violence in Youth Through Evidence-Informed Strategies.

Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults (AYA) aged 12-24years in the U.S. The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) believes that a comprehensive approach addressing firearm access for AYA can decrease the morbidity and mortality that AYA experience due to firearms. SAHM's position paper builds on the 2005 position statement, the scientific literature, and expert opinion. SAHM believes that the safest home for AYA is one without firearms. If firearms are present, they must be stored unloaded, locked up, with ammunition locked and stored separately. SAHM supports legislative efforts at the local, state, and national levels that focus on sensible laws proven to decrease 1: mortality from firearms; 2: the availability of illegal firearms; and 3: the availability of firearms to individuals who should not possess firearms, such as children and those with suicidal ideation. Clinicians across disciplines working with AYA can affect change by screening AYA and their parents for the presence of firearms in their home and environment; administering safe storage counseling to all, including those without firearms in their homes; and facilitating distribution of safe storage devices-lock boxes or cable locks, including when possible through the clinic setting. Clinicians should pay particular attention to higher risk situations, such as youth with suicidal ideation, to convey the risk that firearms pose. Finally, as part of a comprehensive approach that values scientific evidence, SAHM supports the expansion of research on firearms and youth safety through federal agencies and encourages firearm risk reduction education for all health care providers.

It’s my safe space: The life-saving role of the internet in the lives of transgender and gender diverse youth

Background: Public awareness of Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) identities has grown significantly; however, acceptance and support remain elusive for many TGD youth. Resultant experiences of marginalization and stigmatization contribute to elevated rates of psychological distress and suicidality among TGD youth. Emergent evidence suggests that the internet may offer TGD youth safety, support, and community previously unavailable.Aim: The primary aim of this qualitative inquiry is to engage in an in-depth exploration of the online experiences and processes which help protect against psychological distress and promote well-being among TGD youth.Methods: Data were culled from a mixed-methods, online study of sexual and gender minority youth from across the United States and Canada which followed Institutional Review Board approved protocols. Participants for this study represent a sample (n = 260) of TGD participants aged 14–22 (x̄ = 17.30). Data were analyzed using Charmaz’ grounded theory strategies.Results: Data revealed that the internet offers TGD youth affirming spaces that, for the most part, do not exist in their offline lives. Online, TGD youth were able to engage meaningfully with others as their authentic selves, often for the first time. These experiences fostered well-being, healing, and growth through five processes: 1. Finding an escape from stigma and violence, 2. Experiencing belonging, 3. Building confidence, 4. Feeling hope, and 5. Giving back.Discussion: The unique and innovative ways in which participants use online spaces to foster resilience offer important insights to inform affirmative practices with TGD young people.

Вопросы безопасности молодежи в условиях меняющегося окружения современного мира

Вопросы безопасности молодежи в условиях меняющегося окружения современного мира

Вопросы безопасности молодежи в условиях меняющегося окружения современного мира

Вопросы безопасности молодежи в условиях меняющегося окружения современного мира

Cyberagresja jako zjawisko zagrażające bezpieczeństwu cyfrowemu dzieci i młodzieży

<p>Artykuł dotyczy rozważań nad zjawiskiem cyberagresji w kontekście zagrożenia bezpieczeństwa cyfrowego dzieci i młodzieży. Jest to problem, którego muszą być świadome wszystkie osoby korzystające z internetu, w tym nauczyciele, aby mogli skutecznie realizować działania zwiększające kompetencje cyfrowe młodego pokolenia. Głównym celem opracowania było przedstawienie skali zjawiska cyberagresji oraz zaprezentowanie badań dotyczących świadomości występowania tego problemu wśród nauczycieli szkół gimnazjalnych z terenu miasta Opole.</p>

Does Equine Assisted Learning Create Emotionally Safe Learning Environments for At-Risk Youth?

Equine assisted learning (EAL) is a form of experiential learning that is quickly growing in interest within the educational community. A challenge with experiential learning programs for at-risk youth is creating an emotionally safe environment that opens up the participants to learning. Nevertheless, EAL has been credited with the development of life skills in youth that promote educational achievement, but research tracking the development of emotional safety and learning, specifically associated with programming dedicated to educating participants about the horse, is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if EAL, with programming centered around equine education, will promote emotional safety and learning in at-risk youth. Youth labeled as at-risk participated in a 4-week EAL session focused on teaching participants horse behavior, management, handling, and riding, while incorporating the 4 themes of emotional safety (self-esteem, personal security, respect, and connectivity). To determine participant learning of the equine topics covered, a pre- and post-program test was given to each participant. Acquirement of the themes of emotional safety was tracked for each participant using weekly debriefing interviews. While this was the first time to perform this assessment protocol for evaluating learning and emotional safety in at-risk youth, the completion rate for both forms of assessment utilized in this study was 100%. Evaluation of debriefing interview answers and test scores from the equine knowledge questions showed improvement by the end of the session in both equine knowledge and emotional safety, particularly as it relates to personal security. These results suggest EAL, with programming directed towards educating the participant about the horse, promotes emotional safety and learning for at-risk youth.

The contribution of school safety to weight-related health behaviors for transgender youth

IntroductionThe aim of the present study is to examine gender identity disparities in different kinds of weight-related health behaviors, including physical activity, participation in physical education at school, and healthy and unhealthy eating habits, and to investigate the relationship between school safety and such behaviors in a sample of transgender and non-transgender students. MethodWe analyzed a statewide sample of 31,609 students (Mage = 14.04, SD = 1.70; 1.1% transgender). We used multilevel regression models to examine the interactive effects of gender identity and perceptions of school safety on the 4 different outcome variables (physical activity, physical education, healthy and unhealthy eating habits). All models included student- and school-level characteristics as controls. ResultsFindings indicated that transgender students, when compared to non-transgender students, reported (a) feeling less safe at school; (b) more physical activity, but less participation in physical education at school; and (c) both more healthy as well as unhealthy eating behaviors. Adjusted regression models showed a significant interaction between gender identity and perceived school safety on healthy eating behaviors; simple slopes indicated that transgender students have healthier eating behaviors when the school context is perceived as safe compared to those who perceived the school as less safe. ConclusionsSchool interventions are needed to improve school safety for transgender youth and to reduce gender identity-related disparities in healthy eating and physical activity. Research implications and limitations are discussed.

청소년 안전에 대한 새로운 경찰활동 모색 -Nexus Policing을 중심으로-

청소년 안전에 대한 새로운 경찰활동 모색 -Nexus Policing을 중심으로-

A moderated-mediated model of youth safety

PurposeWorkplace injury and death of young persons are important concerns. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the mediating role of safety behaviours underpinning the relationship between perceived safety climate (PSC) and injuries, and the moderating roles of safety-specific transformational leadership (SSTL), general transformational leadership (GTL) and training in influencing the mediation, for young workers.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory, online questionnaire was completed by 367 university students employed in various industries. Data were analysed using moderated mediation.FindingsSafety behaviours mediated the relationship between PSC and injuries. SSTL moderated the relationship between PSC and safety behaviours, but GTL did not. Training did not positively moderate the relationship between safety behaviour and injuries, yet may still inform us on the training by referent others since safety behaviour mediated the relationship between PSC and injuries when SSTL, GTL and training were high.Research limitations/implicationsA student sample was utilised, but was appropriate in this context as it is representative of the type of workers being studied. Longitudinal data with larger diverse data sets should be incorporated.Practical implicationsBusiness owners must utilise both forms of leadership to promote a safe workplace. HR and H&S professionals must continue to encourage this promotion.Social implicationsSafety training and leadership are important for policy makers and regulators to reduce workplace injuries for youth workers.Originality/valueThis study is the first to test youth H&S using moderated mediation. Safety specific and general forms of leadership and training are important predictors.

Implementation of Safety Standards for Youth Sports Leagues: The "Safe Stars" Example in Tennessee.

Discuss the implementation of the nation's first statewide standardized youth sports safety program and review the current culture and status of youth sports which led to its development. Descriptive. State of Tennessee. The "Safe Stars" Initiative. Provide a summary of the process of devising, developing, and deploying a set of evidence-based and best practice criteria to improve the health, safety, and well-being of youth athletes. Safe Stars provides a structured opportunity for every child to play sports and develop successful habits and skills for life while safely doing so. We intend for this to serve as a roadmap for others to adopt and institute a statewide philosophy that emphasizes the importance of a safe, positive, and high-quality experience for children while holding their respective youth sports communities accountable for its achievement. Currently, very few leagues meet the recommended minimum standards of safety. Continued advancement of strategic partnerships as well as research into the program's impact on sports participation, health, and safety will be some of the critical next steps in realizing the full value of this program.

Child, Family, and Case Characteristics Associated With Reentry Into Out-of-Home Care Among Children and Youth Involved With Child Protection Services.

Many children and youth with child protection services (CPS) involvement enter out-of-home care. The aims of this study were to examine rates of reentry and risk factors associated with reentry into out-of-home care among children and youth involved in the child protection (reported for abuse/neglect) and youth-in-conflict (reported for behavioral issues) programs. This study used administrative data from Colorado's Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System, which contains information on all children and youth who enter Colorado's CPS. Of the 14,461 children and youth in the child protection program and 2,353 children and youth in the youth-in-conflict program, 14.7% and 35.1%, respectively, reentered into out-of-home care. Families' prior history of CPS involvement and current CPS case characteristics better explained reentry into out-of-home care than child and family demographic characteristics alone. Understanding risk factors associated with reentry into out-of-home care is critical to inform the prevention of child maltreatment recurrence and ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and youth.

Systematic Review of Human Trafficking Educational Interventions for Health Care Providers

Human trafficking is a global population health threat. Trafficking minors threatens the safety and well-being of youth. Limited studies measure health care providers' awareness and attitudes toward trafficking. This systematic review synthesized retrospective and current knowledge and identified gaps in educational interventions aimed at increasing providers' awareness and attitudes toward trafficking. A systematic search of four databases identified peer-reviewed published papers between January 1, 2000 and September 1, 2018. The Cochrane Collaboration's Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews was followed. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. The Psychometric Grading Framework was used to assess the validity of instruments. Findings across studies (N = 7) reveal providers (mostly social workers and physicians) have low awareness of trafficking and can have negative attitudes toward victims. Multiphase educational approaches and use of content experts, including survivors, in developing interventions enhanced sustainability of outcomes. Targeting multidisciplinary health care teams, including nurses, enhanced interventions.

Intensive oversight of youth residential treatment: Staff perspectives on the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

Youth care workers in U.S. residential treatment centers (RTCs) provide 24-h care to youth whose significant psychosocial needs cannot be managed in a less restrictive setting. They have sometimes abused or neglected youth in their care. This study investigates staff perspectives on a new form of intensive oversight developed in New York State to prevent maltreatment of youth in care facilities. It asks: How does intensive oversight and investigation mandated by a state-run agency for the protection of people in care affect residential youth care workers in RTCs? Derived from a 15-month ethnographic study of an RTC serving a child welfare population conducted in 2015 and 2016, these results suggest that intensive oversight may have unanticipated consequences for RTCs, the youth care workforce, and youth in care. Consistent with other studies of regulation and surveillance in risk societies, participants reported that fear of prolonged and intimidating investigations, false allegations, and unavoidable violations of policy negatively affected their practice and contributed to staff turnover. Organizational consequences included serious staffing challenges and increased costs of overtime and administrative management of compliance. Some participants suggested that the form of intensive oversight studied here may have reduced the quality of care received by youth by disrupting therapeutic relationships, causing youth to be cared for by unfamiliar workers, and compelling workers to act defensively to prevent allegations rather than in the best interest of youth. We suggest that, under conditions of intensive oversight, youth care workers, like their clients, should be considered an at risk population whose well being is essential for the provision of high quality care. We conclude with modest recommendations to organizations and jurisdictions using or considering intensive oversight practices to protect the rights and safety of youth in RTCs.

Navigating Housing Instability and Substance Use: Hidden Tensions Facing Youth in Small Town America

Recent scholarship indicates that youth homelessness is a significant problem outside urban areas. However, previous studies have not examined how local contexts shape the experiences of youth who are homeless in rural areas and small towns with high rates of poverty and epidemic drug use. To address this gap, this analysis draws from two components of a large national study of homelessness among youth, using data collected in a small non-urban setting in the Northwest including (1) a subset of 41 (out of 215 nationally) in-depth interviews with youth and (2) a subset of 16 surveys (out of 523 nationally) with service providers. We explored availability of services and how youth navigate housing instability and the service landscape in small communities. We discovered that current or prior addictions sometimes posed risks to the safety of youth and compromised their ability to rely on family supports – a support proving critical in the absence of a formal service infrastructure. Our results suggest that youth experiencing housing instability in the context of high rates of drug use and limited formal services must often choose between meeting competing needs: a place to stay versus sobriety. We discuss the implications for policy, practice, and research.