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This study explored how early childhood intervention (ECI) professionals could support the development of secure attachment in children with developmental delay or disability (DD) within the context of ECI in Australia. Secure parent--child attachment is conducive to the aims of ECI to enhance the development, well-being, and participation of children with DD. Constructivist grounded theory methodology was applied to collect and analyze data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with three parents and 18 professionals. Seven conceptual categories were selected: (a) Importance; (b) Challenges; (c) The System; (d) The Key Worker; (e) Assessment; (f) Strategies; and (g) Outcomes. Two dominant themes were identified: the quality of the relationship between the ECI professional and the family and self-regulation. An attachment-focused ECI framework is proposed, aligned with the ecological system model.

Adolescents in the care of the state have complex developmental needs that include low academic attainment. The aim of this study was to describe the language and literacy profiles of adolescents (aged 13-19) in out-of-home care ('looked after children'). Mental health status, biopsychosocial history, and education and employment histories were also documented. Twenty-six adolescents were assessed by a speech and language therapist. Ninety-two percent had oral language skills below the average range on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals: 4th edition, with 62% scoring two or more standard deviations below the mean. Ninety-two percent of participants scored below the average range on two or more subtests of the Test of Language Competence: Expanded edition. On the York Assessment of Reading Comprehension, 92% scored in the very low range and 65% were below-average on single-word reading. Fifty percent of participants reported a diagnosis/symptoms of depression and 54% reported a diagnosis/symptoms of anxiety. The correlation between oral language and literacy was modest but significant (r = 0.502; p [less than or equal to] 0.05); no significant correlations were found between oral language, literacy and mental health status, suggesting that mental health problems are a comorbidity rather than a correlate of language and literacy difficulties. Language and literacy difficulties are highly prevalent in this population. Language disorders are likely to be undiagnosed in the context of significant mental health problems, and disrupted schooling and accommodation. Speech-language therapy scope of practice needs to include out-of-home care populations in order to foster developmentally appropriate language and literacy skills that maximize school success, both academically and socially.

Almost nothing is known about how the infant may experience being in a women's Refuge (Shelter) setting with their mother after fleeing family violence, despite the high numbers of infants and young children in Refuges or Shelters. This research was concerned with exploring how the infant experienced refuge within a Refuge setting post family violence. Using a non-intrusive, ethically informed, 'infant led' approach, this research involved ten infants (aged 3 weeks to 16 months), ten mothers, and 13 staff in eight Refuges from three countries: Australia, Scotland and England. Data was collected through infant observation, interviews with mothers and then staff. Presented is a synthesis of a research methodology which was led by the infant, drew on concepts of 'inter-subjectivity' and used a constructivist grounded theory method. Infants were often lost from view within the Refuge setting. The mother, herself traumatised, was expected to be the refuge for her infant. Only the obviously distressed infant was assisted, and where available, from outside specialist workers. It was often too painful for the adults, both mothers and staff, to see or reflect on the infant's possible trauma. Significantly, in all cases the motivation for each mother to enter Refuge was ensuring their infant's safety. Concern for their infant or young child can be a powerful catalyst for women leaving a violent relationship. Refuges (Shelters) are in a unique position to respond to the infant in their own right whilst helping to heal and grow the infant/mother relationship., Author(s): Wendy Bunston [sup.1] [sup.2] , Margarita Frederico [sup.2] , Mary Whiteside [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.1018.8, 0000 0001 2342 0938, wb Training & Consultancy, La Trobe University, , Bundoora, [...]

Background: To explore media awareness efforts regarding family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia and compare them to global standards. Methods: This scoping review included media awareness efforts: interviews, lectures, workshops, and forums. Moreover, all efforts must be regarding positive parenting, family well-being, care of the elderly, domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect during the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-December 2020). Results: Seven organizations in Saudi Arabia initiated 32 awareness programs; the National Family Safety Program implemented 17(53%) of awareness efforts, followed by the Family Affairs Council 6(19%). The qualitative analysis of the awareness transcripts utilized three main themes: promoting family well-being, supporting the victims, and preventing family violence. Conclusion: Considering global efforts in Australia, Greenland, France, Spain, and Italy. Like other countries, Saudi Arabia could use more advanced measures to prevent and respond appropriately to family violence during pandemic-like situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates bringing together clinical services, research and training in a loop of evidence-informed and evidence-generating practice utilizing the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) to improve assessment and intervention [...]

Internal displacement caused by armed conflict has a lasting impact on the lives of those affected. Re-establishing stability after the cessation of conflict is a difficult and complex task. To date, the contribution of social work values and knowledge to this task has received limited attention. This study uses the principles and values of social work as a framework for analysing an intervention that was undertaken to address the impact of displacement following armed conflict on an Indigenous community in Zamboanga, Philippines. A community development intervention model was developed by the Philippines-based Community and Family Services International (CFSI), an international not-for-profit organisation. Through analysis of the Zamboanga intervention, this study demonstrates the positive impact of applying social work values and principles to guiding postconflict recovery, encouraging empowerment and building more sustainable futures. The findings demonstrate the significance and value of CFSI's approach in supporting postconflict recovery. Displacement following armed conflict impacts negatively on all aspects of the lives of those displaced, and Indigenous people are at particularly high risk. The social work approach provides a framework to inform the development of humanitarian programs. Analysis of the implementation of the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) intervention indicates that addressing the impacts of internal displacement on Indigenous communities requires humanitarian programs to engage with culture and support self-determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored how early childhood intervention (ECI) professionals could support the development of secure attachment in children with developmental delay or disability (DD) within the context of ECI in Australia. Secure parent–child attachment is conducive to the aims of ECI to enhance the development, well-being, and participation of children with DD. Constructivist grounded theory methodology was applied to collect and analyze data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with three parents and 18 professionals. Seven conceptual categories were selected: (a) Importance; (b) Challenges; (c) The System; (d) The Key Worker; (e) Assessment; (f) Strategies; and (g) Outcomes. Two dominant themes were identified: the quality of the relationship between the ECI professional and the family and self-regulation. An attachment-focused ECI framework is proposed, aligned with the ecological system model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the findings of a study about the work of Aboriginal hospital liaison officers (AHLOs) and hospital social workers in Victoria. Guided by an Aboriginal Critical Reference Group, in-depth interviews were held with nine AHLOs, 10 social workers, and three Aboriginal health policy and program informants. Telephone focus groups held with study participants confirmed an analysis of the narratives of good practice and themes identified by participants. Focusing on the strengths of collaborative work, six key principles for good practice were defined. These principles relate to nonbiomedical knowledge and skills that non-Aboriginal social workers and AHLOs require to work well with Aboriginal patients. Implications for training and further research are discussed. IMPLICATIONS Similar elements of shared good practice between AHLOs and social workers were identified across a range of hospital types in Victoria suggesting that this is an important area of social work practice to understand and develop. The relationship and practice between AHLOs and social workers were previously underexplored, and the strengths and challenges of their working together practice have the potential to positively impact the hospital stay and health outcomes of Aboriginal patients. This study calls for opportunities to further strengthen and facilitate the ongoing, dynamic, and positive relationships between hospital social workers and AHLOs. Working together, they contribute to the creation of cultural safety and care for Aborignal patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building community for people displaced due to armed conflict within the country is a challenging task. The key elements for building community used in post-conflict transition in Mindanao, Philippines, are examined.