Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are the leading preventable cause of developmental disabilities in the United States and likely throughout the world. FASDs can be prevented by avoiding alcohol use during pregnancy; however, efforts to prevent risky alcohol consumption in women of childbearing potential have not been universally successful. Objectives: Data suggest that successful interventions may require tailoring methods to meet the needs of specific populations and cultures. Key findings of interventions previously tested among American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women who are or may become pregnant, data gaps, and promising ongoing interventions are reviewed. Link to Journal Article
Substance Abuse Prevention in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Cultural adaptations of universal substance abuse prevention programs are emerging at a rapid pace, and nowhere is this proliferation more evident than among American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. There is tremendous diversity in these culturally based programs. Some merely modify existing program language without revising content; others culturally interpret known key malleable constructs and add specific cultural content, and still others, usually grassroots programs, focus mostly on identified cultural protective factors. In this review we will attempt to address this diversity. We will review three categories of AIAN substance abuse prevention programs: (1) published empirical trials; (2) promising programs, published and unpublished, that are in the process of development and that have the potential for empirical trials; and (3) examples of innovative grassroots programs that originate at the local level and may have promise for further development. We chose to include some examples of these local, culturally based prevention programs because they are such vital elements of AIAN substance abuse prevention. Link to Journal Article
2011 State Organization Survey Report / National CASA Association
Every year the National CASA Association surveys both state organizations and local programs to get an accurate reflection of the structure, operation and services provided by programs across the country. In 2011, there were 46 statewide CASA/GAL organizations. The entire CASA/GAL network consisted of 946 local and state programs. This year’s state organization survey drew 42 responses for a 91% response rate. Link to pdf Report
Tips on Core Competencies for Transition Service Providers
Provides a list of competencies required for those working with young people with mental health difficulties that are transitioning to adulthood. Link to pdf Tips; Link to more detailed List of Competencies
Child Abuse & Neglect Deaths In America
Gives reported statistics for child deaths due to child abuse and neglect by state for the years 2000-2010. Link to pdf Report
9758: Child Abuse in Ethnic Minority and Immigrant Communities
Online Course for CE credits: Ethnic minority children (e.g., African Americans, Native American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and Pacific Islander children) have higher rates of reported child abuse and neglect compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. It has been argued that health practitioners, social workers, and mental health counselors should take into account race, ethnicity, and sociocultural factors when working with child abuse and neglect cases. This course will review the historical backdrop of the child welfare system and definitions of child abuse and neglect, including variations in definitions in various cultures internationally. An overview of the role of culture in child-rearing practices, child disciplining, and perceptions and definitions of child abuse will also be provided. Assessments and interventions based on culturally relevant theories will be reviewed. Finally, the importance of practitioners’ self-care in child abuse cases is emphasized. This course is designed for nurses, social workers, therapists, mental health counselors, and other allied health professionals who may intervene in suspected cases of child abuse. Link to Course Web Page which has a link to the pdf version.