Universal modes of awareness? A “pre-reflective” premise

Mark Rowlands holds that creatures endowed with pre-reflective awareness may qualify as persons: In pre-reflective awareness, the self and the unity of mental life are implicit in the stream of experience. Rowlands generalizes from an introspective analysis of pre-reflective consciousness in humans to pre-reflective awareness in general. I describe three examples of empirical findings that corroborate the assumption that animal minds have some of the same basic modes of pre-reflective awareness as human minds

Mission Sustainable: Fostering an enabling environment for sustainable Citizen Observatories. WeObserve policy brief 2

This policy brief makes four specific recommendations to European and national funding bodies and policy makers for fostering an enabling environment that can contribute to the generation, execution and sustainability of Citizen Observatories and therefore maximise their impact

Suicide Prevention for Children and Youth: A Review of the National Literature

Each year, about 1,600 youth in the U.S. die by their own hands making suicide the third leading cause of death for children and adolescents. This report summarizes current findings about epidemiology, current trends, risk and protective factors, as well as findings about strategies and programs for suicide prevention and intervention. Specifically highlighted are strategies such as awareness and education, gatekeeper training, screening and assessment, hotlines, means restriction, media education, pharmacological treatment, and cognitive-behavioral treatment and skills training.© 2007 State of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services May be reproduced in original form. Prepared under grant No. KAN23373; and contract No. 0702-HCP-0603-07

Reactive Attachment Disorder: Concepts, Treatment, and Research

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a disorder characterized by controversy, both with respect to its definition and its treatment. By definition, the RAD diagnosis attempts to characterize and explain the origin of certain troubling behaviors in children. The RAD diagnosis presumes that "pathogenic care" of a young child can result in an array of markedly disturbed behaviors in social interactions and poor attachments to caregivers and others. (See full definition in the body of this report). The RAD diagnosis derives from the attachment theories of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. Several authors question whether RAD is a valid diagnostic category, citing the overlap of symptoms with Pervasive Developmental Disorder and other disorders, the inconsistent connection to attachment theory, and the lack of empirical validation. Assessment and diagnosis of RAD is complicated and difficult for several reasons. First, children are not always referred for mental health services for attachment problems per se, but because of a variety of behavioral that may co-exist with RAD. Second, in the abuse and neglect population, there may be over-reporting because of a predeliction to view these children as having attachment disorders stemming from early abuse experiences. Third, differential diagnosis can be problematic because RAD symptoms can overlap or be confused with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. The Association for the Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children (ATTACh), as well as other authors, recommend a multi-dimensional assessment including systematic observations, extensive history, school and family reports, and individual and family assessment. The review of the literature uncovered one assessment instrument that has been sufficiently researched and can aid in the assessment process: the Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire (RADQ). The controversy about treatment of children with RAD centers on the practice of "holding therapy," especially when the child is held against his/her will and struggles to resist. Although proponents argue that this experiential method is necessary for the child to establish a bond, or attachment, with a caregiver, critics decry that the experience can be traumatizing, and that any apparent behavioral gains could be the result of trauma bonds, not healthy attachment relations. While ATTACh and other authors attempt to distinguish between coercive and non-coercive holding, the difference between "therapeutic" or "nurturing" holding and coercive traumatizing holding remains a fine line and a matter of interpretation. In addition, there is very little empirical evidence to support the practice of holding therapy, on either an inpatient or outpatient basis. For these reasons, holding therapies should be avoided in favor of less intrusive methods, including trauma-based, family-centered, and community-based interventions.c. 2004 State of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services May be reproduced in original form Prepared under grant No. KAN23373; and contract No. 0702-HCP-0603-07

A Template for Family-Centered Interagency Collaboration

Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services. Copyright 2000 Families International, Inc.In this paper, it is asserted that successful interagency collaborations require commitment to a shared value base as the core dimension of the joint efforts. A rationale framework that places family-centered principles at the core is provided, and how these principles translate into specific behaviors, attitudes, and policies on all levels within and between organizations is outlined. This template can provide guidance to local and state policy makers involved in reforming systems of care

Therapeutic Alliance with Children and Families

For many years the therapeutic alliance has been recognized as an important common factor that impacts treatment outcomes across models of therapy for adults. While several meta-analytic studies of adult psychotherapy have underscored the predictive value of the therapeutic alliance for better outcomes, empirical evidence for the role of relational factors in treatment of children and adolescents is only beginning to emerge and lags behind adult research. Relatively few studies involving children, adolescents, or families evaluate both the quality of alliance and outcomes. This report summarizes current evidence for best practices in the national literature which overall suggests a moderate impact of the therapeutic alliance on outcomes for children, youth, and families.© 2006 State of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services May be reproduced in original form Prepared under grant No. KAN23373; and contract No. 0702-HCP-0603-07

School-Based Mental Health: A Review of the National Literature

The evidence base for the effectiveness of School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) programs is slowly gaining robustness and indicates that SBMH programs can have a positive impact on individual students' attendance, behavioral, and academic functioning, as well as on system-level outcomes. Based on a review of the national literature, this report summarizes current knowledge including ten principles of best practice suggested in the literature, interventions for various presenting problems, models presently used across different states, questions regarding the implementation and sustainability of programs, strategies for financing SBMH, and information about available national resources.© 2006 State of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services May be reproduced in original form Prepared under grant No. KAN23373; and contract No. 0702-HCP-0603-07

Residential Treatment: A Review of the National Literature

Though the evidence base for the effectiveness of residential treatment is still weak, three main components for increasing successful outcomes have emerged in the empirical literature. There is consistent evidence (1) for the need of family involvement in all aspects of treatment, (2) for the centrality of regular contacts between children and their families, and (3) for the importance of aftercare and support to maintain gains made in RT. Insights from families, youth, and professionals converge with these findings. Based on a review of the national literature, this report summarizes current trends, challenges, and knowledge; examines existing efforts to make RT more family-centered; and offers recommendations for best practices.© 2007 State of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services May be reproduced in original form Prepared under grant No. KAN23373; and contract No. 0702-HCP-0603-07

Home-Based Therapy: Effectiveness and Processes--A Brief Review of the National Literature

Since the late 1980s, home-based family therapy has become an increasingly popular service. The delivery of family therapy in families’ homes presents various advantages and challenges. This review focuses on empirical studies, and some pertinent conceptual literature, highlighting the benefits of home-based services along with strategies for overcoming difficulties that typically arise.© 2006 State of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services May be reproduced in original form Prepared under grant No. KAN23373; and contract No. 0702-HCP-0603-07