Welfare Reform on the Web (April 2004): Child Welfare - Overseas

AFRICENTRIC YOUTH AND FAMILY RITES OF PASSAGE PROGRAM: PROMOTING RESILIENCE AMONG AT-RISK AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTHS

A.R. Harvey and R.B. Hill

Social Work, Vol. 49, 2004, p.65-74

The article examines the effects of an African youth and family rites of passage programme on at risk African American youth and their families. The programme consisted of after school activities, including behavioural, motivational and creative activities, and family enhancement activities, designed to help family members enhance their parenting skills and bonding with their children. African American boys aged between 11 ½ to 14 ½, who had been involved in juvenile crime but not drugs, were monitored over a three year period. Results showed that the youths gained in knowledge, positive values and self esteem during the programme and that they were more informed about the risks of drug abuse and HIV. Parents also gained from the programme, with 80% feeling that the programme enhanced their relationship with their sons.

CARING RELATIONSHIPS AS A PROACTIVE FACTOR FOR AT-RISK YOUTH: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY

E.K. Laursen and S.M. Birmingham

Families in Society, Vol. 84, 2003, p.240-246

The article explores the benefits at-risk youth gain from having contact with caring adults. It identifies the key characteristics of caring relationships: trust, attention, empathy, availability, affirmation, respect and virtue, and emphasises that child welfare professionals must learn, and continuously develop, these relationship-building skills.

PREEMPLOYMENT AND VOLUNTEER SCREENING: REDUCING THE RISK OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES

M.K. Wilson and A. Beville

Families in Society, Vol. 84, 2004, p.179-184

The article gives a model for preemployment and volunteer applicant screening, based on a literature review of sexual offender profiles. It looks at levels of risk within organisations and how programmes can be modified to adapt to these different circumstances.