| *** Please note that the first update of 2018 will be on 11 January after which our fortnightly service will resume. We would like to thank you for using the resources in this current awareness update in your valuable work this year.*** Annual update to school-age children and young people indicators On 5 December, the National Child and Maternal Health Intelligence Network published annual updates to a number of indicators related to school-age children and young people in the child and maternal health section of PHE's Fingertips tool. As a result, a number of indicators were updated for both these and other age groups for whom the indicators are relevant. Indicators which were updated include those about children killed and seriously injured (KSI) on England's road; admissions for asthma, diabetes and epilepsy; key stage 1 and 2 indicators; children in care including immunisation; and the youth justice system. Data is available at county council, unitary authority and clinical commissioning group level. Annual breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks after birth: 2016 to 2017 Annual breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks after birth statistics for 2016/17 were published on 29 November 2017. They are available on .GOV.UK Annual health visitor service delivery metrics: 2016 to 2017 Annual health visitor service delivery metrics were published on 29 November 2017 for 2016/17. The metrics currently cover the antenatal check, new birth visit, the 6 to 8 week review, the 12 month assessment and the 2- 2½ year assessment (including coverage of ASQ-3). Information is presented at a local authority, PHE and England level. They are available on .GOV.UK This eBulletin includes links to content from a range of different organisations. We do not accept responsibility for the availability, reliability or content of the items included in this eBulletin and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.
Developing local substance misuse safeguarding protocols (Public Health England) Information on developing local joint protocols between drug and alcohol services, and children and family services. The local practice examples document provides case studies from different local substance misuse commissioners and providers on how they are tackling child safeguarding issues related to substance misuse. It demonstrates how they are putting the drug strategy outcomes into practice. Drug and alcohol misuse commissioners can use these examples to help them develop their own local protocols. Information for food banks: Supporting pregnant women and families with infants (Baby Feeding Law Group) The Baby Feeding Law Group has recently published a Toolkit for Food Banks – Information for Food Banks: Supporting pregnant women and families with infants. This Toolkit aims to encourage organisers and volunteers working in food banks to ensure that food bank donations, and information given to mothers and families, do not inadvertently undermine breastfeeding and harm infant and young child health. Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges (Department for Education) Advice for schools and colleges on how to prevent and respond to reports of sexual violence and harassment between children. The DfE guidance covers: - what sexual violence and harassment is
- schools' and colleges' legal responsibilities
- a whole school or college approach to safeguarding and child protection
- how to respond to reports of sexual violence and sexual harassment
County lines: protecting vulnerable people from exploitation (Home Office) These infographic posters carry the strapline, 'Children are being exploited by gangs involved in drug crime. Know the signs to spot.' The Home Office is working with partners to raise awareness of county lines which is part of the cross-government approach to ending gang violence and exploitation. They have developed a range of materials to help statutory and non-statutory staff identify victims and report concerns to protect those exploited through this criminal activity. Working with schools to improve the health of school-aged children (Local Government Association) This LGA report showcases the work being done by schools and local authorities across the country to improve the health of children. Case studies are included on tackling mental and emotional health, mental health training for school staff, using a school garden to encourage healthy behaviours, using experts to deliver sex education, using digital technologies to engage pupils with school nursing, getting kids involved in the daily mile craze and using the national child measurement programme to tackle obesity. Financial framework for the Troubled Families Programme: January 2018 onwards (Department for Communities and Local Government) Information on the Troubled Families programme payment-by-results scheme for local authorities. This revised financial framework now includes the early help service transformation model and toolkit which was developed with local authorities and their partners and launched in November 2016. It takes effect from January 2018 and replaces previous versions. Information covered in this version of the financial framework also includes: - working with families
- claims and payment terms
- troubled family outcome plans
- spot checks
Unlocking a future: An independent evaluation of Project Future. (Centre for Mental Health) This is an evaluation of the ground-breaking Project Future, a partnership between Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust, the London Borough of Haringey and charity MAC-UK, and funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Centre for Mental Health has for three years evaluated Project Future's work with young marginalised men with experience in the criminal justice system, often labelled 'gang-affiliated' and who have had poor access to services.
The report finds that Project Future made young people feel safe, respected, accepted, given opportunities, empowered, supported and listened to. This enabled young people to see themselves in different ways, access new opportunities, and envision and work towards a "future self". And it was thought by the young people to enhance their mental and physical wellbeing, access to education, employment, training and services, and to reduce offending. Universal Credit guides (Department for Work and Pensions) Information about how Universal Credit is paid and the support it provides for people who are on a low income or out of work. Guidance includes a short film about universal credit, details of where it is available and guides about how it works tailored to different user groups including Information for families and Families with more than 2 children: information for claimants Universal Credit claimants will no longer be able to claim payment for a third child or any subsequent children who are born on or after 6 April 2017. Improving social mobility through education (Department for Education) The government's national plan - Unlocking Talent, Fulfilling Potential- sets out how the DfE will support children and young people to reach their full potential, regardless of background. They have published a schematic to show the framework for improving social mobility through education and delivery plans for the first 6 opportunity areas.
The plan focuses government reforms and funding on the people and places that need it most to level up opportunity and ensure no community is left behind, helping to make Britain a success as it prepares for life post-Brexit. One overarching ambition will focus on places and communities across the country that feel they have been 'left behind', because they have not yet seen the improvement that other parts of the country have already benefited from. A further four ambitions will cover the key life stages of people's education. Transforming children and young people's mental health provision: a green paper (Department of Health and Department for Education) This green paper sets out the ambition that children and young people who need help for their mental health are able to get it when they need it. The government is asking people for their views on a green paper setting out measures to improve mental health support for children and young people. The consultation (see bottom section within this update) is here until 2 March 2018.
Kinship care: state of the nation 2017 survey (Grandparents Plus) This survey shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by kinship carers – grandparents and other family members who've taken on the care of children who aren't able to live with their parents. The survey is based on a survey completed by over 650 kinship carers. This shows that despite many carers stepping in to care for children who would have otherwise gone into local authority care, only one in ten feel they're getting the support they need. Ending the criminalisation of children in residential care. Briefing two: best practice in policing (The Howard League for Penal Reform) The report has explored how good practice in the policing of children's homes can significantly reduce the unnecessary criminalisation of vulnerable children and demand on police resources. It follows their first briefing in July 2017 Ending the criminalisation of children in residential care. Cash or carry (Fatherhood Institute) This report is based on the most comprehensive review ever undertaken in Britain of decades of research into the roles of fathers in families, funded by the Nuffield Foundation. In it, the Fatherhood Institute recommends a radical shake-up of employment law to make it easier for fathers, as well as mothers, to care and earn for their families. Still no place like home (Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman) This follow-up report from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's 2013 report, No Place Like Home describes what they are seeing now when they investigate complaints about homelessness. The report gives local authorities best practice guidance to help councils get things right. It also offers councillors and scrutiny chairs a number of questions they can ask of their own authorities to ensure they challenge the number of families left in unsuitable accommodation for too long. Moving on up (National Network for the Education of Care Leavers) This study provides an overall picture of care leavers in higher education. It explored the educational pathways of all young people in England who were 16 in 2008, tracking whether or not they entered higher education by 2015. Online mental health support for young people (Education Policy Institute) This report prepared for mental health service provider XenZone by EPI, reviews the current literature on online counselling. Through an analysis of local data it also assesses how young people respond to the Kooth model, an online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform, before setting out recommendations for further research. Oral health of children in England: a call to action! (Archives of Disease in Childhood) Overview from Public Health England of the current status of children's oral health in England and a look at what works to address challenges and inequalities. Doctors, dentists and childrens teeth (Archives of Disease in Childhood) Editorial which introduces a series of articles that outline why childhood dental decay is everyone's business and the nature and extent of childhood oral health issues. Making obesity everybody's business: A whole systems approach to obesity (Local Government Association) This LGA briefing focuses on the Whole Systems Obesity programme, which will provide local authorities with a different approach to tackling obesity. This involves the whole local system of stakeholders, recognising that it is a problem that goes far beyond public health. The programme is exploring the evidence and local practice to develop guidance and tools to help councils set up a whole systems approach to obesity in their local area. Ofsted annual report 2016/17: education, children's services and skills (Ofsted) Ofsted's Annual Report presents their findings for the areas they inspect in early years childcare, schools, further education and skills and social care. National evaluation of the Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020: emerging findings (Department for Communities and Local Government) Reports from the Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020. The programme, which started in 2015 is based on a "whole family approach" to supporting families facing multiple adversities. Findings from Ipsos Mori case study research into the effects of the programme including staff experiences and how the programme was received by families themselves include: the programme is driving service transformation in local authorities; changing structures and processes, strengthening partnership working and promoting 'whole-family' working; Troubled families co-ordinators are providing effective leadership and improving multi-agency working; and families have appreciated the way family keyworkers took time to understand the family, build relationships and trust. Mental health services for post 16 students in England (House of Commons Library) This House of Commons briefing paper gives an outline of: recent studies on the mental health of students, Government mental health policy for students, support in further and higher education providers, the legal duties of providers and discusses issues raised. It finds that young adults aged 16–24 today are more likely than previous generations of young adults to experience mental health issues and the numbers of students reporting mental ill health is increasing. Prevalence and trends in overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence - Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study, with a focus on age 14 (Centre for Longitudinal Studies, UCL) Researchers from the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) at the UCL Institute of Education analysed information on more than 10,000 teenagers who are taking part in the Millennium Cohort Study.
The report reveals that although the same proportion of boys and girls were obese (20%), rates of overweight were slightly higher for girls (16%) than boys (13%). One in five young people born in the UK at the turn of the century was obese by the age of 14, and a further 15 per cent were found to be overweight. Rates of excess weight varied by country, with almost 40 per cent of young people in Northern Ireland overweight or obese, compared to 38 per cent in Wales, and 35 per cent in both Scotland and England. There was a clear link between young people's weight and their mothers' level of education. Almost 40 per cent of 14-year-olds whose mothers had only GCSE qualifications were overweight or obese, compared to 26 per cent of those whose mothers had a degree or higher qualifications. Early years provision quality (Department for Education) This research is part of the study of early education and development (SEED) which investigates the effects of early childhood education and care. This is a longitudinal study following almost 6,000 children in England from age two to age seven. The study was DfE funded and was undertaken by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), Action for Children, Oxford University and Frontier Economics. Structural characteristics of the setting (including adult to child ratios, staff qualifications and group size) were measured through a questionnaire. Process quality, including the quality of educational practices and experiences that support children's development, was measured through observations lasting half a day. The main aims of this report were to explore the: - differences in childhood education and care quality in different group settings
- relationship between the characteristics of a provider and the quality of care and education it offers
Saving Lives, improving mothers' care, lessons learned to inform maternity care from the UK and Ireland confidential enquiries into maternal deaths and morbidity 2013–15 (MBRRACE-UK) In this fourth annual Saving Lives, Improving Mothers' Care report, the latest Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity, the MBRRACE-UK collaboration reports on the care of 124 women who died during or after pregnancy in the UK and Ireland between 2013 and 2015, and 46 women who had severe illness in this period. In particular the care for women with severe epilepsy and women who had severe mental illness was examined, as well as the care for women who died.
A key finding was that forward planning of care and optimising medication doses for women with physical and mental health problems could make a major difference to women's risk of complications during and after pregnancy. In particular pregnant women and those who are planning pregnancy who are on medication should not discontinue their treatment without consulting a specialist. An infographic of the report is also available. Traffic pollution is linked to poor pregnancy outcomes (BMJ) In this BMJ editorial researchers report that air pollution from road traffic, but not traffic noise, is associated with low birth weight at term. The inference is that reducing exposure to air pollution from road traffic will not only improve the health of current adult populations, but has the potential to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in future generations too. UK poverty 2017 (Joseph Rowntree Foundation) UK Poverty 2017 highlights that overall, 14 million people live in poverty in the UK – over one in five of the population. This is made up of eight million working-age adults, four million children and 1.9 million pensioners. 8 million live in families where at least one person is in work. Over the last 20 years, the UK has dramatically reduced poverty among people who had traditionally been most at risk – pensioners and certain types of families with children. But that progress is beginning to unravel; poverty rates for both groups have started to rise again. The analysis highlights that the three factors which have led to a fall in poverty and are now under question; state support for many of those on low incomes is falling in real terms, rents are increasing, and rising employment is no longer reducing poverty.
Findings show that the UK has seen falls in poverty among children over the period with the child poverty rate at its lowest level of 27% in 2011/12, but that the level has started to rise again reaching 30% in 2015/16, with almost 400,000 more children now living in poverty than in 2012/13. Growing up in kinship care: Experiences as adolescents and outcomes in young adulthood (Grandparents Plus) Grandparent's Plus has published a report on the experiences and outcomes for young people growing up in kinship care, compared with the progress of care leavers and their peers in the general population. Findings from interviews with 53 young people aged 16-26 who had lived in kinship care for at least two years and 43 kinship carers include: outcomes for young people in kinship care were generally better than those for young people in other types of care, but not as good as in the general population; and many carers did not feel well supported at the point that they took on their caring role. Beyond borders: How to make the global compacts on migration and refugees work for uprooted children' (UNICEF) This report highlights best practices for the care and protection of refugee and migrant children. The report includes practical examples of governments, civil society partners and host communities working to support and integrate uprooted children and their families. Refugee and migrant children are especially vulnerable to xenophobia, abuse, sexual exploitation, and lack of access to social services. It is imperative to have policies in place to protect them over the course of their journey, the report says.
The report presents successful case studies from around the world, including the implementation of minimum protection standards for refugee children in Germany, cross border child protection systems in West Africa, and finding alternatives to the detention of migrant children in Zambia. Other countries featured in the report include Afghanistan, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, South Sudan, Vietnam, Uganda and the U.S Voluntary sector action on the social determinants of health - evidence review (Institute of Health Equity) This evidence review was commissioned by the Health Foundation and developed in collaboration with New Philanthropy Capital. It provides a wide range of evidence demonstrating the impact of social determinants on health and identifies clear system levers that can be utilised by the voluntary sector to highlight the need for action, to approach potential new partners, and to work collaboratively across sectors. The report is designed to help charities that do not have a health focus understand the evidence about how their social interventions improve people's health. Their guide is underpinned by this in-depth evidence review and focuses on seven important social determinants of health; family, friends and communities, housing, education, good work, money and resources and our surroundings. The family section includes; maternal and infant health, the first year of life, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and family interventions. Reaching out: influencing the wider determinants of health (New Local Government Network) This report from NLGN calls for public health to be more fully recognised as contributing to our nation's growth potential. The research found that, while public health teams have integrated well with people-focused services in local authorities, there are weaker connections with economic development teams and Local Enterprise Partnerships. It concludes that the new Local Industrial Strategies now planned need to incorporate a much clearer focus on public health as a driver of workforce productivity. The research covers children's services, child and young people's mental health services and the Healthy Child Programme. Reception curriculum in good and outstanding primary schools: bold beginnings (Ofsted) This report looks at the Reception curriculum in successful schools and how well it prepared 4 and 5 year olds for the rest of their education and beyond. The research shows that a third of all 5 year olds are being failed by their reception experience. The picture for disadvantaged children is even worse, with nearly half of them failing to meet expected levels of development at this unique and important stage. Today's report highlights missed opportunities and the painful consequences of falling behind. This failure is not inevitable. The best schools show that it does not have to be the case. Headteachers in these schools ensure that all children, whatever their background, make great strides in their learning, particularly in reading, writing and using numbers Recessions have a lasting impact on employment and pay of young adults – but parents can provide an important safety net (Institute for Fiscal Studies) This report, published today by the IFS and funded by the Nuffield Foundation, shows that leaving education when the economy is weak can have lasting effects on your pay and employment – even once the wider economy has returned to normal. However, young adults' own pay and employment are not all that matters for their living standards: both the tax and benefit system and parental incomes can cushion the blow for many. Public health in Europe during the austerity years (International Longevity Centre) This report from the ILC-UK, investigates early warning signs that austerity will affect health outcomes for decades to come. The report was compiled by a team of researchers at ILC-UK on the basis of a series of independent data sources, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Eurostat and the International Monetary Fund. It indicates that progress on a number of key health indicators has stalled, including life expectancy and mortality rates. Levels of subjective health have fallen among young people aged 15 – 24 across Europe, and in all age-groups in the UK. In the UK, improvements to mortality rates fell by 63% during the austerity years (2009 – 13) compared to the preceding years (2004 – 08), and progress in life expectancy stalled during the same period. By comparison, improvements to mortality slowed by 26% across Europe, while progress in life expectancy remained stable. Cuts to preventative medicine in England, such as tobacco control programmes and sexual health services, were highlighted as austerity measures which could impact the health of young people decades into the future. Experts have suggested that preventative medicine has been the casualty of austerity measures as their impact is less visible to the public than cuts on hospitals and GPs. Reading and dyslexia in deaf children (City, University of London) In one of the largest studies of its kind, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, researchers from City, University of London found that over half of the deaf children involved who communicated using spoken language and four fifths of those who used sign language had reading difficulties at least as severe as those faced by hearing children with dyslexia, and in some cases they were more severe. Children's services: spending and delivery (Department of Education) Research from the Department of Education about local authority spending on children's services and related service adaptations. The November 2017 research update from Aldaba, commissioned by the Department for Education, includes: statistical analysis of information on spending by local councils; statistical analysis of the number of children in need and looked-after children; updated information for 2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016. Further child and maternal health data can be found on Public Health England's Fingertips tool. The child and maternal health section brings together a range of publicly available data, information, tools and resources. Find guidance on using these statistics and other intelligence resources to help you make decisions about the planning and provision of child and maternal health services on.GOV.UK. Substance misuse treatment in secure settings: statistics 2015 to 2016 (Public Health England) Alcohol and drug misuse treatment in prisons and other secure settings from PHE's national drug treatment monitoring system (NDTMS). Healthcare professionals can use these resources to understand the outcomes of alcohol and drug treatment services in secure settings in England the profile of adults and young people accessing alcohol and drug treatment services in secure settings. The data will help with planning, commissioning and improving services in prisons and other secure settings. Mental health services monthly statistics final September, provisional October 2017 (NHS Digital) This series has replaced the Monthly MHLDS reports. The scope has been broadened to include children and young people's mental health services and restructured to support waiting time measurement for specific services. This month includes the report on final data for September. Health Survey for England 2016 findings and trend tables (NHS Digital) The Health Survey for England series was designed to monitor trends in the nation's health; estimating the proportion of people in England who have specified health conditions, and the prevalence of risk factors and behaviours associated with these conditions. The surveys provide regular information that cannot be obtained from other sources. The surveys have been carried out since 1994 by the Joint Health Surveys Unit of NatCen Social Research and the Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at UCL.
Key findings include: - In 2016, 16% of children aged between 2-15 were obese and 12% overweight
- The proportion of children aged between 8-15 who smoked decreased from 18% boys and 20% girls in 1997, to 6% boys and 3% girls in 2016
- In 2016, 16% of children aged between 5-15 ate five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- 15% of children aged between 8-15 drink alcohol, a sharp fall from 45% in 2003
Youth custody data (Ministry of Justice and Youth Justice Board for England and Wales) Monthly statistics (for October 2017) on the population in custody of children and young people within the secure estate. Children growing up in the care of relatives in the UK (Hadley Centre, University of Bristol) This briefing paper from the Hadley Centre for Adoption and Foster Care Studies at the University of Bristol provides estimates on the number and characteristics of the children growing up with relatives in the UK. Analysis of microdata from the 2011 census finds that there are around 180,000 children growing up in the care of relatives in the UK. Substance misuse treatment for young people: statistics 2016 to 2017 (Public Health England) Alcohol and drug treatment data for under-18s from PHE's national drug treatment monitoring system (NDTMS). Findings from this update are summarised in PHE's 5 things to know about young people in drug and alcohol treatment issue of the Public health matters blog. Statistics on women's smoking status at time of delivery: England Quarter 2, July 2017 to October 2017 (NHS Digital) Results and trends from the women's smoking status at time of delivery (SATOD) data collection in England. The results provide a measure of the prevalence of smoking among pregnant women at Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and region levels. Health state life expectancies, UK: 2014 to 2016 (Office for National Statistics) Local and regional and national estimates of life expectancy and health state life expectancy at birth and age 65. This analysis supports the view that mortality improvements in the UK have slowed somewhat in the second decade of the 21st century. Children looked after in England including adoption: 2016 to 2017 (Department for Education) Information on looked-after children at both national and local authority levels for the financial year 2016 to 2017. The tables include statistics for: the placements of looked after children; looked after children subject to a special guardianship order; and outcomes for looked after children including offending rates, substance misuse and emotional and behavioural health. Maternity services monthly statistics July 2017, Experimental statistics (NHS Digital) July 2017 monthly publication of experimental statistics from the new Maternity Services Data set. The following analysis files are published within the zip file 'Additional experimental analysis using MSDS data' due to low data quality and completeness: - Delivery method by previous births for births in May 2017
- Delivery method by Robson group for births in May 2017
- Smoking status at delivery for births in April 2017
- Postpartum haemorrhage and other maternal critical incidents for births in April 2017
- Antenatal pathway level for bookings in May 2017
Young people profiles: 2017 update (Public Health England) The young people profiles bring together a range of indicators on the health of young people by local area. Developed by PHE's National Child and Maternal Health Intelligence Network, the indicators provide information on public health outcomes for young people, up to 24 years. The young people profiles are designed to give commissioners and providers a context to help them prioritise action for young people. Female Genital Mutilation Jul to Sep 2017 (NHS Digital) Cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) added to the FGM Enhanced Dataset collection platform between 1 July 2017 and 30 September 2017. England. Experimental statistics. The NHS Digital quarterly figures show that there were 1,060 newly recorded cases of FGM (fewer than the 1,255 in the previous quarter) in England from July to September 2017, of which 15 cases involved girls under the age of 18 (including five aged under 10) and 20 cases where FGM was undertaken in the UK. School-age children profiles: 2017 update (Public Health England) The school-age children profiles bring together a range of indicators on the health of school-aged children by local area. Developed by PHE's National Child and Maternal Health Intelligence Network, the indicators provide information on public health outcomes for children of school-age. The school-age children profiles are designed to give commissioners and providers a context to help them prioritise action for school-aged children. Conceptions to women aged under 18 in England and Wales: July to Sept 2016 (Office for National Statistics) Number of teenage pregnancies (conceptions to women aged under 18) by region and other local authority areas.
The full versions of some of these resources may only be available with a paid subscription. Contact your local library service or Athens account administrator to see if you are able to access them through your organisation. The association between natural environments and depressive symptoms in adolescents living in the United States (Journal of Adolescent Health) Purpose: Exposure to nature and natural environments may be beneficial for mental health; however, most population-based studies have been conducted among adults whereas few have focused on adolescents. This study investigated the relationship between both greenness (vegetation) and blue space (water), and depressive symptoms among teenagers in the United States. Conclusions: Surrounding greenness, but not blue space, was associated with lower odds of high depressive symptoms in this population of more than 9,000 U.S. adolescents. This association was stronger in middle school students than in high school students. Incorporating vegetation into residential areas may be beneficial for mental health. Program considerations for integration of nutrition and family planning: Beliefs around maternal diet and breastfeeding within the context of the nutrition transition in Egypt (Maternal & Child Nutrition) Background: In Egypt, rising maternal overweight and obesity is consistent with the transition to westernized diets and a growing reliance on energy-dense, low nutrient foods. Although the first 1,000 days of life are the focus of many programmes designed to prevent many forms of malnutrition, little attention has been paid to maternal dietary practices and weight gain during pregnancy. Conclusion: Health care providers should discuss limiting maternal consumption of low nutrient foods such as junk foods, soda, and teas during pregnancy and postpartum. Dietary counselling should accompany information on appropriate weight gain during pregnancy and exercise to prevent excessive weight gain, in the context of the nutrition transition. Blood pressure self-monitoring in pregnancy (BuMP) feasibility study; a qualitative analysis of women's experiences of self-monitoring (BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth) Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity worldwide. Raised blood pressure (BP) affects 10% of pregnancies worldwide, of which almost half develop pre-eclampsia. The proportion of pregnant women who have risk factors for pre-eclampsia (such as pre-existing hypertension, obesity and advanced maternal age) is increasing. Pre-eclampsia can manifest itself before women experience symptoms and can develop between antenatal visits. Incentives to improve early detection of gestational hypertensive disorders are therefore strong and self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) in pregnancy might be one means to achieve this, whilst improving women's involvement in antenatal care. The Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring in Pregnancy (BuMP) study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of SMBP in pregnancy. Conclusions: SMBP in pregnancy was both acceptable and feasible to women in this small pilot study. Mothers' experiences of a telephone based breastfeeding support intervention after discharge from neonatal intensive care units: a mixed-method study (International Breastfeeding Journal) Background: After discharge from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), many mothers of preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks) experience a lack of support for breastfeeding. An intervention study was designed to evaluate the effects of proactive (a daily telephone call initiated by a member of a breastfeeding support team) and/or reactive (mothers could call the breastfeeding support team) telephone based breastfeeding support for mothers after discharge from the NICU. The mothers in the intervention group had access to both proactive and reactive support; the mothers in the control group only had access to reactive support. The aim of this study was to explore the mothers' experiences of the proactive and reactive telephone support. Conclusion: There were positive aspects of both proactive (i.e., greater satisfaction and feelings of empowerment) and reactive support (i.e., the opportunity to call for support); however, the provision of reactive support alone may be inadequate for those with the greatest need for support as they are the least likely to access it. How can we make international comparisons of infant mortality in high income countries based on aggregate data more relevant to policy? (BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth) Background: Infant mortality rates are commonly used to compare the health of populations. Observed differences are often attributed to variation in child health care quality. However, any differences are at least partly explained by variation in the prevalence of risk factors at birth, such as low birth weight. This distinction is important for designing interventions to reduce infant mortality. This study suggests a simple method for decomposing inter-country differences in crude infant mortality rates into two metrics representing risk factors operating before and after birth. Conclusions: This study's suggested metrics can be used to guide policy decisions on preventing infant deaths through reducing risk factors at birth or improving the care of babies after birth. Aggregate data tabulated by birth weight/gestational age should be routinely collected and published in high-income countries where birth weight is reported on birth certificates. Adolescent health literacy and health behaviors: A systematic review (Journal of Adolescence) Objectives: To systematically review and synthesize literature on the relationship between health literacy and health behaviors in adolescents. Conclusions: The results suggest that there is a meaningful relationship between health literacy and adolescents' health behaviors. To fully understand the role of health literacy in adolescents' health decision-making, future research should use comprehensive definitions and measures of health literacy, and integrate health behavior and adolescent development theoretical frameworks in study design. How do late terminations of pregnancy affect comparisons of stillbirth rates in Europe? Analyses of aggregated routine data from the Euro-Peristat Project (BJOG) Objective: To describe how terminations of pregnancy at gestational ages at or above the limit for stillbirth registration are recorded in routine statistics and to assess their impact on comparability of stillbirth rates in Europe. Conclusions: Terminations represent a substantial proportion of stillbirths at 22+ weeks of gestation in some countries. Countries where terminations occur at 22+ weeks should publish rates with and without terminations in order to improve international comparisons and the policy relevance of stillbirth statistics. Positive parenting predicts cortisol functioning six years later in young adults (Developmental Science) Background: Research which indicates that adverse experiences influence hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning illustrates the social environment 'getting under the skin'. The present study extended this literature by examining whether positive social forces within the caregiving environment can also impact cortisol functioning. Findings suggest that positive aspects of the caregiving environment can also 'get under the skin' and these effects are additive across a range of caregiving indices. These findings dovetail with an emerging literature on the powerful role of social support for shaping the body's stress response system and are interpreted as consistent with the Adaptive Calibration Model which suggests that cortisol regulation can have adaptive significance. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/8evHXpt_TXM. Bidirectional associations between psychosocial well-being and adherence to healthy dietary guidelines in European children: prospective findings from the IDEFICS study (BMC Public Health) Background: In children the relationship between a healthy diet and psychosocial well-being has not been fully explored and the existing evidence is inconsistent. This study investigates the chronology of the association between children's adherence to healthy dietary guidelines and their well-being, with special attention to the influence of weight status on the association. Conclusion: Present findings suggest a bidirectional relation between diet quality and self-esteem. Additionally, higher adherence to healthy dietary guidelines at baseline was associated with fewer emotional and peer problems at follow-up, independent of children's weight status. Preschool children who are frequent attenders in emergency departments: an observational study of associated demographics and clinical characteristics (Archives of Disease in Childhood) Background: Unscheduled visits to emergency departments (ED) have increased in the UK in recent years. Children who are repeat attenders are relatively understudied. Aims: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of preschoolers who attend ED at a large District General Hospital. Conclusions: Frequent ED attenders fall broadly into two distinct clinical groups: those who habitually return with self-limiting conditions and those with or without exacerbation of underlying chronic long-standing illness (CLSI). Both groups may be amenable to both additional nursing and other forms of community support to enhance self-care and continuity of care. Further research is required to increase our understanding of specific individual family and health system factors that predict repeat attendance in this age group. Inequalities in the dental health needs and access to dental services among looked after children in Scotland: a population data linkage study (Archives of Disease in Childhood) Background: There is limited evidence on the health needs and service access among children and young people who are looked after by the state. The aim of this study was to compare dental treatment needs and access to dental services (as an exemplar of wider health and well-being concerns) among children and young people who are looked after with the general child population. Conclusions: Looked after children (LAC) are more likely to have dental treatment needs and less likely to access dental services even when accounting for sociodemographic factors. Greater efforts are required to integrate child social and healthcare for LAC and to develop preventive care pathways on entering and throughout their time in the care system. Catch-up growth and neurobehavioral development among full-term, small-for-gestational-age children: a nationwide Japanese population-based study (The Journal of Pediatrics) Objective: To examine the relationship between catch-up growth of full-term, small for gestational age (SGA) children and their neurobehavioral development. Conclusions: Continuous follow-up for full-term SGA infants with failure of catch-up growth or poor postnatal growth may be beneficial for early detection and intervention for behavioral problems. Grandparent support and mental and behavioural health in middle childhood (Social Development) Background: This study explored the significance of grandparents in middle childhood and assessed the level of grandparental support provided to children in relation to other social network members. The association between grandparental support and grandchildren's mental and behavioural health was also examined. Findings: Results indicated that subsequent to parents, children perceived grandparents as the most important and close relationship category. Furthermore, grandparents provided the highest levels of support to grandchildren after parents. Grandmothers provided more support than grandfathers. No associations between grandparental support and children's internalizing and externalizing behaviours were found. However, results revealed that grandparental support was positively associated with children's prosocial behaviour, independent of child gender, and the amount of support provided by other relationship categories (p = .04). Findings underscore a need for research to move beyond the nuclear family when considering potential influences on children's well-being. End user and implementer experiences of mhealth technologies for noncommunicable chronic disease management in young adults: systematic review (Journal of Medical Internet Research) Background: Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, and persistent musculoskeletal pain impose an escalating and unsustainable burden on young people, their families, and society. Exploring how mobile health (mHealth) technologies can support management for young people with NCDs is imperative. Conclusions: Synthesizing available data revealed both complementary and unique user perspectives on enablers and barriers to designing, developing, and implementing mHealth technologies to support young people's management of their chronic NCDs. Effect of financial incentives on breastfeeding. A cluster randomized clinical trial.(JAMA Pediatrics) Importance: Although breastfeeding has a positive effect on an infant's health and development, the prevalence is low in many communities. The effect of financial incentives to improve breastfeeding prevalence is unknown. Objective: To assess the effect of an area-level financial incentive for breastfeeding on breastfeeding prevalence at 6 to 8 weeks post partum. Conclusions and Relevance: Financial incentives may improve breastfeeding rates in areas with low baseline prevalence. Offering a financial incentive to women in areas of England with breastfeeding rates below 40% compared with usual care resulted in a modest but statistically significant increase in breastfeeding prevalence at 6 to 8 weeks. This was measured using routinely collected data.
Please find the Royal College of Midwifes response to this research and UNICEF's summary of this and related research on supporting breastfeeding interventions. Latent profiles of physical activity and sedentary behavior in elementary school-age youth: associations with health-related quality of life (Journal of Pediatric Psychology) Objective: The objectives were to identify and describe profiles of elementary school-age youth based on objective measurements of total time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) and in bouts of the activities, to examine predictors of profiles, and to examine whether profiles were differentially associated with physical and psychosocial health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Conclusions: Identification of these naturally occurring profiles suggests need for interventions early in development focused on increasing the intensity of physical activity from light to moderate-to-vigorous for at least 60 min per day as way to improve psychosocial HRQOL. An evaluation of Spanish and English on-line information sources regarding pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period (Midwifery) Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of web pages found by women when carrying out an exploratory search concerning pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and breastfeeding. Conclusion: In this study, web pages from established healthcare or academic institutions were found to contain the most reliable information. The significant number of web pages found in this study with poor quality information indicates the need for healthcare professionals to guide women when sourcing information online. As the origin of the web page has a direct effect on reliability, the involvement of healthcare professionals in the use, counselling and generation of new technologies as an intervention tool is increasingly essential. Can adolescent drivers' motor vehicle crash risk be reduced by pre-licensure intervention? (Journal of Adolescent Health) Purpose: Although motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for adolescents, there is a scarcity of research addressing adolescents' lack of pre-licensure practical driving experience, which is theorized to increase their post-licensure crash risk. Conclusions: Comprehensive on-road driving assessment (ODA) might be protective for adolescents; however, additional research is needed. Exploring the evidence base for Tier 3 specialist weight management interventions for children aged 2–18 years in the UK: a rapid systematic review (Journal of Public Health) Background: The impact of specialist weight management services (Tier 3) for children with severe and complex obesity in the UK is unclear. This review aims to examine the impact of child Tier 3 services in the UK, exploring service characteristics and implications for practice. Conclusions: Specialist weight management interventions for children with severe obesity demonstrated a reduction in zBMI, across a variety of UK settings. Studies were heterogeneous in content and thus conclusions on service design cannot be drawn. There is a paucity of evidence for Tier 3 services for children, and further research is required. Predictors and barriers to breastfeeding in north of Jordan: could we do better? (International Breastfeeding Journal) Background: Despite the ongoing recommendations for breastfeeding, researchers continue to see a decrease in exclusive breastfeeding among Jordanian women during infant follow up visits at the pediatric outpatient clinic. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, predictors and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in north of Jordan. Conclusions: In north of Jordan, the majority of women initiate breastfeeding, half practice exclusive breastfeeding after birth while one third continue for six months, particularly those with previous experience. Cesarean delivery and infant's hospitalization, together with maternal employment are among the main barriers. Implementing educational programs and lactation consultant counselling together with work environment support, should be helpful to improve the breastfeeding practice among Jordanian women. Sexual identity, adverse childhood experiences, and suicidal behaviors (Journal of Adolescent Health) Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the influence of sexual identity and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on suicidal behaviors in a population-based sample of high school students. Conclusions: Lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) students not sure of their sexual identity with greater exposure to ACEs have disproportionately high levels of suicide ideation and attempts. Trauma-informed interventions for these populations are warranted. Alcohol misuse and injury outcomes in young people aged 10–24 (Journal of Adolescent Health) Purpose: The burden of alcohol-attributable disease is a global problem. Young people often present to emergency health-care services with alcohol intoxication but little is known about how best to intervene at that point to improve future health outcomes. This study aimed to assess whether young people with an alcohol-specific hospital admission are at increased risk of injury following discharge. Conclusions: Young people with an alcohol-specific admission are at increased risk of subsequent injury requiring hospitalization, especially immediately post discharge, indicating a need for prompt intervention as soon as alcohol misuse behaviors are identified. Adolescent sexual risk taking: the distribution of youth behaviors and perceived peer attitudes across neighborhood contexts (Journal of Adolescent Health) Purpose: Sexual activity is a normative part of adolescent development, yet early sexual debut and sex with multiple partners undermine health and well-being. Both structural (e.g., poverty) and social (e.g., norms) characteristics of neighborhoods shape sexual risk taking, yet scholarship remains focused on urban areas. Thus, this study explores sexually permissive attitudes and sexual risk taking across a wider expanse of neighborhood types. Conclusions: Early sexual debut in adolescence is a public health issue with immediate and long-term implications. Adolescence unfolds in neighborhood environments, the characteristics of which may spur youth into such risk taking. Continued scholarship on sexual risks should consider further variations in the geographic distributions of such risks to investigate more fully their consequences. Feeding practices at discharge in very preterm infants: neonatal intensive care units make the difference (Breastfeeding Medicine) Objective: To assess the influence of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) on feeding practices at discharge of Portuguese very preterm infants. Conclusions: NICUs influence feeding practices independently of individual characteristics, highlighting the importance of institution-based interventions to promote breast milk. The role of fathers during breastfeeding (Midwifery) Objective: Identify fathers' perceptions of their role in a breastfeeding context. Key conclusions: Participating fathers perceived their role as much more complex than the limited role of breastfeeding facilitator that is usually attributed to them. Fathers saw themselves as stakeholders in decision-making relating to how their child was fed and they reacted to the imbalance created by breastfeeding. Their involvement occurred at several levels: that of their child, their spouse, and their family. Implications for practice: These results suggest that more attention should be given to fathers' roles in a breastfeeding context and more investigation is required into the extent to which health professionals, such as midwives and nurses, support fathers in managing these various roles and the challenges they entail. Childhood corporal punishment and future perpetration of physical dating violence (The Journal of Pediatrics) Objective: To test whether experiencing childhood corporal punishment is linked to later perpetration of dating violence. Conclusions: The finding that childhood corporal punishment was associated with perpetration of young adult physical dating violence, even after controlling for several demographic variables and childhood physical abuse, adds to the growing literature demonstrating deleterious outcomes associated with corporal punishment. Impact of London's road traffic air and noise pollution on birth weight: retrospective population based cohort study (BMJ) Objective To investigate the relation between exposure to both air and noise pollution from road traffic and birth weight outcomes. Conclusions: The findings suggest that air pollution from road traffic in London is adversely affecting fetal growth. The results suggest little evidence for an independent exposure-response effect of traffic related noise on birth weight outcomes. Could a remarkable decrease in leptin and insulin levels from colostrum to mature milk contribute to early growth catch-up of small-for-gestational-age infants? (BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth) Background: Breast milk is known to contain many bioactive hormones and peptides, which can influence infant growth and development. In this context, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different clinical pregnancy conditions on hormone concentrations in colostrum and mature breast milk. Conclusions: This study suggests that a remarkable decrease in leptin and insulin levels in mature milk of mothers of small-for-gestational-age newborns may be involved in the rapid weight gain of these newborns. The physiological and external mechanisms by which these significant decreases and rapid weight gains occur in this group remain to be elucidated. Fast food consumption and its associations with obesity and hypertension among children: results from the baseline data of the Childhood Obesity Study in China Mega-cities (BMC Public Health) Background: China has seen rapid increase in obesity and hypertension prevalence and fast food consumption over the past decade. Researchers examined the status and risk factors for Western- and Chinese fast food consumption and their associations with health outcomes in Chinese children, and examined how maternal factors were associated with child health outcomes. Conclusions: The prevalence of fast food consumption, obesity and hypertension is high among children in major cities in China. Maternal factors affect child outcomes. Evaluating smartphone-based virtual reality to improve Chinese schoolchildren's pedestrian safety: a nonrandomized trial (Journal of Pediatric Psychology) Objective: This nonrandomized trial evaluated whether classroom-based training in a smartphone-based virtual reality (VR) pedestrian environment (a) teaches schoolchildren to cross streets safely, and (b) increases their self-efficacy for street-crossing. Conclusions: Pedestrian safety training via smartphone-based VR provides children the repeated practice needed to learn the complex skills required to cross streets safely, and also helps them improve self-efficacy to cross streets. Given rapid motorization and global smartphone penetration, plus epidemiological findings that about 75,000 children die annually worldwide in pedestrian crashes, smartphone-based VR could supplement existing policy and prevention efforts to improve global child pedestrian safety. Trends in adolescent mental health during economic upturns and downturns: a multilevel analysis of Swedish data 1988-2008 (Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health) Background: A long-term trend of increasing mental health problems among adolescents in many Western countries indicates a great need to investigate if and how societal changes have contributed to the reported increase. Using seven waves of repeated cross-sectional data collected between 1988 and 2008 in Sweden, the current study examined if economic factors at the societal level (municipality unemployment rate) and at the individual level (worry about family finances), and their interaction could explain a secular trend in mental health problems. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the effects of adolescents' worry about family finances on a secular trend in mental health problems during an economically bleak period of time. The study highlights the need for repeated measurements including a large number of time points over a long time period in order to analyse time-specific putative explanatory factors for trends in adolescent mental health problems. Large reductions in cesarean delivery rates in China: a qualitative study on delivery decision-making in the era of the two-child policy (BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth) Background: In 2010, China's cesarean delivery (CD) rates increased to one of the highest in the world, a significant proportion of which were without medical indication. However, recent studies have indicated some declines, coinciding with national and local efforts to promote vaginal birth, as well as the relaxation of the one-child policy. Considering these trends, researchers aimed to qualitatively explore attitudes towards childbirth and experiences of delivery decision-making among women and physicians. Conclusion: In China, changes in family planning policy and efforts to promote vaginal birth have greatly changed the culture of delivery decision-making, leading to decreased CD rates. This demonstrates the powerful role social factors and public policy can play, and provides a model for other countries with high CD rates. Further research should explore changes in other reproductive decisions during this new multiparous era, particularly across provinces. Correlates of poor mental health in early pregnancy in obese European women (BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth) Background: Depression during pregnancy is associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality, and subsequent possible adverse effects on the cognitive, emotional and behavioral development of the child. The aim of the study was to identify maternal characteristics associated with poor mental health, in a group of overweight/obese pregnant women in nine European countries, and thus, to contribute to better recognition and intervention for maternal depression. Conclusions: Mental health problems are common in European overweight/obese pregnant women. The identified correlates might help in early recognition and subsequent treatment of poor mental health problems during pregnancy. This is important to reduce the unfavorable effects of poor mental health on pregnancy outcomes. Child sleep problems and internalizing and externalizing difficulties (JAMA Pediatrics) Question: Do bidirectional associations exist between child sleep problems and internalizing or externalizing difficulties that span key school transition periods from preschool age through early adolescence? Findings: This cohort study used data obtained every 2 years beginning when 4983 children aged 4 to 5 years were recruited for the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and found bidirectional associations between sleep problems and externalizing difficulties through ages 12 to 13 years. Although sleep problems were significantly associated with later internalizing difficulties, the reverse was not significant. Meaning: Future studies should determine whether interventions addressing sleep problems improve both internalizing and externalizing difficulties and whether interventions targeting externalizing (but not internalizing) difficulties improve sleep. Cost-effectiveness of cognitive therapy as an early intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents: a trial based evaluation and model (The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry) Background: Untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents is associated with a considerable economic burden on the health system, families and society. Recent research has demonstrated the potential efficacy of cognitive therapy as an early intervention for PTSD in children and adolescents. Children who experienced a single traumatic event in the previous two to six months and were randomized to cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) were significantly more likely to be PTSD-free compared to those randomized to usual care represented by waitlist control. The current study evaluated the economic impact of improvements in the treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence for the cost-effectiveness of cognitive therapy in this treatment population. Larger pragmatic trials with longer follow-up are indicated. Human papillomavirus vaccine-related risk perceptions do not predict sexual initiation among young women over 30 months following vaccination (Journal of Adolescent Health) Purpose: This study examined longitudinally the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine-related risk perceptions and initiation of sexual activity among adolescent women over 30 months after HPV vaccination. Conclusions: HPV vaccine-related risk perceptions were not associated with sexual initiation or age of sexual initiation, providing further support that HPV vaccine-related risk perceptions are unlikely to lead to riskier sexual behaviors. Health care utilization in the first month after birth and its relationship to newborn weight loss and method of feeding (Academic Pediatrics) Objective: Guidelines recommend closer outpatient follow-up for exclusively breastfed newborns, especially those with pronounced weight loss, because of increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia and dehydration that might require readmission. The objective of this study was to determine how feeding method and weight loss are associated with neonatal healthcare utilization. Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding and weight loss are each associated with increased neonatal healthcare utilization. Improving clinical management of exclusively breastfed neonates with pronounced weight loss might reduce healthcare utilization. Survivors of child maltreatment and postpartum depression: an integrative review (Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health) Introduction: An integrative review was performed to explore the relationship between a maternal history of child maltreatment and subsequent postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms. Results: Studies were varied in their designs, samples, and operational definitions of child maltreatment and PPD, and were low to moderate in quality. Results were inconsistent, but a majority suggest a positive association between a maternal history of child maltreatment and subsequent symptoms of PPD. Discussion: Child maltreatment and PPD are complex issues that require careful screening by women's health care providers and clearly defined operational definitions in future research. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed. An online calculator to estimate the impact of changes in breastfeeding rates on population health and costs (Breastfeeding Medicine) Objective: Researchers sought to determine the impact of changes in breastfeeding rates on population health. Conclusion: Modest increases in breastfeeding rates substantially impact healthcare costs in the first year of life. Sensitive periods for the effect of childhood interpersonal violence on psychiatric disorder onset among adolescents (The British Journal of Psychiatry) Background: Although childhood adversity is a strong determinant of psychopathology, it remains unclear whether there are 'sensitive periods' when a first episode of adversity is most harmful. Aims: To examine whether variation in the developmental timing of a first episode of interpersonal violence (up to age 18) associates with risk for psychopathology. Conclusions: Children exposed to interpersonal violence had an elevated risk of psychiatric disorder. However, age at first episode of exposure was largely unassociated with psychopathology risk. What do US and Canadian parents do to encourage or discourage physical activity among their 5-12 Year old children? (BMC Public Health) Background: Parents have the potential to substantively influence their child's physical activity. This study identified the parenting practices of US and Canadian parents to encourage or discourage their 5-12 year-old child's physical activity and to examine differences in parenting practices by country, parental sex, age of child, and income. Conclusions: Parents most often encouraged physical activity through structure and emotional support and discouraged physical activity through lack of structure and control. Understanding how parents influence their child's physical activity may help improve intervention strategies. The current results will inform the development of a physical activity parenting practices instrument. White, affluent, educated parents are least likely to choose HPV vaccination for their children: a cross-sectional study of the National Immunization Study – teen (BMC Pediatrics) Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage is below national goals in the United States. Research is needed to inform strategically designed interventions that target sociodemographic groups with underutilization of HPV vaccination. Conclusions: Future HPV vaccination interventions may benefit from targeting certain sociodemographic groups that were negatively associated with HPV vaccination in this study. Assessing parental capacity when there are concerns about an unborn child: pre-birth assessment guidance and practice in England (Child Abuse Review) Background: Assessment where there are concerns that an unborn child is likely to suffer significant harm is one of the most difficult tasks that social workers undertake; the legal and ethical context makes the process of assessment and intervention during this period complex. This paper explores pre-birth assessment guidance and practice in England. Findings: Interview data showed that, in general, guidance to support social work assessments during the pre-birth period was insufficient, and that few practitioners used standardised tools to aid assessment. Some practitioners regarded pre-birth assessments as less urgent than cases involving infants/older children, thereby increasing delays in decision-making. It is concluded that existing guidance and practice with regard to pre-birth assessment are inadequate. Exploring practices and perceptions of alcohol use during pregnancy in England and Sweden through a cross-cultural lens (European Journal of Public Health) Background: Qualitative studies have aimed to understand why some women continue to drink during pregnancy; however, there is a lack of comparative cross-cultural research. Researchers aimed to explore perceptions and practices of alcohol use during pregnancy in England and Sweden. Conclusions: Practices and attitudes towards alcohol use during pregnancy and views on foetal rights and responsibilities of pregnant women differed in England and Sweden. Shared social norms around drinking may be shaped within the policy context of pregnancy drinking guidelines, determining whether women consume alcohol or not. Institutionalizing sex education in diverse U.S. school districts (Journal of Adolescent Health) Purpose: This paper describes the Working to Institutionalize Sex Education (WISE) Initiative, a privately funded effort to support ready public school districts to advance and sustain comprehensive sexuality programs, and examines the degree to which WISE has been successful in increasing access to sex education, removing barriers, and highlighting best practices. Conclusions: Barriers to implementing sexuality education can be overcome with administrative support and focused technical assistance and training, resulting in significant student reach in diverse school districts nationwide. Revisiting the link between depression symptoms and high school dropout: timing of exposure matters (Journal of Adolescent Health) Purpose: Recent reviews concluded that past depression symptoms are not independently associated with high school dropout, a conclusion that could induce schools with high dropout rates and limited resources to consider depression screening, prevention, and treatment as low-priority. Even if past symptoms are not associated with dropout, however, it is possible that recent symptoms are. The goal of this study was to examine this hypothesis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that to improve disadvantaged youths' educational outcomes, investments in comprehensive mental health services are needed in schools struggling with high dropout rates, the very places where adolescents with unmet mental health needs tend to concentrate. Keeping children safe in education: proposed revisions (Department for Education) This consultation which closes in February 2018 seeks views on: - revisions to 'Keeping children safe in education', the statutory guidance that sets out what schools and colleges should do and the legal duties with which they must comply to keep children safe
- new advice on sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges.
UK Chief Medical Officers 2011 physical activity guidelines - consultation (School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol) The School for Policy Studies wish to hear from the UK's scientific and practice communities about their thoughts on the current UK Chief Medical Officers (CMO) 2011 physical activity guidelines. Areas to consider might include any new scientific publications or studies relevant to each age/working group (Under 5s, children and young people, adults, older adults, sedentary behaviour and implementation and surveillance), their communication and dissemination of guidelines and how best to maximise their impact with physical activity professionals across sectors (e.g. health services, education, transport, leisure etc.), media and the public. For the current physical activity guidelines, 'Start Active, Stay Active', please click here. To comment, please download and complete the UK CMO 2011 Physical Activity Guidelines - consultation form (Office document, 31kB). Please email complete forms to ukcmo-pa@bristol.ac.uk. The closing date for comments is 31 January. Call for evidence: Reducing inequalities for homeless families (Young People's Health Partnership) YPHP are leading a piece of work with Homeless Link to develop a learning resource and toolkit for public health nurses working with homeless families. The work includes a focus on the experiences of homeless young people. They want to gather examples of work being undertaken in this area. Please complete the call for evidence template and find out more information here. The deadline for submissions is 19 January 2018. Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England: Consultation (NHS Digital) The Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England (SDD) survey is designed to monitor smoking, drinking and drug use among secondary school pupils aged 11 to 15. NHS Digital is undertaking this consultation to find out if there are any improvements that can be made to the SDD survey and to support the design of future surveys. They are currently reviewing the content of the survey and are consulting with users to ensure the survey continues to be relevant and to meet users' needs. Your views will help determine what information on smoking, drinking and drug use amongst young people is collected through this survey in the future and how it is reported. The consultation closes on 30 January 2018. Free early years entitlement for 2 year olds under Universal Credit (Department for Education) DfE are inviting views on our proposals for the free early years entitlement for 2 year olds under Universal Credit. Their consultation document explains the general principles they have taken into account in considering changes to the eligibility criteria for the free early education entitlement for two-year-olds in light of the introduction of Universal Credit. The DfE intention is that these entitlements reach less advantaged households in a way that is consistent, fair and simple.
The document also explains DfE's plans for communicating these changes to parents, early years providers and local authorities, as well as the steps they will take to support their implementation. The government wants to expand the offer to ensure that around 8,000 more disadvantaged children will benefit from high quality early education, once Universal Credit is fully rolled out.
As of January 2017 around 160,000 two-year-olds are already taking up the free offer. Under the proposals, all children who are taking up the offer will continue to have access, and the entitlement will be targeted to ensure it reaches those most in need in the future, seeing thousands more families benefit as a result.
The consultation here closes on 15 January 2018. Transforming children and young people's mental health provision: a green paper (DoH and DfE) The government is asking people for their views on a green paper setting out measures to improve mental health support for children and young people. The consultation on the green paper will run until 2 March 2018. Have your say here. The proposals include: - creating a new mental health workforce of community-based mental health support teams
- every school and college will be encouraged to appoint a designated lead for mental health
- a new 4-week waiting time for NHS children and young people's mental health services to be piloted in some areas
Children in out-of-work benefit households statistics: user questionnaire (Department for Work and Pensions) The Department for Work and Pensions are seeking feedback from users regarding their views on children in out-of-work benefit households statistics.
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