Additional Information

Bilchik, S. (2007, April). The importance of universal school-based programs in preventing violent and aggressive behavior. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 33, 101-103.

Abstract: (none available)

Hahn, R., Fuqua-Whitley, D., Wethington, H., Lowy, J., Liberman, A., Crosby, A., et al. (2007). The effectiveness of universal school-based programs for the prevention of violent and aggressive behavior: A report on recommendations of the task force on community preventive services.

Abstract: Universal school-based programs to reduce or prevent violent behavior are delivered to all children in classrooms in a grade or in a school. Similarly, programs targeted to schools in high-risk areas (defined by low socioeconomic status or high crime rates) are delivered to all children in a grade or school in those high-risk areas. During 2004--2006, the Task Force on Community Preventive Services (Task Force) conducted a systematic review of published scientific evidence concerning the effectiveness of these programs. The results of this review provide strong evidence that universal school-based programs decrease rates of violence and aggressive behavior among school-aged children. Program effects were demonstrated at all grade levels. An independent meta-analysis of school-based programs confirmed and supplemented these findings. On the basis of strong evidence of effectiveness, the Task Force recommends the use of universal school-based programs to prevent or reduce violent behavior.

Kotch, J.B., Lewis, T., Hussey, J.M., English, D., Thompson, R., Litrownik, A.J., et al.  (2008, April).  Importance of early neglect for childhood aggression. Pediatrics, 121, 725-731.

Abstract:  OBJECTIVE. The goal was to examine the association between early childhood neglect (birth to age 2 years) and later childhood aggression at ages 4, 6, and 8 years, compared with aggression's associations with early childhood abuse and later abuse and neglect.

METHODS. A prospective cohort of 1318 predominantly at-risk children, recruited from 4 US cities and 1 southern state, were monitored from birth to 8 years of age. Maltreatment was determined through review of local child protective services records. A hierarchical, linear model approach, a special case of general, linear, mixed modeling, was used to predict aggressive behavior scores, as reported by the child's primary caregiver at ages 4, 6, and 8 years.

RESULTS. Only early neglect significantly predicted aggression scores. Early abuse, later abuse, and later neglect were not significantly predictive in a controlled model with all 4 predictors.

CONCLUSION. This longitudinal study suggests that child neglect in the first 2 years of life may be a more-important precursor of childhood aggression than later neglect or physical abuse at any age.

Linden, M .  (2008).  Children's budget 2008.  Washington, DC: First Focus.

Abstract:  One penny. That is the amount of every new, real non-defense dollar spent on children’s programs by the federal government over the last five years.

Children’s Budget 2008 is a comprehensive guide the over 180 different children’s programs funded by the federal government, from child health and education to child welfare and juvenile justice. Advocates, policymakers, and program administrators alike will find Children’s Budget 2008 an invaluable resource for all those seeking to improve the lives of America’s youth.