NCJ Number
149671
Editor(s)
K J Jaros
Date Published
1992
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This report presents eight papers and working group recommendations from the proceedings of the 1992 Public Health Social Work Maternal and Child Health Institute, held in Pittsburgh, April 26-29, 1992.
Abstract
The institute examined violence as a public health problem and attempted to identify preventive interventions that focus on children, youth, and families. The conference was attended by approximately 100 representatives from agencies and institutions in 17 States and the District of Columbia. The first paper provides an overview of violence in America, followed by a paper that discusses the development and implementation of culturally sensitive interventions with individuals, families, and communities. A third paper suggests ways in which universities can assist in countering violence among adolescents and children. Another presentation recommends techniques and strategies for community coalition building that constitutes a social work response for community empowerment. The theme of coalition building is also emphasized in a paper on statewide leadership. A systems approach to violence prevention is recommended in another paper. Suggested activities that can help prevent violence are influencing policy and legislation, changing organizational practices, fostering coalitions and networks, promoting community education, and strengthening individual knowledge and skills. Two papers focus on approaches for reducing violence among African-American youth; one addresses psychosocial approaches in the community, and the second suggests an approach for correctional settings. Work group recommendations are in the areas of mobilizing communities for action, linking with juvenile justice and child welfare programs, and school-based initiatives. References accompany each paper, and a conference participant list is provided.