A report examined and contrasted the life experiences of university students and former offenders. A gulf had opened between graduates, who could survive in a shrinking jobs market, and less privileged teenagers, who were left to drift into crime. All the young offenders stated that they had received little if any support from their family, their local community or the education system while growing up; and they described their local neighbourhood as a 'suffocating' environment, where crime was prevalent and a climate of fear existed within the community.
Source: Coping with Kidulthood: The hidden truth behind Britain's abandoned adolescents, Barrow Cadbury Trust (020 7391 9220)
Links: Report | BCT press release | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Dec
An article reported on a qualitative study with young people growing up in families where there were substance-use problems.
Source: Kathryn Backett-Milburn, Sarah Wilson, Angus Bancroft and Sarah Cunningham-Burley, 'Challenging childhoods: Young people's accounts of "getting by" in families with substance use problems', Childhood, Volume 15 Number 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Dec
A report examined whole-family approaches to preventing and tackling youth homelessness. A key to the prevention of homelessness was earlier and easier access to services for young people and families.
Source: Jo Gunner, Emily Petheram, Louise Seaman, Victoria Rugg and Lori Streich, Breaking it Down: Developing whole-family approaches to youth homelessness, Young Men's Christian Association (0845 873 6633)
Links: Report | YMCA press release | Inside Housing report
Date: 2008-Dec
A report examined the transition to adulthood for young people with disabilities receiving care from their local authority.
Source: Transitions: The move to adulthood for young people receiving care from their local authority, County Councils Network (020 7664 3011)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Nov
A report examined evidence on the effectiveness of the government's 'Targeted Youth Support' initiative, aimed at ensuring that agencies worked together to meet the needs of vulnerable young people.
Source: James Thomas et al., Targeted Youth Support: Rapid evidence assessment of effective early interventions for youth at risk of future poor outcomes, Report 1615, EPPI-Centre/Social Science Research Unit/Institute of Education/University of London (020 7612 6050)
Date: 2008-Nov
An article examined trends in suicides among young people. The suicide rate for young people aged 10-19 appeared to fall between 1997 and 2003. The fall might have been related to socio-economic or clinical factors. The rate of contact with services was low compared to adults, particularly in males: this was concerning because young males had the highest suicide rate in the United Kingdom. Suicide prevention in young people was likely to require a multi-agency approach.
Source: Kirsten Windfuhr et al., 'Suicide in juveniles and adolescents in the United Kingdom', Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Volume 49 Issue 11
Links: Abstract | Manchester University press release
Date: 2008-Nov
The Welsh Assembly government published a report bringing together research and statistical data covering aspects of the well-being of children and young people in Wales. Fewer children were living in poverty, and academic achievement was rising: but one-fifth of children under 15 were obese, and sexually transmitted infections were increasing.
Source: 2008 Children and Young People's Well-being Monitor for Wales, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Report | WAG press release | WalesOnline report | BBC report
Date: 2008-Nov
A report examined health promotion and public health intervention research focusing on inequalities in young people's health; and what methods had been used to define and measure inequalities.
Source: Sandy Oliver et al., Health Promotion, Inequalities and Young People's Health: A systematic review of research, EPPI-Centre/Social Science Research Unit/Institute of Education/University of London (020 7612 6050)
Date: 2008-Oct
A report detailed the findings of the qualitative stage of a project designed to guide the quantified segmentation of parents and children/young people. It used detailed observation of parent-child 'pairs' who were jointly considering family and parenting issues, as well as separate focus groups of parents and young people. 12 segments were differentiated on three simple axes of care, control, and conflict between the pair.
Source: Define Research and Insight, Adult-Young Person Bonds: A Qualitative Segmentation, Research Report RW075, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Oct
An article said that low and unstable incomes were a major cause of poverty among young people, and risks were greatly increased as they tried to live independently and move out of the family home. But little attention was given to addressing the problems of youth incomes or providing adequate housing support for those most vulnerable to poverty.
Source: Alan France, 'From being to becoming: the importance of tackling youth poverty in transitions to adulthood', Social Policy and Society, Volume 7 Issue 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Oct
Researchers examined the risks and protective factors associated with poor outcomes for young people, and which services and interventions worked to reduce these poor outcomes. Protective factors included strong bonds with family, friends, and teachers; healthy standards set by parents and others; and opportunities for involvement in families, schools, and community.
Source: James Thomas et al., Targeted Youth Support: Rapid evidence assessment of effective early interventions for youth at risk of future poor outcomes, Report 1615, EPPI-Centre/Social Science Research Unit/Institute of Education/University of London (020 7612 6050)
Date: 2008-Oct
A literature review examined gambling by children and young people. A high proportion of children and young people gambled; and, compared with adults, a significantly higher proportion of children and young people were either problem gamblers or at risk of becoming problem gamblers. Research highlighted the potential usefulness of a public health model (incorporating prevention, education, and harm reduction) when tackling gambling by children and young people.
Source: Gill Valentine, Literature Review of Children and Young People's Gambling, Gambling Commission (0121 230 6500)
Links: Report | Gambling Commission press release
Date: 2008-Sep
A report examined the health and well-being of young people in care. Young people in care were happy: but they sometimes felt the affects of stress, wanted better advice on relationships, and wanted more support to eat healthily.
Source: The Experiences of Young People in Care, Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) (020 7510 7036)
Links: Report | CAFCASS press release | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Sep
A literature review examined evidence on the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people.
Source: Cathy Humphreys, Claire Houghton and Jane Ellis, Literature Review: Better Outcomes for Children and Young People Experiencing Domestic Abuse – Directions for good practice, Scottish Government (0131 556 8400)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Aug
The children's watchdog for England examined how local authorities sought the views of children and young people about play, and whether these views were listened to in the development of local play strategies. Most children felt that freedom, physical activity, and areas which encouraged them to socialize, were crucial elements in good play provision. The popularity of parks and open spaces was partly dependent on the activities and equipment they contained: but for most children being outside in a natural space was important in its own right.
Source: Fun and Freedom: What children say about play in a sample of play strategy consultations, Office of the Children's Commissioner (0844 8009113) and Play England
Links: Report | NCB press release
Date: 2008-Aug
A report said that premature sexualization, and pressure to grow up too quickly, were key influences on girls' emotional well-being and mental health.
Source: Teenage Mental Health: Girls shout out!, Girlguiding UK (020 7834 6242)
Links: Report | Telegraph report | Guardian report | BBC report
Date: 2008-Jul
A report by a committee of MPs said that the internet industry should take more responsibility for protecting young people from digital content relating to abuse, violence, and suicide.
Source: Harmful Content on the Internet and in Video Games, Tenth Report (Session 2007-08), HC 353, House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Jul
A study found that over 80 per cent of young people felt safer in the classroom than outside school.
Source: Carol Hayden, Staying Safe and Out of Trouble: A survey of young people's perceptions and experiences, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies/University of Portsmouth (023 9284 3933)
Links: Report | Summary | ICJS press release
Date: 2008-Jul
A report examined the experience of parents whose young people had had common mental health difficulties. Many parents felt guilt, anxiety, and helplessness; and reported feeling de-skilled as a parent. Parents benefited enormously from support received: two-parent families felt more unified in their approach as parents; and parents felt better able to cope and manage their own emotions.
Source: Wook Hamilton and Julie Shepherd, The Needs and Experiences of Parents of Young People Who Have Mental Health Difficulties, Trust for the Study of Adolescence (01273 693311)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Jul
The Chief Medical Officer published his annual report for 2007. He called for a new focus on teenage health. Although the majority of teenagers coped well, large numbers of teenagers took part in high-risk behaviours such as binge drinking, drug taking, and unsafe sex. He recommended that the legal blood alcohol level limit for drivers aged 17-20 should be reduced to zero. A government-backed project was announced which was designed to improve the care young people received from the health service.
Source: On the State of Public Health: 2007 Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Medical Officer/Department of Health (08701 555455) | Press release 14 July 2008, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (020 7092 6000)
Links: Report | DH press release | BMA press release | PSI press release | Liberal Democrats press release (1) | Liberal Democrats press release (2) | RCPCH press release | Guardian report (1) | Guardian report (2) | BBC report
Date: 2008-Jul
A report evaluated a programme for young people aged 13-15 which piloted an innovative approach to reducing involvement in substance misuse, preventing teenage conceptions, and reducing school absence and exclusion. There were mixed findings in terms of perceived benefits of the programme. No evidence was found that participation in the programme was associated with higher rates of positive outcomes than in the comparison group.
Source: Meg Wiggins et al., Young People's Development Programme Evaluation: Final Report, Institute of Education/University of London (020 7612 6050)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Jul
The government began consultation on guidance in relation to schools' role in promoting well-being, and on the support they could expect from their local authority and other partners in the children's trust.
Source: Schools' Role in Promoting Pupil Well-being: Draft guidance for consultation, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Consultation document | Hansard | DCSF press release | Guardian report (1) | Guardian report (2) | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Jul
The interim report of an official review said that there had been 'notable improvements' in how services promoted and protected the psychological health and well-being of children and young people: but there was still a great deal more to do.
Source: Improving the Mental Health and Psychological Well-being of Children and Young People: National CAMHS Review Interim Report, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Report | Review press release | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Jul
A report called for a range of tough measures aimed at reducing young people's exposure to positive images of smoking.
Source: Forever Cool: The influence of smoking imagery on young people, British Medical Association (020 7387 4499)
Links: Report | BMA press release
Date: 2008-Jul
The government published an action plan on young runaways, setting out the level of service and support that local agencies should be providing. It said that local authorities should identify those at risk of running away as part of their targeted youth support arrangements.
Source: Young Runaways Action Plan, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Action Plan | DCSF press release | Childrens Society press release | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Jun
A report said that more needed to be done to support the children of parents with mental illness. Children did not get enough information on their parent's condition, and mental hospital visits could be traumatic.
Source: Jane Evans and Rebecca Fowler, Family Minded: Supporting children in families affected by mental illness, Barnardo's (01268 520224)
Links: Report | Barnardo's press release | MHF press release | Liberal Democrats press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Jun
The care services regulator in Scotland said that more than half of Scotland's 236 residential care services for young people needed to make improvements to their standards of practice.
Source: Protecting Children and Young People in Residential Care: Are we doing enough?, Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Report | SCRC press release | BBC report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-May
The government announced proposals to extend the British Crime Survey to include surveys of the experiences of crime of children under 16, in order to improve understanding of young people's concerns about crime and victimization. A linked research report examined methodological issues.
Source: Press release 15 May 2008, Home Office (0870 000 1585) | Kevin Pickering, Patten Smith, Caroline Bryson and Christine Farmer, British Crime Survey: Options for Extending the Coverage to Children and People Living in Communal Establishments, Research Report 6, Home Office (020 7273 2084)
Links: Home Office press release | Consultation document | Research report | NCH press release | Nacro press release
Date: 2008-May
A review of youth homelessness found that the number of young people accepted as homeless had fallen in England and Wales in the previous three years, but had remained unchanged in Scotland and Northern Ireland. At least 75,000 young people were in contact with homelessness services every year. Young women were more likely to be statutorily homeless than young men. The main trigger for youth homelessness was relationship breakdown (usually with a parent or step-parent): for many, this was a consequence of long-term conflict within the home, and often involved violence.
Source: Deborah Quilgars, Sarah Johnsen and Nicholas Pleace, Youth Homelessness in the UK: A decade of progress?, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 430033)
Links: Report | JRF Findings | JRF press release | CHP press release
Date: 2008-May
An article examined what could be done to identify, assess, and support young people caring for a parent with a mental health problem.
Source: Gordon Grant, Julie Repper and Mike Nolan, 'Young people supporting parents with mental health problems: experiences of assessment and support', Health and Social Care in the Community, Volume 16 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-May
A briefing paper said that over one-third of young carers provided care for someone with a serious mental health problem who was their parent or held a parental role. The high level of stigma attached to mental health problems might lead young carers to exclude themselves from social involvement. The education system could play a major role by recognizing the impact of the caring role on children's and young people's experience of education, and making appropriate onward referrals.
Source: Diane Roberts, Mim Bernard, Gabriela Misca and Emma Head, Experiences of Children and Young People Caring for a Parent with a Mental Health Problem, Research Briefing 24, Social Care Institute for Excellence (020 7089 6840)
Links: Briefing
Date: 2008-May
A summary was published of the evidence submitted to an inquiry into children's health. A 'large number' of responses highlighted the issue of mental health and well-being: 27 per cent of young people aged 14-16 said that they often felt depressed.
Source: Good Childhood: What You Told Us About Health, Children's Society (020 7841 4415)
Links: Summary | Children's Society press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Apr
A report called for an inquiry into the numbers of disabled young people who lived in care homes for older people. It estimated that 500,000 disabled young people aged 16-20 were in the wrong accommodation. The report highlighted the issues disabled young people faced in obtaining the right education, housing, work, and social opportunities in the transition years.
Source: Rachel Christophides, Freedom to Live: Transition for disabled young people, Livability (020 7452 2000)
Links: Report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Apr
A report summarized the early results of a longitudinal study, launched in 2005, which aimed to track a group of children and their families in Scotland from the early years through childhood and beyond.
Source: Paul Bradshaw et al., Growing Up In Scotland: Year 2 – Results from the second year of a study following the lives of Scotland's children, Scottish Government, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Report | Findings (1) | Findings (2) | Findings (3) | Findings (4)
Date: 2008-Feb
A study examined what children and young people, and their parents and carers, understood to be contributing factors to children's 'well-being'; the language they used when talking about what was implied by 'well-being'; and the ways in which parents and carers felt children and young people could be supported (that is, the appropriate roles for government, parents, schools, extended families, and others).
Source: Counterpoint Research, Childhood Wellbeing: Qualitative research study, Research Report RW031, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260) Links: Report | BBC report
Date: 2008-Feb
An article examined the differences between schools in rates of reported heterosexual sexual experience among young people aged 15-16 (based on a study in Scotland). Schools had less influence than socio-economic factors such as deprived neighbourhoods.
Source: Marion Henderson, Isabella Butcher, Daniel Wight, Lisa Williamson and Gillian Raab, 'What explains between-school differences in rates of sexual experience?', BMC Public Health, Volume 8
Links: Abstract | SPHSU press release
Date: 2008-Feb
An article examined trends in suicide in young men aged 15-34. After rises in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, rates in young men had declined markedly in the previous 10 years in England and Wales. Reductions in key risk factors for suicide, such as unemployment, might be contributing to lower rates.
Source: Lucy Biddle, Anita Brock, Sara Brookes and David Gunnell, 'Suicide rates in young men in England and Wales in the 21st century: time trend study', British Medical Journal, 14 February 2008
Links: Article
Date: 2008-Feb
The government published (following consultation) an action plan for improving the safety of children and young people. It covered three main areas: 'universal safeguarding', involving work to keep all children and young people safe and to create safe environments for them; 'targeted safeguarding', to reduce the risks of harm for vulnerable groups of children and young people; and 'responsive safeguarding', involving responding effectively when children were harmed.
Source: Staying Safe: Action Plan, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Action plan | Hansard | DCSF press release | Consultation document | NCH press release | NUT press release | PAT press release | Liberal Democrats press release | Guardian report | BBC report
Date: 2008-Feb
The Law Lords said (in dismissing a case on technical grounds) that a local authority should have referred a homeless girl (aged 16), whose mother could not look after her, to its children's services department – rather than simply refer her to its housing department and put her up in a series of temporary hotels and hostels.
Source: R (On the Application of M) v London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Appellate Committee, UKHL 14 (Session 2007-08), House of Lords Judicial Office (020 7219 3111)
Links: Text of judgement | Howard League press release | Community Care report
Date: 2008-Feb
An article examined the relationships between social fragmentation in communities (measured for geographical areas), social support experienced by individuals from their immediate social circle, and the psycho-social health of young adults in England. There was no evidence that social support was more 'protective' in areas of greatest social fragmentation. Although being in employment was associated with better mental health, higher educational level was associated with worse average levels of distress.
Source: James Fagg et al., 'Area social fragmentation, social support for individuals and psychosocial health in young adults: evidence from a national survey in England', Social Science & Medicine Volume 66 Issue 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Jan