Search

Early intervention programs assist families to deal with emerging child behavioural difficulties that are likely to worsen over time. Identifying families suited to an early intervention program and then generating their interest in the program can be an uncertain and complex process. This paper describes the approach to family engagement in a school-based early intervention program for children with emerging conduct problems, called Got It!, and presents some of the findings from an external evaluation of the program conducted by the authors for New South Wales (NSW) Ministry of Health. Child behaviour screening questionnaires were completed by parents/carers and teachers, and qualitative data were gathered through interviews with parents/carers, teachers and health staff. The views of families who participated in the targeted intervention and those who were exposed only to the universal intervention were sought. Results indicate that offering the specialised group intervention in the school, in the context of universal interventions and screening, supported engagement with families of children with identified conduct problems. Many parents said they would not otherwise have sought assistance. A partnership approach between schools and specialist child and adolescent mental health services is a central feature of program delivery. Factors that contribute to an effective partnership are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There are currently widespread concerns around the impact of media on children's healthy development. This study investigated whether music media influences young children's gender role and self-identity. Thirty-four Grade 1 children and 38 Grade 4 children participated in an experimental study to explore their attitudes towards their own and the opposite gender, their perspectives about gender- and self-presentation, and whether a one-off exposure to music videos influenced their views. Results showed that children demonstrated attitudes consistent with gender stereotypes seen in contemporary music media. The findings indicate a need for early intervention to help children develop healthy attitudes around gender role and self-identity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]