Overrepresentation of children of color in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems has been statistically proven in various studies over the years. Though this fact has been generally accepted and effort has been made to reduce disproportionality within both systems, much work remains to be done. In March 2008, a symposium titled “The Overrepresentation […]
Prognostic Significance of Depression in African Americans With Heart Failure
Depression seems to increase the risk of hospitalization and death in black heart failure patients, a new study finds. Researchers assessed depression symptoms — such as difficulty with concentration, a lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness or helplessness — in nearly 750 black patients with heart failure. About one-third of them had symptoms of […]
Feasibility and Perception of Using Text Messages as an Adjunct Therapy for Low-Income, Minority Mothers With Postpartum Depression
The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of sending supportive text messages to low-income mothers of racial and ethnic minority backgrounds with postpartum depression and gauge the perception of receiving such message for depression. Mothers found to be at risk received supportive text messages four times a week for six months, in […]
Preventing Violence: Understanding and Addressing Determinants of Youth Violence in the United States
This research brief summarizes a review of research and evaluation studies, as well as promising and proven interventions, to identify programs, policies, and practices that can contribute to reducing high levels of violence in the United States. Contents include rates of violence in the United States and worldwide, factors consistently found associated with higher levels […]
Positive Youth Development: Using Strengths to Address Alcohol Abuse and Suicide among American Indian and Alaska Native Youth
This information brief introduces prevention practitioners to the positive youth development framework as an effective approach to preventing alcohol abuse and suicide among Native youth. Prevention practitioners working in Indian Country can use this resource to inform their prevention planning and guide their selection of effective prevention interventions. Population of focus: American Indian and Alaska Native […]
The Processing and Treatment of Mentally Ill Persons in the Criminal Justice System
People with mental illness are overrepresented in the ranks of those in the U.S. behind bars. A new report from the Urban Institute compiles the numbers, as well as documents how little is known about the most efficient and productive ways to treat mentally ill people who are locked up. More than half—56 percent—of those […]