A study of a new reading and language intervention for six-year-olds found a few small improvements, but no effect on reading. In fact, targeted interventions before the start of formal reading instruction usually make little long-term difference to children at risk of dyslexia. Do such findings mean that these programs don’t work – or that, in this case, regular school teaching and parent assistance are already offering good support?
December 2014
17 December 2014
In compulsory education systems the law provides a final resort when children and young people fail to attend school regularly. But a response to persistent truants based on restorative justice and tailored family support appears more constructive than seeking a court order.
11 December 2014
Politicians, researchers, and program designers are increasingly aware that a segment of families – perhaps up to 5 percent – face multiple, intertwined problems. Ten for the Future, an integrated, needs-led and potentially long-term intervention, is the Dutch welfare system’s response to multi-problem families.
09 December 2014
Almost everyone agrees that programs for children in need should be based on the best possible evidence. In many cases, the ideal evidence would come from a randomized controlled trial (RCT). But randomization can clash with the day-to-day concerns of local authorities and social workers. A recent article offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a social work RCT.
04 December 2014
If you agree with your mother that you won’t drink alcohol until you’re older, and often talk with her about alcohol, she would probably believe that you understand the dangers of drinking at a young age. However, new research from the Netherlands suggests that having a mother-child non-drinking agreement actually decreases children’s perception of the harm caused by alcohol.
02 December 2014
An estimated five million 16 to 24-year olds in the United States are not in education or employment at any one time. The National Guard Youth Challenge Program – combining residential training with community support – shows how positive youth development work offers some of them a “second chance”.
