It might seem that people such as community workers or peer-support counsellors could deliver Nurse-Family Partnership successfully. But in US studies comparing these kinds of workers with nurses, the results were not as good. In particular, child outcomes did not improve as much as they did with nurses, and more mothers dropped out of the program early. So, the program’s developers concluded that public health nurses are essential for effective delivery.
Families play a major role in protecting young people from problematic substance use. In particular, children typically use less alcohol and cannabis when parents have strong connections with their children, provide high levels of support and supervision, and encourage meaningful participation in the family. For more information, see Vol. 12, No. 1 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly. (2018)
More than half of participants in the BC Healthy Connections Project reported experiencing moderate-to-severe neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse when they were children, at age 16 years or younger. Half (50%) also reported intimate partner violence within the past year.
Many young people are prescribed medications for ADHD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia — often with good effect. The appropriate medications can help young people to function better at home, at school and in the community. Yet more research is needed on the long-term effects — and side effects — of the psychiatric medications used to treat children, particularly research that is free from drug company involvement. For more information, see Vol. 1, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.
Some 89% of participants in the BC Healthy Connections Project had experienced three or more forms of disadvantage, with 77% experiencing four or more and 56% experiencing five or more. These experiences include: parenting at a young age; living on low income; having limited education; preparing for single parenting; experiencing housing instability; having challenges with anxiety or depression; having challenges with substance use; having a history of being maltreated as a child; and experiencing intimate partner violence.
The COVID-19 public health crisis has introduced new and urgent mental health challenges for children across British Columbia.
As a result, the BC Representative for Children and Youth, Jennifer Charlesworth, asked the Children’s Health Policy Centre (CHPC) to prepare a “Rapid Response” report on effective approaches for reducing childhood anxiety.
Published today, the report identifies two interventions that can be delivered by practitioners virtually and three that can be self-administered by children and families themselves.
“We know it is crucial to address anxiety symptoms and disorders early to ensure they don’t persist into adulthood,” Charlesworth said. “Help cannot wait until the pandemic is over.”
Nearly 45,000 children in B.C. were estimated to have anxiety disorders, before COVID-19, according to Charlotte Waddell, director of the CHPC. “Our new report confirms there are many effective ways for practitioners, caregivers and families to prevent and reduce anxiety during these challenging times,” she said.
Read the entire report here.
Schwartz C, Yung D, Barican J, Gray-Grant D, Waddell C. Supporting Children — By Supporting Practitioners and Families During COVID-19 and Beyond. Rapid Research Review on Effective Approaches for Reducing Childhood Anxiety. Vancouver, BC: Children’s Health Policy Centre, Simon Fraser University, 2020.
Exposure to intimate partner violence is one of the most common forms of child maltreatment. Recent studies suggest that one of the best ways to help children in this situation is to help the abused caregiver, for example, to obtain safe housing and to learn strategies to address children’s emotional and behavioural challenges. For more information, see Vol. 6, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.
June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada — a day to recognize and celebrate the heritage and cultures of First Nations, Inuitand Métis Indigenous children have experienced, and still experience, the negative legacy of colonialism. But many Indigenous children remain resilient. While these numbers need to be improved, a recent survey of nearly 5,000 First Nations youth in Canada found that more than half reported having very good or excellent mental health. For more information, see Vol. 12, No. 2, page 5 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.
The scientific team guiding the BC Healthy Connections Project has published an update. The project is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the Nurse-Family Partnership program, involving 739 BC-based girls and young women — and their 744 children. The update may be viewed here.
Following last year’s publication of data describing maternal participants and the life conditions they were coping with in early pregnancy, the team is now analyzing initial data on the effectiveness of the nurse-visitation program. A first findings report will soon be released — examining the program’s impact on prenatal substance use. Further findings reports will follow in 2020-2022.
As well, some 27% of project participants identified as Indigenous (including First Nations, Métis or Inuit). The scientific team is collaborating with the First Nations Health Authority to produce publications telling their stories.
The scientific team expects to provide an additional update every quarter until March 2022.