bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of recovery-focused therapy for older adults with bipolar disorder
Authors: Tyler Elizabeth , Lobban Fiona , Sutton Christopher , Hadarag Bogdan , Johnson Sheri , Depp Colin , Duncan Deborah , Jones Steven H.
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite increasing evidence for the effectiveness of individual psychological interventions for bipolar disorder, research on older adults is lacking. We report the first randomised controlled trial of psychological therapy designed specifically for older adults with bipolar disorder.

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of recovery-focused therapy, designed in collaboration with older people living with bipolar disorder.

Method

A parallel, two-armed, randomised controlled trial comparing treatment as usual with up to 14 sessions of recovery-focused therapy plus treatment as usual, for older adults with bipolar disorder.

Results

Thirty-nine participants (67% female, mean age 67 years) were recruited over a 17-month period. Feasibility and acceptability of recruitment, retention (>80% observer-rated outcomes at both 24 and 48 weeks) and intervention processes were demonstrated. The majority of participants started therapy when offered, adhered to the intervention (68% attended all sessions and 89% attended six or more sessions) and reported positive benefits. Clinical assessment measures provide evidence of a signal for effectiveness on a range of outcomes including mood symptoms, time to relapse and functioning. No trial-related serious adverse events were identified.

Conclusions

Recovery-focused therapy is feasible, acceptable and has the potential to improve a range of outcomes for people living with bipolar disorder in later life. A large-scale trial is warranted to provide a reliable estimate of its clinical and cost-effectiveness.
A mutation in THREONINE SYNTHASE 1 uncouples proliferation and transition domains of the root apical meristem: experimental evidence and in silico proposed mechanism
Authors: García-Gómez Monica L. , Reyes-Hernández Blanca J. , Sahoo Debee P. , Napsucialy-Mendivil Selene , Quintana-Armas Aranza X. , Pedroza-García José A. , Shishkova Svetlana , Torres-Martínez Héctor H. , Pacheco-Escobedo Mario A. , Dubrovsky Joseph G.
Published: October 2022

A continuum from stem to transit-amplifying to a differentiated cell state is a common theme in multicellular organisms. In the plant root apical meristem (RAM), transit-amplifying cells are organized into two domains: cells from the proliferation domain (PD) are displaced to the transition domain (TD), suggesting that both domains are necessarily coupled. Here, we show that in the Arabidopsis thaliana mto2-2 mutant, in which threonine (Thr) synthesis is affected, the RAM lacks the PD. Through a combination of cell length profile analysis, mathematical modeling and molecular markers, we establish that the PD and TD can be uncoupled. Remarkably, although the RAM of mto2-2 is represented solely by the TD, the known factors of RAM maintenance and auxin signaling are expressed in the mutant. Mathematical modeling predicts that the stem cell niche depends on Thr metabolism and that, when disturbed, the normal continuum of cell states becomes aborted.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter haploinsufficiency enhances long-term potentiation at hippocampal mossy fibre synapses
Authors: Devine Michael J. , Szulc Blanka R. , Howden Jack H. , López-Doménech Guillermo , Ruiz Arnaud , Kittler Josef T.
Published: October 2022

Long-term changes in synaptic strength form the basis of learning and memory. These changes rely upon energy-demanding mechanisms, which are regulated by local Ca2+ signalling. Mitochondria are optimised for providing energy and buffering Ca2+. However, our understanding of the role of mitochondria in regulating synaptic plasticity is incomplete. Here, we have used optical and electrophysiological techniques in cultured hippocampal neurons and ex vivo hippocampal slices from mice with haploinsufficiency of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU+/−) to address whether reducing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake alters synaptic transmission and plasticity. We found that cultured MCU+/− hippocampal neurons have impaired Ca2+ clearance, and consequently enhanced synaptic vesicle fusion at presynapses occupied by mitochondria. Furthermore, long-term potentiation (LTP) at mossy fibre (MF) synapses, a process which is dependent on presynaptic Ca2+ accumulation, is enhanced in MCU+/− slices. Our results reveal a previously unrecognised role for mitochondria in regulating presynaptic plasticity of a major excitatory pathway involved in learning and memory.
Εκτίμηση φλεγμονώδους φορτίου, ενδοθηλιακής και καρδιακής λειτουργίας πριν και μετά από χειρουργική και φαρμακευτική παρέμβαση σε ασθενείς με ιδιοπαθείς φλεγμονώδεις εντερικές νόσους
Authors: Τριανταφύλλου Χαρίλαος
Published: October 2022

Εξήντα ασθενείς με ιδιοπαθή φλεγμονώδη νόσο του εντέρου (ΙΦΝΕ) (45 με νόσο του Crohn και 15 με ελκώδη κολίτιδα, 40 ± 13 έτη, 53% άρρενες) εξετάσθηκαν σε επίπεδο baseline και 4 μήνες μετά την παρέμβαση [χειρουργική (35 ασθενείς) η θεραπεία με anti-TNFa (25 ασθενείς)]. Η σοβαρότητα της ΙΦΝΕ, συσχετίσθηκε με τους καρδιαγγειακούς δείκτες, με χρήση του Mayo score, του Harvey–Bradshaw Index (HBI) και των βιοδεικτών. Στην αξιολόγηση προ της παρέμβασης (baseline), η σοβαρότητα της ασθένειας, οι τιμές των λευκών αιμοσφαιρίων και ο βαθμός οξειδωτικού στρες συσχετίσθηκαν σημαντικά με την ταχύτητα του σφυγμικού κύματος της αορτής [aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV)] (r = 0.4, r = 0.44 and r = 0.48, p < 0.05) και την ταχύτητα του κύματος Ε του πλάγιου μιτροειδικού δακτυλίου (lateral mitral E’ velocity) (r = 0.35, p < 0.05 and r = 0.3, p < 0.05). Τέσσερις μήνες μετά την παρέμβαση, υπήρχε μία μείωση των λευκών αιμοσφαιρίων (1962.8/mm3 ± 0.425/mm3, p < 0.001), της C-αντιδρώσας πρωτεΐνης (CRP) (8.1 mg/L ± 1.7 mg/L, p < 0.001), της μαλονδιαλδεύδης (MDA) (0.81 nmol/mg ± 0.37, p < 0.05) και του πάχους του ενδοθηλιακού γλυκοκάλυκα (PBR 5-25) (0.24 μm ± 0.05 μm, p < 0.01). Επιπλέον, η βραχιόνιος ενδοθηλιοεξαρτώμενη αγγειοδιαστολή (FMD), η στεφανιαία εφεδρεία ροής (CFR) και η ολική επιμήκης παραμόρφωση της αριστερής κοιλίας (LV GLS) βελτιώθηκαν σημαντικά και για τις δύο ομάδες (4.5% ± 0.9%, 0.55 ± 0.08, 1.4% ± 0.35%, p < 0.01), ενώ μία στατιστικά σημαντικότερη βελτίωση του PWV/GLS παρατηρήθηκε στην ομάδα που έλαβε anti-TNFa παράγοντα. Η σοβαρότητα της ΙΦΝΕ συσχετίζεται με αγγειακή ενδοθηλιακή, καρδιακή διαστολική και στεφανιαία μικροκυκλοφορική δυσλειτουργία. Η συστηματική αναστολή της φλεγμονής καθώς και η τοπική χειρουργική παρέμβαση οδηγούν σε σημαντική βελτίωση ως προς την ενδοθηλιακή λειτουργία, τη στεφανιαία μικροκυκλοφορία και την παραμόρφωση του μυοκαρδίου.
Δημοκρατικός δρόμος προς το σοσιαλισμό και σύγχρονος κοινοβουλευτισμός
Authors: Σκλάβος Αναστάσιος
Published: October 2022

Η διατριβή μελετά το εγχείρημα του δημοκρατικού δρόμου προς το σοσιαλισμό, όπως αυτό εκφράστηκε μέσα από τις ύστερες θεωρητικές παραδοχές του Νίκου Πουλαντζά.Αρχικά, παρουσιάζεται η γενεαλογία της θεωρίας της σοσιαλιστικής μετάβασης και του δημοκρατικού δρόμου ως τμήματος αυτής. Εκκινώντας από τις μαρξικές παραδοχές και διαμέσου όλων εκείνων των σημαντικών κόμβων, οι οποίοι διαδραμάτισαν σημαίνοντα ρόλο στην ανάπτυξη της θεωρίας της σοσιαλιστικής μετάβασης, θα καταλήξουμε στη θεωρητική πρόταση δημοκρατικού δρόμου του Νίκου Πουλαντζά, η οποία ακόμα και σήμερα αποτελεί ορόσημο στα πλαίσια της συναφούς βιβλιογραφίας.Στη συνέχεια μελετώνται εκτενώς όλα εκείνα τα συστατικά στοιχεία που συνθέτουν τον δημοκρατικό δρόμο του Πουλαντζά, εστιάζοντας τόσο στην απόρριψη του κυρίαρχου μοντέλου σοσιαλιστικής μετάβασης, αυτού της δυαδικής εξουσίας, όσο και σε μια σειρά προϋποθέσεων που θέτει ο ίδιος ο Πουλαντζάς, οι οποίες καθιστούν εφικτό, αν όχι αναγκαίο, το εγχείρημα του δημοκρατικού δρόμου. Προηγουμένως έχει αναλυθεί διεξοδικά ο ρόλος της θεωρητικής τομής στο έργο του Πουλαντζά, ζήτημα καθοριστικής σημασίας, αναφορικά με τους λόγους και τις αφετηρίες υιοθέτησης του δημοκρατικού δρόμου προς το σοσιαλισμό. Επιπροσθέτως, ανιχνεύονται οι καταβολές των θέσεων του ύστερου Πουλαντζά, ενώ διερευνάται και η διαφοροποίησή του από το κυρίαρχο ευρωκομμουνιστικό ρεύμα.Τέλος, παρουσιάζονται η φύση και ο ρόλος του αυταρχικού κρατισμού, ο οποίος αποτέλεσε μια νέα φάση του αστικού κράτους που χαρακτηριζόταν από την παρακμή της δημοκρατίας και τον οποίο περιέγραψε λεπτομερώς ο Πουλαντζάς. Επιπροσθέτως, παρατίθενται οι θεωρήσεις και άλλων στοχαστών του κράτους σε μια απόπειρα κριτικής συμπλήρωσης των θεωρητικών παραδοχών του Πουλαντζά για τον αυταρχικό κρατισμό. Ολοκληρώνοντας την παρούσα διατριβή επιχειρείται μια επανεκτίμηση του δημοκρατικού δρόμου του Πουλαντζά στις σημερινές συνθήκες στην προσπάθεια σκιαγράφησης μιας σύγχρονης πρότασης μετάβασης.
Invasive techniques for the removal of necrotic tissue in chronic wounds, a systematic review
Authors: Paraskevas Georgios
Published: October 2022

Background: One of the most challenging problems facing the medical community, is the treatment of chronic wounds. Wound bed debridement is a crucial factor in healing any type of wound and there are new invasive methods like low frequency ultrasound frequency debridement, hydro surgery and coblation technology that look very promising alternatives to the current “gold standard’’ of sharp debridement.
Method and Material: A search of ‘PubMed’, ‘Cochrane database of systematic reviews ‘and ‘Science Direct’ digital databases were made for studies between the years of 2010-2019. Material was randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and prospective or retrospective studies on the subject.  
Results: Our search revealed 1933 articles.  After removing 118 duplicates 1815 articles were screened, a further 1568 were removed because of their type and of the remaining 247, 165 were removed after title reading. Finally, of the remaining 82 articles, 71 were rejected after full reading thus bringing the total number of the articles examined in this systematic review to 11.
Conclusions: The advanced methods of mechanical debridement seem to be less time consuming, more accurate and at the same or lower cost than sharp debridement. Additionally, they offer faster healing rate while reducing the bacterial load of the wound at a greater percentage than sharp debridement.
Digital-twin-enabled 6G network autonomy and generative intelligence: Architecture, technologies and applications
Authors: Shu Min , sun wanfei , zhang jing , duan xiaoyan , ai ming
Published: October 2022

Background: The 6G network provides on-demand services and efficient governance, which is an important capability of the 6G network in the future. Providing more flexibility, availability, and dynamicity in services and network function enablement face many challenges in the 6G network due to the system complexity. To fulfill the requirement of the new generation of a digital and intelligent network, the 6G architecture with digital twin as a new enabler technology, is expected to evolve in the network autonomy and generative intelligence properties, which could optimize and adapt the network and services themselves to a variety of scenarios and deployments.

Methods: To achieve 6G network autonomy and generative intelligence, we propose an architecture based on digital twin technology. This architecture integrates the digital twin network with the minimalist network and supports single-domain autonomous and cross-domain collaboration via centralized-distributed digital twin deployment, and defines the interactions between the digital twin and the service layer as well as the physical network.

Results: Based on the analysis of the architecture, we put forward the following design principles for the 6G digital twin network architecture: decoupling, interactions, endogenous AI, distribution, heterogeneity, autonomous, and closed-loop. In addition, we get the key technologies achieving collaboration efficiently between the network autonomy domain and generative intelligence domain in the distributed digital twin system. Important application directions of the 6G digital twin network architecture are also analyzed.

Conclusions: In this paper, the new digital-twin-enabled 6G architecture and 6G digital twin network architecture design principles are proposed. The key technologies and important application of digital-twin-enabled 6G architecture are provided.
Mutation patterns of resistance genes for macrolides, aminoglycosides, and rifampicin in nontuberculous mycobacteria isolates from Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Zakayo , Naeku Grace , Mureithi Marianne , Onyambu Frank , Bulimo Wallace
Published: October 2022

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) treatment constitutes a macrolide-based antibiotic regimen in combination with aminoglycosides for Rapid-Growing mycobacteria (RGM), and rifampicin for Slow-Growing mycobacteria (SGM). Mutations in the anti-NTM drug target regions promote NTM evolution to mutant strains that are insusceptible to NTM drugs leading to treatment failure. We, therefore, described the mutation patterns of anti-NTM drug target genes including rrl, rrs, and rpoB in NTM isolates from Kenya. 

Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study that included 122 NTM obtained from the sputum of symptomatic tuberculosis-negative patients in Kenya. All the 122 NTM underwent targeted sequencing of the rrl gene. The 54 RGM were also sequenced for rrs, and the 68 SGM were sequenced for rpoB genes using ABI 3730XL analyzer. The obtained sequences were aligned to their wild-type reference sequences for each gene using Geneious then mutations were identified. Pearson chi-square at 95% confidence interval tested the association of NTM to mutation patterns for each gene.

Results: Twenty-eight (23%) of the NTM were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics used in the macrolide-based treatment. Twelve (10.4%) of NTM were macrolide resistant, with 7(58.3%) of RGM and 5(41.7%) of SGM having mutations in the rrl gene. For ten (83.3%) NTM, mutations were found at position 2058, while for two (16.6%) NTM, mutations were found at position 2059. Six (11.1%) of the 54 RGM exhibited mutations in the aminoglycoside target gene rrs at location 1408. Ten (14.7%) of the 68 SGM were resistant to rifampicin, with 40 percent having mutations at codon 531 in the rpoB gene.  

Conclusion: We demonstrated a significant level of drug resistance for macrolides, aminoglycosides and rifampicin in NTM isolated from symptomatic TB negative patients in Kenya.
Evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in children with sickle cell anemia: contribution of 2D strain
Authors: Chenik Sarra , Noamen Aymen , Bouslimi Abyr , Mahfoudhi Houaida , Hannachi Sadok , Barakizou Hager , Mejri Islam , Znegui Tasnim , Fehri Wafa
Published: October 2022

Background:

Cardiovascular involvement is not well studied in children with sickle cell disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the echocardiographic parameters and to investigate speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) interest in detecting subclinical myocardial impairment of children with sickle cell disease.

Methods:

The study was directed in the echocardiographic laboratory in the military hospital of Tunis between July 2018 and December 2018. 30 patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and 30 controls were compared. The echocardiographic measurements were indexed according to body surface. Cardiac output, left ventricular ejection fraction, wall thickness, as well as LV 2-D longitudinal systolic strain were assessed.

Results:

The SCA Group included 30 patients (11.8 ± 2yrs, sex ratio: 1.31) with homozygous SCA and the C Group included 30 healthy controls (12.7 ± 1,2yrs, sex ratio: 1.27).

According to the findings, SCA Group showed significantly larger LV diameter (36.2±2.5mm/m2 vs 29.3±1.3mm/m2, p=0.005). SCA Group also showed lower LV ejection fraction (62%±0.5 vs 65%±5, p=0.001). No significant difference was observed for cardiac output (p=0.4). Otherwise, two-dimensional longitudinal strain of LV was higher in SCA group (-21%±3.07 vs -25%±2.98; p<0.01).

Conclusions:

Our study highlights several cardiac abnormalities in children with SCA, which could represent a marker of disease severity and point out the importance of the cardiologic screening of these patients.
Application of the DanOBS questionnaire combined with a patient-centered consultation video for measuring teaching efficacy in a general practice course.
Authors: Jorgensen Merete , Thorsen Hanne , Siersma Volkert , Bang Christine
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Diverse ways to measure course effectiveness in medical education exist, but it takes time to have the results. The authors have developed a tool consisting of a questionnaire (DanOBS) combined with a test video consultation. The students watched a consultation video and completed a questionnaire about patient-centered elements before and after the course. This study aimed to assess the utility of a new quick tool for measuring efficacy in teaching the patient-centered consultation model.

Method

Altogether 201 students from autumn 2019 were included in this study, assigned by the university to three general practice courses and six small study groups. After introducing the patient-centered consultation model on the first day of the course, the students watched a video consultation and completed the DanOBS online on their Mobile Phones. They watched the video and completed the questionnaire again on one of the last days of the course. The number of correct answers in each item was compared before and after the course. Furthermore, effect sizes for each item were calculated. 

Results

The number of students completing the questionnaire before and after the course was 161. The number of correct answers increased after the course. Items where the teaching was a success, as well as items where it needs intensifying, were identified. The DanOBS instrument reflected the effect of strengthening the learning in some elements of the patient-centered mode. 

Conclusion

A tool for measuring efficacy in teaching patient-centered consultation has been implemented and has given valuable information to teachers about where the students need intensified teaching. The tool can measure the effectiveness of various educational interventions.
Report reveals local failings in tackling harmful sexual behaviour by children
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Clinical experts, the voluntary sector and local authorities are to join forces to develop and trial a framework outlining a best practice response to working with young people who display harmful sexual behaviour
Could outsourcing children's social care lead to improved services?
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Rather than amounting to privatisation through the back door, voluntary organisations and independent providers believe the consultation on outsourcing children's social care presents a chance to improve services in partnership with councils
Pre-case work pays dividends
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Early intervention with troubled families has helped many authorities reduce the number of care proceedings
Staying put arrangements
Authors: Arnold Noel
Published: October 2022

Noel Arnold, director of legal practice at Coram Children's Legal Centre, discusses changes to the law that give children in care the chance to stay with their foster families until they turn 21
Inquiry into sex education
Authors: Anderson Kirsten
Published: October 2022

Kirsten Anderson, legal research and policy manager at Coram Children's Legal Centre, discusses recent research carried out by the centre in light of an upcoming government inquiry into SRE
Youth funding and services cut as councils overlook legal duty
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

A Cabinet Office survey of council youth services reveals provision has shifted more towards targeted interventions, with many predicting the universal model could disappear in the face of further cuts
Drugs education for young people
Authors: Brown Andrew
Published: October 2022

Recognising the signs of drug use in young people is important for professionals, but so is ensuring the right support is available
New Education Secretary Nicky Morgan faces test to emerge from Gove's shadow
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

With nine months until the general election, children's leaders are sceptical that Nicky Morgan will have the time or experience to deviate from the agenda already mapped out by Michael Gove at the Department for Education
Tough task awaits new ministers
Authors: McCardle Laura , Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Leaders across early years, youth services and youth justice outline the main challenges facing new ministers
Councils to tackle oversight gap
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

The “Islamist schools plot” in Birmingham highlights the need for councils to closely monitor academies, say experts
A Day in the Life of a Parent Support Worker
Authors: Fursland Eileen
Published: October 2022

Young victims of sexual exploitation get help from professionals but parents have to cope with the day-to-day fallout. Eileen Fursland accompanies a worker who provides parents with vital support
Councils plan to support 380,000 more troubled families by 2020
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

The government's ambitious plans to expand the Troubled Families programme means local authorities will need to think creatively about how they reach and support more families with entrenched social problems
Head teachers for children on the move
Authors: Jóźwiak Gabriella
Published: October 2022

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children can find it harder to achieve at school. Gabriella Jóźwiak reports on a scheme that saw councils employ virtual head teachers to help improve education for this group
Collective responsibilty
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Derren Hayes talks to Tony Hunter, chief executive, Social Care Institute for Excellence
Academics urge institute to refine purpose and broaden horizons
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

The Institute for Youth Work was meant to become a focal point for the youth sector, but has attracted only 700 members in its first year, with some blaming a lack of clarity over its role and what the benefits of joining are
Tories unveil youth skills focus
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

The Conservatives indicate tackling youth unemployment will be at the forefront of their election campaign
Supporting migrant children
Authors: Dorling Kamena
Published: October 2022

Unaccompanied migrant children face multiple challenges, which, with the right support, professionals can help them overcome
How to promote oral health
Authors: Kay Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

Tooth brushing schemes in schools and nurseries, and fluoride varnishing for all children could help to prevent tooth decay
YJB puts faith in resettlement schemes to crack reoffending
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

With reoffending by a small cohort of highly troubled young people stubbornly high, the Youth Justice Board hopes efforts to better prepare offenders for life outside custody will prevent them returning
Labour's listener
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Laura McCardle meets shadow childcare minister Alison McGovern
SUFFERING INSIDE: The welfare of children in custody
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

As many as one in five children in custody has attempted suicide, while many more self-harm. Joe Lepper explores what the youth secure estate and health services are doing to reduce risk and protect the welfare of this vulnerable group
The accidental minister
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Laura McCardle meets Rob Wilson, minister for civil society
Supporting gifted children
Authors: Yates Denise
Published: October 2022

Children and young people with high learning abilities need support from professionals to help them make the most of their gifts
Increased safeguarding risk at the heart of secure college concerns
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Youth justice experts say the government's plans to create a ‘fortified school’ will bring welcome focus on education for young people in custody, but that its proposed size raises questions over safety and the quality of learning
Social reformer called into action
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Neil Puffett talks to Sir Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Action for Children
Teaching schools forge ties with nurseries
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

The government wants to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children by linking struggling early years providers with high-performing schools
Authorities bring out cheque book to recruit and keep social workers
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Significant rises in vacant children's social worker posts and the number of practitioners changing jobs is encouraging councils to offer cash incentives of up to £5,000 in an attempt to recruit and retain staff
Born Scout leader
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Laura McCardle meets Matt Hyde, chief executive of The Scout Association
Turning Parents Into Care Professionals
Authors: Jóź Gabriella
Published: October 2022

A government-funded scheme to train parents to be childminders has ended. Gabriella Jóźwiak met participants on one of the last courses to find out how it worked and what lessons were learned
Youth zones show outcomes boost
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

Modern youth centres deliver social benefits valued at twice the amount they cost, OnSide research reveals
Breaking The Cycle of Sexual Offending
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Children who display harmful sexual behaviour have often been abused themselves. Joe Lepper looks at the pioneering work taking place and assesses how a new national framework will help improve support
How to manage agency staff
Authors: Tibbert Louise
Published: October 2022

With more agency workers being employed in children's services, managing this growing part of the workforce well is vital
Youth minister calls for innovation over the ‘easy option’ of cuts
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Minister for civil society Rob Wilson tells CYP Now that local authorities are “set in their ways” and have been too quick to cut youth provision instead of developing the evidence base to support service investment
Relationships and sex education
Authors: Anderson Kirsten
Published: October 2022

Kirsten Anderson, research and policy manager at Coram Children's Legal Centre, examines the government's reluctance to make relationships and sex education statutory for pupils in primary and secondary schools
Safeguarding standard bearer
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Derren Hayes meets David N Jones, chair of the Association of Independent LSCB Chairs
Prepare young people for work
Authors: Aldridge Fiona
Published: October 2022

Getting that first job is still tough in today's market, so knowing what skills employers are looking for is key for young people
School nursing profession demands support on children's mental health
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

As young people begin the new school year, the current national focus on mental health sees pupil wellbeing high on the agenda - so what role should school nurses play to address problems early and improve mental health?
Fire services tackle health problems
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

Thanks to a legislative change, fire services in England are helping widen efforts to improve child health
Funding Cuts Lead Councils to Seek New Ways of Delivering Youth Work
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

A new round of government funding through the Delivering Differently for Young People programme will aim to help more local authorities develop effective models of providing youth services at a reduced cost
‘Baffling’ DfE Report Raises Fears over Free Childcare Expansion
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

A Department for Education review has been unable to quantify the costs of providing childcare, prompting concerns from the early years sector that the planned expansion of the free entitlement will be underfunded
RAISING AMBITIONS FOR CARE LEAVERS
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Care leavers are more likely to struggle to access education, employment and training opportunities. Joe Lepper looks at the challenges and highlights areas helping young people to achieve their goals
How to make an FGM report
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Children's professionals have a legal duty to report known cases of FGM, so what are the key steps to take?
Government turns its attention to improving residential care
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Sir Martin Narey has been appointed to lead a review of children's residential care, which will examine how to deliver quality provision and improved outcomes for looked-after children while achieving value for money
Social Investment for Charities
Authors: Harrison-Evans Peter
Published: October 2022

With public sector funding reducing, children's charities could increasingly turn to social investment to achieve their goals
The implications of the Spending Review on services for children
Authors: Brown Jess , Offord Adam , Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Measures announced in the Chancellor's Spending Review will result in core funding for councils falling 24 per cent in real terms over the next four years. How will this affect children, young people and their families?
Early years pupil premium tested
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Two of the seven councils trialling extra funding for disadvantaged young children outline how they will invest it
Caring by Sharing
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Sharing information is vital to keeping children safe, but systems often let families down. Joe Lepper explores how children's services teams and partners are working together to improve communication
DfE innovation fund to aid young people with mental health issues
Authors: Haidrani Layla
Published: October 2022

As the government announces funding for a further four initiatives to tackle social problems affecting children and young people's emotional wellbeing, CYP Now takes a look at how they will run and what they will offer
Looking beyond adoption
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Neil Puffett meets Caroline Selkirk, chief executive of BAAF
Innovation projects tackle CSE
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Four innovation fund schemes are to focus on developing ways to protect children from sexual exploitation
‘Wilful neglect’ proposals raise fears over damage to social work
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Children's services leaders say the government's plans to extend wilful neglect sanctions of up to five years in prison to social care and education professionals will harm joint working and deter many entering the sector
First-Time Voters Make their Choice
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

The general election on 7 May will see millions of young people eligible to vote for the first time. Here, six 18to 22-year-olds tell Adam Offord about their priorities, which political parties will get their backing, and why
Social media and social work
Authors: Kim-Newby Linda
Published: October 2022

Social media can present difficult challenges for people working in the family courts, so how can practitioners use it securely?
Refugee support sparks dispute
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Kent is calling for a compulsory scheme to disperse refugee children, but some warn such plans will fail
Children's Mental Health
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

The Future in Mind national strategy and £1.4bn in funding is seeing a reorganisation of children's mental health services that is aiming to transform the outcomes of children and young people
Ofsted's Social Care Annual Report Highlights Areas for Improvement
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Inspectorate's annual report on children's social care services flags up concerns over leadership, safeguarding, caseloads and support for care leavers, while a consultation outlines its plans for a new inspection system
First aid added to childcare training
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

New early years practitioners will be required to undertake paediatric first aid training to improve safety
Children in care champions want greater powers over school places
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Schools can be reluctant to take looked-after children as new pupils during term-time due to a shortage of places or concerns about attainment targets. Virtual school heads want greater powers to ensure they get the places they need
Changing face of youth justice
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Neil Puffett speaks to Colin Allars, chief executive of the Youth Justice Board
Raising awareness of neglect
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

A new guide to neglect offers children's professionals advice on how to best identify and respond to it
Learning from Signs of Safety
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Social work programme is already changing frontline practice and management, says Professor Eileen Munro
IVF and legal parenthood
Authors: Reeve Kelly
Published: October 2022

Kelly Reeve, senior legal consultant for the Child Law Advice Service, considers recent cases in the High Court Family Division seeking to resolve parentage issues for children born through IVF using a sperm donor
Boarding boost for children in care
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Partnership aims to convince councils of the merits of placing looked-after children in boarding school
Labour's social work champion
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Derren Hayes talks to Emma Lewell-Buck MP, shadow children's minister
Careers guidance and advice
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Ofsted reviews, independent inquiries and employers' surveys have heaped much criticism on the standard of careers guidance in schools, but destination data suggests pupils are progressing well
‘Rushed’ social work training plans raise ‘workforce shortage’ fears
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Government plans to introduce a national accreditation scheme for children's social workers by 2020 could see practitioners leave the profession and destabilise the workforce, warn social work education experts
Five ways to develop successful and sustainable youth groups
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

UK Youth has identified five key characteristics that underpin successful youth groups: a wide range of services, high-quality provision, young people's input, measurable outcomes and a sustainable business model
Government sets out blueprint to reverse decline in adoption
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Plans to reverse a fall in the number of children being adopted include changes to prioritise adoption over other forms of care, increased post-adoption support and speeding up the process of finding prospective adopters
London mayor election: the key policies for children and families
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

The next mayor of London will be responsible for a budget of £17bn. So what are the main candidates in May's election pledging to deliver for children, young people and families? We trawl the manifestos to find out
Staff motivation and retention
Authors: O'Sullivan June
Published: October 2022

All children's services teams face the challenge of keeping staff turnover low against a landscape of tight budgets, so it is essential employers master the skills to retain, motivate and reward employees
NCS Act shifts scheme up a gear
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Royal Charter puts the youth initiative on a statutory footing, increasing scrutiny and expectations
Youth secure estate
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Although the population of the youth secure estate has dropped substantially, youth custody settings are struggling to improve support for young people, with outcomes described as “not good enough”
Dealing with violence in YOIs
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

A youth work programme could provide the solution for tackling high levels of violence in youth custody
LEADERSHIP: Preventing a cyber attack
Authors: Bryce Alan
Published: October 2022

The risk of cyber attack has become a clear and present danger and is an issue charity and children's services leaders must be alert to, but there are various protective steps they can take to strengthen their defences
UK Youth and Ambition finally tie the knot after decades of courtship
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

The merger of UK Youth and Ambition brings together two of the most influential youth charities. Although the shape of the organisation is still to be decided, leaders believe the move will boost the voice of youth work
HOW TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN SOCIAL WORKERS
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Recruitment and retention challenges in children's services mean councils are searching for new ways to attract and retain social workers. Joe Lepper looks at different approaches and investigates what actually works
The key to better contracts
Authors: Khan Javed
Published: October 2022

Dwindling budgets increasingly means pressure to prioritise cost-effectiveness over quality when deciding contracts, but a collaborative approach with providers can ensure sustainable solutions
‘Buddies’ boost for 30-hour places
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Department for Education hopes “buddy” scheme will help councils to create enough childcare places
Virtual leads to improve mental health of looked-after children
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Leaders back calls from an expert working group for the creation of virtual mental health leads for children in care, but warn they must be sufficiently funded and have the power to ensure provision is put in place
Joining youth and family courts
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Experts assess the barriers to integrated youth and family courts system following Munby intervention
Keeping asylum seekers safe
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Shortfalls in funding and recruitment seen as key barriers to delivering asylum safeguarding strategy
EU national children in the UK
Authors: Hurrell Anita
Published: October 2022

Some EU national children living in the UK may be British but not know it, so it is important families are aware of their rights, says Anita Hurrell, legal and policy officer at Coram Children's Legal Centre
Challenge to create pupil places
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

National Audit Office highlights rising demand for school places and limited options available to councils
Unexpected opportunity
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Derren Hayes talks to Helen Marshall, chief executive of youth health charity Brook
Youth custody overhaul raises risk of a ‘fragmented system’
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

The government is to strip the Youth Justice Board of most of its youth custody duties. Former chief John Drew says while there is merit to the plan, it raises concerns over resettlement work and ensuring a child focus
Safeguarding in schools
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Ofsted inspections show the majority of maintained schools have effective safeguarding arrangements in place, but there are concerns about standards in some faith-based schools and the independent sector
Children in care attainment tool
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

How a resource analysing education progress for looked-after children could “revolutionise” support
Working with business
Authors: Duxbury Graham
Published: October 2022

Graham Duxbury, chief executive of environmental regeneration charity Groundwork, outlines his top tips on forging long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with businesses to help local communities
Asylum seeker age assessments
Authors: Dorling Kamena
Published: October 2022

Kamena Dorling, head of policy and programmes at Coram Children's Legal Centre, looks at the potentially harmful consequences of asylum applicants having their ages disputed by officials
Tri-borough collapse: the fallout
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

End of pioneering arrangement raises questions over future of councils pooling children's services
Careers overhaul targets poorer pupils
Authors: Eminson Sophie
Published: October 2022

New strategy for careers guidance outlines measures to link schools in disadvantaged areas with employers and training providers
New Year resolutions
Authors: Selwyn Richard
Published: October 2022

Richard Selwyn considers six resolutions to improve how children's services could be commissioned and delivered in 2018
A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH TO YOUTH VIOLENCE
Authors: de Castella Tom
Published: October 2022

With violent crime on the increase in England, Tom de Castella asks what children's services can learn from the public health model that originated in the US and has reduced youth violence in Glasgow
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Amid increasing funding pressures and demand, councils are working to deliver comprehensive health, care and education support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
Call to boost school counselling services
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Council leaders and professional organisations say mental health green paper should prioritise counselling services based in schools
CADETS: A YOUTH WORK FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH?
Authors: de Castell Tom
Published: October 2022

The government has pumped £50m into expanding cadet units in schools. Tom de Castella assesses the youth work contribution of cadet groups and asks if they are value for money
Will reception test be beneficial?
Authors: Brook Nick , Ellis Nansi
Published: October 2022

The government is to develop a rating of pupils' ability when they enter reception, but experts disagree on whether it will be a good measure of schools' work and improve the education that children receive
Councils make SEND progress amid concerns over quality
Authors: Puffett Neil , Fiddy Alison , Batten Amanda , Ramsden Charlotte
Published: October 2022

It has taken four years to transfer most children with special educational needs and disabilities to a new support system. While parents appear satisfied with the process, campaigners have criticised the quality of some care plans
DCS turnover: beneath the data
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

High turnover in children's services directors in the past year masks signs of increased stability
Ed-psych shortage under scrutiny
Authors: Fallon Kate
Published: October 2022

Demand for educational psychologists in schools is high but funding pressures limit recruitment
Investing in talent
Authors: Tas Jacob
Published: October 2022

Central to the success of any organisation is ensuring the quality of its workforce, from the initial recruitment process through to nurturing talented staff with ongoing development opportunities
Young people's services
Authors: Badnall-Neill Toni
Published: October 2022

While funding is scarce, commissioners can still help embed youth work principles in wider provision, says Toni Badnall-Neill
Young volunteers offer practical support to empower their disadvantaged peers
Authors: Inshaw Julia
Published: October 2022

Name The Breadcrumbs Project

Provider CXK and National Citizen Service

Summary Young people from a deprived coastal community designed and delivered a social action project to support underprivileged peers
BUILDING ON THE STRENGTH WITHIN
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: October 2022

Much work with disadvantaged young people focuses on fixing problems but research suggests a strengths-based approach can be harnessed to great effect. Charlotte Goddard investigates
Briefing: Youth suicide levels
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

What are the key factors behind a worrying rise in the number of young people taking their own life?
Guidance to tackle county lines cases
Authors: Dorling Kamena
Published: October 2022

Kamena Dorling, group head of policy and public affairs at Coram Children's Legal Centre, examines the rise in county lines cases and new guidance for practitioners on how to improve safeguarding
UK silent on UN youth strategy
Authors: Dunhill Ally , Osmandzikovic Emina
Published: October 2022

Appointing a dedicated youth minister would help the UK implement the UN's strategy, say experts
NHS Long Term Plan gives young people's mental health a boost
Authors: Parkes Jo
Published: October 2022

The government's 10-year vision for the NHS sets out key pledges to improve support for children and young people with mental health problems, including investing in crisis and community-based interventions
Charity's guiding light
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Derren Hayes meets Julie Bentley, chief executive of Action for Children
Inspecting education settings
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Ofsted's new inspection system introduces a raft of changes to how education settings will be assessed. Jo Stephenson outlines six key measures and what they mean for schools, colleges and childcare providers
The future of legal aid
Authors: Dorling Kamena
Published: October 2022

Kamena Dorling, head of policy and public affairs at Coram, examines recent announcements by the government relating to the provision of legal aid and access to justice for vulnerable children
Keeping social workers safe
Authors: Ewart Carolyn
Published: October 2022

Social workers support people in challenging circumstances, but being subject to abuse and violence is never acceptable, so it is important that employers and staff take steps to ensure practitioners' safety
Partnerships to address violent crime
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Youth charity supports government strategy's focus on community partnerships to tackle knife crime, but wants longer-term funding
Guide to measure loneliness
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Feeling lonely can harm children's wellbeing, so a new guide aims to help charities identify the problem
Relationships and sex education
Authors: Gill Harriet
Published: October 2022

Harriet Gill, managing director of Coram Life Education, examines guidance on relationships education, relationships and sex education, and health education to be introduced in primary and secondary schools
Adoption register suspension – will it make matching harder?
Authors: Parkes Joanne
Published: October 2022

A system for matching hard-to-place children with adopters has been shelved after 18 years. Those running the National Adoption Register fear the change will limit options, but others say online systems can fill the void
Asylum delays spark legal action
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Judicial review highlights concerns over the impact asylum delays have on unaccompanied children
Meeting the ‘sufficiency’ duties
Authors: Badnall-Neill Toni
Published: October 2022

With demand for care placements being so high, it's vital commissioners know how to achieve “sufficiency”, says Toni Badnall-Neill
Factors behind twin-hat decline
Authors: Parr Chris
Published: October 2022

Funding changes and more complex policy could be reasons for the fall in twin-hat DCSs, say experts
Outstanding residential care
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

The manager of a residential setting for children with disabilities tells Jo Stephenson how it has built a culture of continuous improvement while achieving a decade of “outstanding” Ofsted ratings
Making the case for intervening earlier
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Building on the impact of the Troubled Families programme can be vital for securing the future of early help in upcoming spending review
Assessing age of asylum seekers
Authors: Dorling Kamena
Published: October 2022

Kamena Dorling, head of policy and programmes at Coram Children's Legal Centre, looks at the potentially harmful consequences of children seeking asylum having their ages disputed by immigration officials