Journal of Children's Services

Kevin P. Haggerty; Anne McGlynn‐Wright; Tali Klima

2013 Journal of Children's Services

doi: 10.1108/JCS-04-2013-0016pmid: 24416068

Purpose – Adolescent problem behaviours (substance use, delinquency, school dropout, pregnancy, and violence) are costly not only for individuals, but for entire communities. Policy makers and practitioners that are interested in preventing these problem behaviours are faced with many programming options. The purpose of this review is to discuss two criteria for selecting relevant parenting programmes, and provide five examples of such programmes. Design/methodology/approach – The first criterion for programme selection is theory based. Well‐supported theories, such as the social development model, have laid out key family‐based risk and protective factors for problem behaviour. Programmes that target these risk and protective factors are more likely to be effective. Second, programmes should have demonstrated efficacy; these interventions have been called “evidence‐based programmes” (EBP). This review highlights the importance of evidence from rigorous research designs, such as randomised clinical trials, in order to establish programme efficacy. Findings – Nurse‐Family Partnership, The Incredible Years, the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Strengthening Families 10‐14, and Staying Connected with Your Teen are examined. The unique features of each programme are briefly presented. Evidence showing impact on family risk and protective factors, as well as long‐term problem behaviours, is reviewed. Finally, a measure of cost effectiveness of each programme is provided. Originality/value – The paper proposes that not all programmes are of equal value, and suggests two simple criteria for selecting a parenting programme with a high likelihood for positive outcomes. Furthermore, although this review is not exhaustive, the five examples of EBPs offer a good start for policy makers and practitioners seeking to implement effective programmes in their communities. Thus, this paper offers practical suggestions for those grappling with investments in child and adolescent programmes on the ground.

Jikkemien Vertonghen; Marc Theeboom

2013 Journal of Children's Services

doi: 10.1108/JCS-03-2013-0006

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the processes that produce the effects found in studies of participation by young people in martial arts. Design/methodology/approach – A review of published studies. Findings – Studies of the developmental outcomes of young people participating in martial arts produce conflicting results. While some studies refer to increased antisocial behaviour, others indicate positive developmental outcomes. This is due to a tendency to treat martial arts as a unitary phenomenon and focus on outcomes without considering mediating factors, notably the type of martial art, the type of guidance and the social background and characteristics of participants. Originality/value – The paper shows that taking into account these and other possible influencing factors will contribute to a better understanding of the true nature of outcomes of martial arts practice. It will also enable a more thought‐out and accurate approach when considering these outcomes.

Nicole Gridley; Judy Hutchings; Helen Baker‐Henningham

2013 Journal of Children's Services

doi: 10.1108/JCS-02-2013-0004

Purpose – Socio‐economic disadvantage is linked to poor parenting skills and subsequently poorer child development. The most deprived geographical areas in Wales have been targeted under the Welsh Government Flying Start scheme to receive additional resources. Unfortunately, many in‐need families either lived outside these areas or required further intervention above what was provided. The Welsh Government decision to extend Flying Start is appropriate but the proposed targeting method may still fail to reach all high‐risk families. The purpose of this paper is to explore an alternative targeting method. Design/methodology/approach – The current study examined the association between five socio‐economic and demographic risk factors and parenting outcomes in a sample of Flying Start families. Findings – Quality of housing (overcrowding and housing standards) played a significant role in predicting poorer parenting outcomes in terms of language and home stimulation. Exposure to multiple risk predicted poorer outcomes regardless of which risk factors were present. Originality/value – This paper contributes to discussion about effective ways of allocating limited resources to best effect.

Karen Schucan Bird; Janice Tripney; Mark Newman

2013 Journal of Children's Services

doi: 10.1108/JCS-04-2013-0014

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of young people's participation in organised sport on their educational outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – Systematic review of the literature. A comprehensive search was used to identify all research evidence about engagement, impact and value in culture and sport. A combination of manual and automated screening was used to select studies for inclusion in this review based on pre‐specified criteria. Included studies had to use a “high”‐quality experimental research design, focus on children and young people and have quantitative educational outcome measures. Results from the individual studies were transformed into a standardised effect size and meta‐analysis was used to combine the results from individual studies where appropriate. Findings – Young people's participation in sport may lead to improved educational outcomes. Young people's participation in organised sports activities, when compared to non‐participation, improves their numeracy skills. Young people's participation in organised sport linked with extra‐curricular activities, when compared to non‐participation, improves a range of learning outcomes for underachieving pupils. These findings are based on six “high”‐quality studies conducted in the UK and North America. Study populations included young people within the range of four to 16 years old. Originality/value – This paper builds on the existing evidence base in two main ways. First, it focuses specifically on the impacts associated with organised sport whereas previous reviews have had a broader focus. Second, it uses meta‐analytic methods to synthesise study findings. This paper provides pooled effect sizes for overall educational impacts and translates these into potential changes in test/grade scores.

Tamar Mendelson; Jacinda K. Dariotis; Laura Feagans Gould; Ali S.R. Smith; Atman A. Smith; Andres A. Gonzalez; Mark T. Greenberg

2013 Journal of Children's Services

doi: 10.1108/JCS-07-2013-0024

Purpose – Mindfulness‐based interventions – which train capacities for attention, awareness, compassion, and self‐regulation of thoughts and emotions – may offer unique benefits for urban youth exposed to chronic stress and adversity. Urban schools are promising settings in which to integrate mindfulness‐based interventions; however, they pose complex challenges for intervention implementation and evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reflects on the experiences of our community‐academic partnership conducting two school‐based randomised trials on a mindfulness and yoga programme. The programme was developed by the Holistic Life Foundation and was delivered to middle school students in public schools serving disadvantaged urban communities. Findings – This paper discusses barriers and facilitating factors related to effective intervention delivery and evaluation, presents recommendations for future work and reflects on the potential benefits of mindfulness‐based practices for students, teachers and schools. Originality/value – The paper offers a detailed account of challenges and opportunities associated with implementing mindfulness‐based practices in urban school settings.