Parents of individuals with autism face many challenges in accessing appropriate services and supports for their offspring. Parents also play vital roles in advocating for their offspring's rights and needs. Furthermore, despite advocacy programs becoming increasingly common, it remains unclear how to best foster advocacy among parents of…

In the current qualitative research study, we focused on understanding the ecological systems, contexts, behaviors, and strategies of parents (N = 435) advocating for their children with an intellectual and developmental disability diagnosis, specifically Down syndrome (DS). Based on the data analysis, parents of children with DS advocate for…

Background: Parents' knowledge of their child with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) is seen as crucial in the support and care for their child. The aim of this study was to explore the nature and transferability of this knowledge. Method: We conducted an interpretative synthesis, searched PubMed, CINAHL, Philosopher's Index…

Background/Context: Over the last two decades, youth involvement in policy advocacy has increased sharply, through youth councils, organizing coalitions, and new media forums. Currently 12 states and 140 American cities have youth councils or commissions established to advise policymakers on the impact of their legislation on youth. Despite their…

So much more is known now than a generation ago about how and when brain architecture is built and how deeply it is influenced by early experiences. We know for certain now that the way adult caregivers, parents in particular, interact with children during the first 5 years can actually shape their brain architecture for life--for better and for…

What happens when a defendant's guilt or innocence hinges solely on a child's testimony? Defendants argue that children's memories are too unreliable to be the basis for a verdict. Child rights advocates counter that since child sex abuse is rarely witnessed and frequently leaves no physical evidence that victim testimony is vital.…

Previous research involving adult survivors of CSA (childhood sexual abuse) indicates that approximately 77% of CSA victims did not report the abuse while in childhood. The purpose of this study was to examine CSA disclosure in childhood. Participants for this study were 137 children/adolescents ranging in ages from 2-16 interviewed at a child…

In his 2007 PESA keynote address, Paul Smeyers discussed the increasing regulation of child-rearing through government intervention and the generation of "experts", citing particular examples from Europe where cases of childhood obesity and parental neglect have stirred public opinion and political debate. In his paper…

Considers the lack of opportunities for meaningful interactions between male prisoners and their children. The family-related policies of the New York State Department of Correction Services and their implementation in local institutions are given as examples of the problem. (Author/BB)

Describes experience of helping two sets of divorcing parents retain meaningful contact between young children and non-resident fathers. Argues that failure to consider past parenting practices, to grant children party status and give them independent representation, and to offer child-centered services to help parents practice shared parenting…

Several arguments justifying subjecting children to adult authority are discussed and refuted. (JMF)

Parents who do not recognize problems their youngsters have often become defensive, thus making it difficult for schools and others to offer assistance to them and their children. Outlines a program that involves the use of community ombudsmen to help at levels where their assistance is most needed. (Editor/RK)

Illustrates by citing personal experiences how one approach to citizen advocacy programs for the retarded make it possible for the disabled to achieve greater independence and fuller citizen status. (Author/ED)

This guide explains Maine's juvenile justice system so that juveniles and/or their parents can know what to expect or what to do in a situation involving juveniles, public officials and the law. Although it is geographically specific, it could serve as a model to other states. The booklet can serve as a checklist to make sure law enforcement…

John McMurtry's arguments for the liberation of children based on the similarities between childhood and slavery and the requirement of obedience are discussed. (JMF)