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Journal Article We investigated children and families who were participating in a mentoring program targeting children with incarcerated parents. Using multiple methods and informants, we explored the development of the mentoring relationship, challenges and benefits of mentoring children with incarcerated parents, and match termination in 57 mentor-child dyads. More than one-third of matches terminated during the first 6 months of participation. For those matches that continued to meet, however, children who saw their mentors more frequently exhibited fewer internalizing and externalizing symptoms. In…
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Journal Article We surveyed randomly selected parents in one state (N = 1, 081) to examine sources they used to gain child-rearing information. On average, parents used five sources, most commonly books and family members. Usage patterns generally followed the "digital divide" perspective whereby higher education levels were associated with greater usage. Logistic regression results of Internet use showed, however, that being younger and unmarried increased the likelihood of use, indicating the Internet's potential for reaching potentially vulnerable parents. (Author abstract)
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Journal Article Objective. Although studies have begun to explore the impact of the current wars on child well-being, none have examined how children are doing across social, emotional, and academic domains. In this study, we describe the health and well-being of children from military families from the perspectives of the child and nondeployed parent. We also assessed the experience of deployment for children and how it varies according to deployment length and military service component.Participants and Methods. Data from a computer-assisted telephone interview with military children, aged 11 to 17 years,…
Fact Sheet, Brief
This fact sheet summarizes research showing that children from military families experience above-average levels of emotional and behavioral difficulties and that longer parental deployments are associated with greater difficulties. (Author abstract) Superceded: See http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9568.html Adopting healthy and positive behaviors and avoiding risky ones are key developmental tasks of adolescence. Parents can play an important role in helping their adolescent children acquire or strengthen the behaviors, skills, attitudes, and motivation that promote physical and mental health and overall well-being. Recognizing this, a variety of programs and interventions engage parents in efforts to achieve one or more outcomes for their adolescents: academic achievement; a reduction in internalizing behaviors such as depression and anxiety, or in disruptive or delinquent behaviors; a…
Child health and well-being are intrinsically important and also contribute to a healthy, productive adolescence and adulthood. Parents can play an important role in helping their children acquire or strengthen the behaviors, skills, attitudes, and motivation that promote physical and mental health and overall well-being in childhood, adolescence and well into their adulthood. Acknowledging this, a variety of programs and interventions engage parents in efforts to achieve one or more outcomes for their children: academic achievement and attendance; a reduction in internalizing behaviours such…
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Journal Article The first of two publications dedicated to the engagement of non-resident fathers, this issue presents information on fathers' relationships with their children and the system's responsibility to encourage and support those relationships. The first article describes the Quality Improvement Center on Non-Resident Fathers and the Child Welfare System (QIC-NRF), a project that includes a comprehensive needs assessment and literature review and the development of a model program intervention. Qualitative and quantitative data is presented to illustrate barriers to non-resident fathers'…
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Journal Article The Quality Improvement Center on Non-Resident Fathers and the Child Welfare System (QIC-NRF) is described, a project that includes a comprehensive needs assessment and literature review and the development of a model program intervention. Qualitative and quantitative data is presented to illustrate barriers to non-resident fathers' interactions with the child welfare system and promising approaches. 1 figure, 6 tables. 3 references.
Intended for biological fathers, this information sheet discusses the positive impact stepfathers can have on children and how a parenting partnership with the other father can benefit children. Biological fathers are urged to communicate with stepfathers, work together on school and homework issues, and take a genuine interest in their children. Discussion questions are included, as well as a list of recommended books.
For a variety of reasons, many dads do not see their children on a regular basis. As a result, they often have to redefine their roles and responsibilities as a father. Incarcerated dads have extraordinary challenges to keeping track of their children's development and activities. Nevertheless, incarcerated dads across the country are improving the quality of their relationships with their children just by starting with a little inspiration, mixing in some imagination, and adding a lot of love. This Spotlight highlights several creative ways that incarcerated dads have used to stay connected…
