The birth of a child with a disability, or the discovery that a child has a disability, can have profound effects on the family. In “You are Not Alone,” Patricia McGill Smith offers the insights that she and others have gained through their own experience of having a child with a disability. In this article, we will provide additional information to support the life cycle, health, and well-being of the family when a member has a disability.It is with a great deal of humility that we are even attempting to describe what the future may hold for you and your family. On the one hand, we want…
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research that began in the 1990s has been replicated with different populations in a number of states including Minnesota with very similar results. ACEs assess patterns of behavior in family settings that are experienced by children that pose long-term risks for individual health, mental health and social problems. The search for effective prevention strategies has led to an array of programs that focus on different levels of influence. Fathers in specific roles serve as protective factors that have clear connections to risk factors identified in this…
This fact sheet explains South Dakota allows childhood immunization exemptions based on religious belief, but is only one of 31 that do not allow philosophical exemptions. Minimum immunization requirements for entering school or an early childhood program in South Dakota are then reviewed, and research on the effectiveness of vaccinations is shared. Charts are included that illustrate South Dakota and the nation had a 93% rate of polio immunization in 2012, South Dakota trails the surrounding States in any vaccination, and that South Dakota and Wyoming are tied for the lowest percentage of…
This fact sheet discusses the characteristics of grandparent caregivers in the United States and then presents information the number and characteristics of grandparent caregivers in South Dakota. Findings indicate: there were 7 million grandparents in the United States living with their grandchildren, and 2.7 million (39%) were responsible for caring for their grandchildren; there were 11,217 South Dakota grandparents living with their grandchildren, and 5,311 (47%) were responsible for caring for their grandchildren; of grandparents responsible for their grandchildren in South Dakota, 66%…
This fact sheet describes the changes and characteristics of households and families in South Dakota from 1980 to 2010. Information indicates South Dakota has a slightly higher percentage of married couple families than the United States (50% vs 48%). The State also has a slightly higher percentage of male headed families with their own children under age 18 (3% vs 2%). The United States has a slightly higher percentage of female and male headed families, and female headed families with own children under age 18 (13% vs 10%). Historical data indicates the number of female- or male-headed…
This fact sheet focuses on the incidence of infant mortality in the United States and in South Dakota and considers six strategies for lowering the rate. It begins by explaining the three major causes of infant mortality are congenital malformations, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome. The higher rate of infant mortality in South Dakota is noted and the following recommendations are made to reduce the infant mortality rate: improve access to early, comprehensive prenatal care; promote awareness and implementation of safe sleep practices; develop community-based systems of…
Equips parents, caregivers, and teachers with tips for helping children manage their stress during an infectious disease outbreak, such as Ebola. Explains reactions children, preschool to adolescence, may have and the support adults can provide to help them. (Author abstract)
This fact sheet reports preliminary findings from the newly available National Survey on Early Care and Education (NSECE) Household Survey to provide insight into how parents perceive the early care and education (ECE) arrangements available to them, how and why they search for care, and when searches result in a change in arrangement. Each household rated three types of care—center-based, relative or friend care, and family day care. Households with children under age 60 months rated relative or friend care most highly in terms of a nurturing environment, affordability, and flexibility for…
Fact Sheet, Brief
Series of one pagers designed to clarify existing federal policies that affect formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. The MythBusters cover topics critical to reentry, such as public housing, access to federal benefits, parental rights, employer incentives, and more. As the MythBusters show, some federal laws and policies are narrower than is commonly perceived, as is the case with public housing and food assistance benefits. States and localities often have broad discretion in determining how policies are applied and/or have various opt-out provisions for states (TANF and…
This tip sheet provides specific tips to improve conflict management skills. It is designed as an informational handout for families in support of the companion resource for providers, Tips for Service Providers: Healthy Conflict Management. (Author abstract)
