bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic variables associated with risk for diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Nguyen Chan Tran N. , Yosef Matheos , Khalatbari Shokoufeh , Shah Anjali R.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Several systemic and sociodemographic factors have been associated with the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, there is limited investigation of the potential role sociodemographic factors may play in augmenting systemic risk factors of DR. We hypothesize that age, sex, race, ethnicity, income, and insurance payor have an impact on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index, and systolic blood pressure, and therefore an upstream effect on the development of DR and vision-threatening forms of DR (VTDR).

Methods:

Multivariable analysis of longitudinal electronic health record data at a large academic retina clinic was performed. Sociodemographic factors included race, ethnicity, income, and insurance payor. Systemic risk factors for DR included hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and body mass index (BMI). VTDR was identified from encounter diagnostic codes indicating proliferative retinopathy or diabetic macular edema. Patient-reported primary address zip codes were used to approximate income level, stratified into quartiles.

Results:

From 2016 to 2018, 3,470 patients with diabetes totaled 11,437 visits were identified. Black patients had higher HbA1c and SBP compared to White patients. White patients had higher BMI and SBP compared to patients of unknown/other race and greater odds of VTDR than the latter. Patients of Hispanic ethnicity had significantly higher SBP than non-Hispanic patients. Low-income patients had higher BMI and SBP than high-income patients and greater odds of VTDR than the latter. Medicaid recipients had greater odds of VTDR than those with Blue Care Network (BCN) and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance. Medicaid and Medicare recipients had higher SBP compared to BCBS recipients. Finally, both higher HbA1c and SBP had greater odds of VTDR. There were no differences in odds of VTDR between White and Black patients or between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients.

Conclusion:

Significant associations exist between certain sociodemographic factors and well-known risk factors for DR. Income and payor were associated with increased severity of systemic risk factors and presence of VTDR. These results warrant further investigation of how risk factor optimization and disease prevention may be further improved by targeted intervention of these modifiable sociodemographic factors.
Clues from networks: quantifying relational risk for credit risk evaluation of SMEs
Authors: Long Jingjing , Jiang Cuiqing , Dimitrov Stanko , Wang Zhao
Published: October 2022

Owing to information asymmetry, evaluating the credit risk of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is difficult. While previous studies evaluating the credit risk of SMEs have mostly focused on intrinsic risk generated by SMEs, our study considers both intrinsic and relational risks generated by neighbor firms’ publicly available risk events. We propose a framework for quantifying relational risk based on publicly available risk events for SMEs’ credit risk evaluation. Our proposed framework quantifies relational risk by weighting the impact of publicly available risk events of each firm in an interfirm network—considering the impact of interfirm network type, risk event type, and time dependence of risk events—and combines the relational risk score with financial and demographic features to evaluate SMEs credit risk. Our results reveal that relational risk score significantly improves both discrimination and granting performances of credit risk evaluation of SMEs, providing valuable managerial and practical implications for financial institutions.
Mapping the adult human esophagus in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Ferrer-Torres Daysha , Wu Joshua H. , Zhang Charles J. , Hammer Max A. , Dame Michael K. , Wu Angeline , Holloway Emily M. , Karpoff Kateryna , McCarthy Caroline L. , Bohm Margaret S. , Cuttitta Ashley J. , Tigani Dominic J. , Huang Sha , Tsai Yu-Hwai , Miller Alyssa J. , Walker Taylor , Bayer David E. , Hogan Simon P. , Turgeon Danielle Kim , Lin Jules , Higgins Peter D. R. , Sexton Jonathan , Spence Jason R.
Published: October 2022

Many esophageal diseases can arise during development or throughout life. Therefore, well-characterized in vitro models and detailed methods are essential for studying human esophageal development, homeostasis and disease. Here, we (1) create an atlas of the cell types observed in the normal adult human esophagus; (2) establish an ancestrally diverse biobank of in vitro esophagus tissue to interrogate homeostasis and injury; and (3) benchmark in vitro models using the adult human esophagus atlas. We created a single-cell RNA sequencing reference atlas using fresh adult esophagus biopsies and a continuously expanding biobank of patient-derived in vitro cultures (n=55 lines). We identify and validate several transcriptionally distinct cell classes in the native human adult esophagus, with four populations belonging to the epithelial layer, including basal, epibasal, early differentiating and terminally differentiated luminal cells. Benchmarking in vitro esophagus cultures to the in vivo reference using single-cell RNA sequencing shows that the basal stem cells are robustly maintained in vitro, and the diversity of epithelial cell types in culture is dependent on cell density. We also demonstrate that cultures can be grown in 2D or as 3D organoids, and these methods can be employed for modeling the complete epithelial layers, thereby enabling in vitro modeling of the human adult esophagus.
Shared cis-regulatory modules control expression of the tandem paralogs midline and H15 in the follicular epithelium
Authors: Stevens Cody A. , Stott Helen L. , Desai Shreya V. , Yakoby Nir
Published: October 2022

The posterior end of the follicular epithelium is patterned by midline (MID) and its paralog H15, the Drosophila homologs of the mammalian Tbx20 transcription factor. We have previously identified two cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) that recapitulate the endogenous pattern of mid in the follicular epithelium. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we demonstrate redundant activity of these mid CRMs. Although the deletion of either CRM alone generated marginal change in mid expression, the deletion of both CRMs reduced expression by 60%. Unexpectedly, the deletion of the 5′ proximal CRM of mid eliminated H15 expression. Interestingly, expression of these paralogs in other tissues remained unaffected in the CRM deletion backgrounds. These results suggest that the paralogs are regulated by a shared CRM that coordinates gene expression during posterior fate determination. The consistent overlapping expression of mid and H15 in various tissues may indicate that the paralogs could also be under shared regulation by other CRMs in these tissues.
Religiosity and coronary heart disease In Greek adults
Authors: Anadiotis Athanasios , Toylia Georgia , Kapadochos Theodoros , Tsioufis Konstantinos
Published: October 2022

Background: In developed countries, cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of both death and functional disability. The last decades, scientific community shows an increasing interest exploring the relationship between religious and health factors.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore associations between factors related to religiosity and self-reported Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

Material and Method: This was a descriptive observational study, conducted during a 2-year period. The final studied sample consisted of 1062 citizens of Greece. Data collection was performed by using a special designed questionnaire based on relevant literature review.

Results: Half of the studied sample was men, (n=529, 49.9%). The majority of participants (77.1%) was living in urban areas of the country and was mean educated (67.1%). When asked about their employment status, most of them (65%) answered that they were professionally active. As far as their medical history is concerned, the majority of participants (88%) had no CHD history, no history of diabetes mellitus (90.3%), no history of dyslipidemias (71.8%) and no history of hypertension (71.8%). Moreover, 29.9% of the participants were overweight. Religious fasting follows 51.4% of the sample and the reason for fasting is because the church imposes fasting rules.  The factor “fasting” was also related to CHD occurrence, as those who were following religious fasting had no history of CHD. A significant difference was found between responders with conscious belief in God and CHD occurrence.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that factors related to religiosity, such as doubt in God belief and religious fasting may influence CHD incidence. Prospective cohort studies and clinical trial studies that specifically designed to assess the effect of religiosity on CHD outcome are necessary to be conducted.
Nidificação de Mischocyttarus bertonii Ducke em diferentes ecossistemas no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Crispim Fernando Gonçalves de Aguiar , Teófilo-Guedes Gabriel Silva , Jacques Gabriel de Castro , Souza Marcos Magalhães de
Published: October 2022

As vespas sociais utilizam vários substratos para nidificação, como já reportado para o gênero Mischocyttarus, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar novas nidificações de Mischocyttarus bertonii, assim ampliando informações ecológicas e etológicas da espécie. O estudo foi conduzido no Parque Estadual da Mata Seca e na Fazenda Escola do IFSULDEMINAS, Campus Inconfidentes, utilizando-se do método de busca ativa para a coleta dos espécimes. Foram registradas nidificações em plantas como Mangifera indica L., Cereus jamacaru DC. e ainda em um poste, estando em áreas conservadas ou antropizadas. As nidificações que ocorreram em M. indica L. podem ter ocorridas pela proteção contra intempéries e devido a fonte de alimento providenciada pela planta, já as que ocorreram em C. jamacaru e no poste pode ter ocorrido, também, pela proteção providenciada pelos substratos, além de serem um meio de defesa contra os predadores através dos espinhos dos cactos ou reduzir a pressão da predação como no poste. Por fim, o estudo conclui que, a espécie M. bertonii é bem versátil em relação a escolha do ecossistema para a nidificação, podendo estar presentes tanto em ambientes antropizados ou conservados, utilizando comumente substratos como as cactaceae, mas sugerindo ainda uma adaptação aos ambientes antropizados.
Caraterização da atividade física e aptidão física de acordo com os níveis de solidão em adultos 50+
Authors: Pedro-Costa Simão , Hiney Aoife , Sampaio Arnaldina , Guimarães José Pedro , Bohn Lucimere , Marques-Aleixo Inês
Published: October 2022

A solidão é uma percepção de insatisfação que parece resultar da carência de relacionamentos significativos, sendo múltiplos os seus potenciais fatores causais. A atual evidência não é robusta no que diz respeito à associação da solidão com a atividade física (AF) e aptidão física (ApF) em adultos 50+. O objetivo deste estudo transversal é caracterizar a AF e ApF de acordo com a solidão. Os 62 indivíduos portugueses (64,68 ± 6,85 anos; 68% mulheres) foram avaliados para solidão (Escala de Solidão de 16 itens da Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles - UCLA-16) e classificados como Isolamento Social ou Afinidades, i.e., presença de relações socias significativas. A AF foi estimada por questionário (Questionário Internacional de AF - Versão Curta - IPAQ-SV) e a ApF medida pela bateria Senior Fitness Test (força de membros superiores e inferiores, flexibilidade de membros superiores e membros inferiores, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico. Foram utilizadas estatísticas descritivas. A comparação entre grupos foi realizada através de testes paramétricos (teste-t, ANCOVA ajustada ao sexo e qui quadrado) e não paramétricos (Mann-Whitney). A prevalência de isolamento social foi de 53%. O grupo Afinidades apresentou mais AF moderada a vigorosa comparativamente ao grupo Isolamento Social (11,43 [0,00 – 17,14] vs (0,00 [0,00 – 12,86], respetivamente; p = 0,041). Após ajuste para o sexo, as diferenças deixaram de ser significativas. Os grupos de solidão não foram diferentes relativamente à ApF. A AF parece contribuir para um melhor perfil mental de adultos e idosos, contudo, os resultados devem ser confirmados em estudos com amostras maiores.
He Said He Loved Me
Authors: Fursland Eileen
Published: October 2022

A hard-hitting new play is touring schools and youth clubs to raise awareness of the grooming and sexual exploitation of young people. Eileen Fursland explores its impact in tackling this complex problem
Help to cut adoption breakdowns
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Voluntary organisations are at the forefront of improving post-adoption support for parents and children
Single inspection framework gets support from Munro analysis
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

While the principles underpinning Ofsted's inspection framework for vulnerable children services are sound, Eileen Munro's review finds improvements are needed to minimise the burden it places on local authorities
FGM: Breaking the Silence
Authors: Jóźwiak Gabriella
Published: October 2022

The UK's first prosecutions for female genital mutilation took place this year. Gabriella Jóźwiak examines the role of children's services to safeguard and support girls and young women
Passion for positive thinking
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Laura McCardle meets Jane Slowey, chief executive of the Foyer Federation
Move to clarify the law on emotional abuse and neglect divides sector
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Hailed by charities as a vital step in improving the protection of vulnerable children who are treated cruelly, the proposed new law on emotional abuse and neglect is branded impractical, unworkable and unnecessary by others
Forced marriage outlawed
Authors: Anderson Kirsten
Published: October 2022

Will a new law criminalising forced marriage provide better protection for children at risk, asks Kirsten Anderson, legal research and policy manager at Coram Children's Legal Centre
Rising pressure, expanding remits, high turnover: the DCS role today
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

As detailed analysis reveals a clear link between high turnover of directors of children's services and poorer Ofsted ratings, six current post-holders share their experiences and concerns of one of the toughest jobs in public services
Inspections future tops agenda
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Children's directors' chief outlines vision for a two-tier inspection system at the ADCS annual conference
Decline in school police presence raises concerns over pupil safety
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

CYP Now investigation reveals more than a third of police forces have cut the number of dedicated officers attached to schools so that half of force areas no longer have a single officer based on a school campus
Fight to be Heard
Authors: Rogers Emily
Published: October 2022

New figures show services for deaf children continue to be cut across the country. Emily Rogers looks at how some projects are successfully supporting this group of young people despite the challenges
Schools gear up to deliver meal deal
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Although a universal offer, free school meals still need to be promoted to ensure widespread take-up in September
The Children's Centre Challenge
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Funding for children's centres continues to reduce with many councils reviewing their provision. Joe Lepper explores the approaches taken by three local authorities striving to keep services going
Getting young people to vote
Authors: Imafidon Kenny
Published: October 2022

Professionals should use the Scottish referendum as a springboard for engaging young people about the merits of voting
Birmingham bids to put children's views at the heart of 10-year vision
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

An independent review of growing up in Birmingham has highlighted the priorities for children and young people and puts forward some radical ideas for how to solve them – with council involvement key to delivering change
Complete communicator
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Neil Puffett meets Anna Feuchtwang, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau
Front of Mind
Authors: Hunt Louise
Published: October 2022

Increased political profile and a new care framework offer a chance to improve children's mental health services. Louise Hunt examines the prospects and looks at the innovative work of local projects
Work coaches help jobless youth
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Councils piloting Jobcentre Plus coaches say the scheme extends their work with jobless young people
Forced to Leave for Coming Out
Authors: Rogers Emily
Published: October 2022

One in four young homeless people are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender according to estimates. Emily Rogers visits a housing project addressing their specific needs and explores the lessons for other services
Help for runaways to be enhanced
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Return home interviews by independent people will aim to get to the root cause of young runaways' problems
Courting controversy
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Neil Puffett meets Graham Stuart MP, chair of the education select committee
Child's needs key to sibling adoption
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

When placing siblings for adoption, social workers must no longer assume they should be kept together
Mixed-race children need identity support
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Teachers can help prevent young people of mixed-race origin experiencing mental health problems due to uncertainty over identity
Schools face up to premium challenge
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Schools and councils are developing ways to encourage parents to register for the pupil premium
Schools set for greater role in early education of disadvantaged children
Authors: McCardle Laura
Published: October 2022

Early years providers have been left fuming after Ofsted's chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said schools were better placed than nurseries to prepare disadvantaged children for formal education. So does his vision have any merit?
Promoting sexual health
Authors: Gill Harriet
Published: October 2022

With sexually transmitted infection rates on the increase, it is vital young people are made aware of the risks these pose to their health
Fostering innovation
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: October 2022

Three out of four children in care are fostered, but the recruitment and retention of foster carers remain key challenges. Charlotte Goddard examines some of the latest pioneering practice
For all children
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Derren Hayes meets Imelda Redmond, chief executive of 4Children
Preventing sudden child death
Authors: Binger Carly
Published: October 2022

Children's professionals can play a major role in helping to halve the rate of sudden infant death syndrome in the UK by 2020
Adoption matchmaker
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Derren Hayes meets Andy Leary-May, co-founder and chief executive of Link Maker Systems
Obligations to children overseas
Authors: Colonnese Flavia
Published: October 2022

Flavia Colonnese, researcher at Coram Children's Legal Centre, examines the government's obligations to protect children's rights outside the UK in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Gove set on major justice reform
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Youth justice leaders outline the changes Justice Secretary Michael Gove is considering for the future
Children's centres face uncertain future amid cuts and closures
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Sure Start children's centres are at a crossroads. With funding cuts forcing many councils to close or downgrade provision and a government review about to be launched, experts set out what the future holds
Bringing early help to policing
Authors: Molloy Donna
Published: October 2022

An Early Intervention Foundation initiative will help police leaders develop ways to tackle offending earlier
How Health Services are Tackling Cse
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: October 2022

The government's action plan on child sexual exploitation stresses the need for health professionals to play a more active role in identification and prevention. Charlotte Goddard investigates why health services have struggled to tackle the problem and what is being done about it
Young people stay put to get ahead
Authors: Rowsell Amber
Published: October 2022

Care leavers are still not reaching their full potential. Amber Rowsell, trainee solicitor at Coram Children's Legal Centre, examines whether an increase in the use of staying put arrangements could be the answer
Experts question LGBT school plan
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Focus should be on tackling homophobia in all schools, not segregating LGBT pupils, say campaigners
YJB reforms focus on innovative services
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Giving the Youth Justice Board more freedom over how it funds local provision could see more outcome-driven services being developed
Children's Leaders Collaborate to Drive Improvement in Services
Authors: Ramsay Andrew
Published: October 2022

Children's services directors have developed regional models to improve services that draw on their collective strengths to tackle areas of weakness, and which could help prevent critical Ofsted inspection judgments
Commissioner Calls for Action to Tackle in-Family Child Sex Abuse
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Analysis by the Children's Commissioner for England concludes that many cases of child sexual abuse go unreported because children's professionals struggle to recognise and act on the signs of in-family abuse
School Job Advice Plans ‘Confused’
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Experts see little merit in government moves to provide vulnerable pupils with Jobcentre Plus services
Future in Mind: The Story So Far
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

The Future in Mind strategy promises wide-ranging improvements to mental health provision for children and young people. Joe Lepper looks at the key proposals and assesses progress made to date
‘FNP is making a difference’
Authors: Hosking George
Published: October 2022

Analysis of the Family Nurse Partnership underplayed the programme's benefits, says an early years expert
Support BAME young offenders
Authors: Wilkinson Sarah
Published: October 2022

With a high proportion of young offenders from black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, practitioners must be sensitive to their needs
Rise in missing-from-care cases
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Experts express concerns over a surge in the number of children going missing from foster care
Will political parties' action plans turn the tide for crumbling CAMHS?
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Labour, the Conservatives and Lib Dems are promising extra investment and a renewed focus on children's mental health services - but campaigners are sceptical such reforms will be enough to turn around the ailing service
Exclusions guidance withdrawn
Authors: Anderson Kirsten
Published: October 2022

Kirsten Anderson, research and policy manager at Coram Children's Legal Centre, examines a legal challenge against the Education Secretary that has led to the withdrawal of controversial new exclusions guidance
Rotherham fallout: what others can learn from council's CSE failings
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Louise Casey's report into Rotherham Council's failure to deal with child sexual exploitation has further rocked the embattled authority. Three experts consider what the report can teach leaders about how to tackle the problem
London struggles to deliver free childcare
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Economic and workforce factors are making it harder for councils to deliver sufficient childcare places for all eligible two-year-olds
The Challenges of Recruitment
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Funding cuts coupled with increased demand for services are intensifying the recruitment challenges for children's services employers. Joe Lepper explores the trends across the children's workforce
Guardians for separated children
Authors: Banda Winnie
Published: October 2022

Winnie Banda, legal adviser at Coram Children's Legal Centre, examines the Modern Slavery Bill and the importance of providing guardians for separated children and young people
Taking a stand: candidates set out their stall for election
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

Adam Offord finds out from five prospective MPs from the children and youth sectors why they are standing for parliament and what their priorities are for children, young people and families
Multi-agency response needed to tackle female genital mutilation
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Guidance issued by the Department of Health outlines the type of issues commissioners need to take into account when setting up services across different parts of the country to treat and support FGM victims
More work is required to achieve 26-week care proceedings target
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

As Ministry of Justice figures reveal that 44 per cent of family court cases are missing the 26-week duration limit, experts look at this complex issue and assess what can be done to reduce unnecessary system delays
Support for special guardians
Authors: Reeve Kelly
Published: October 2022

Coram Children's Legal Centre's Child Law Advice Service (CLAS) is receiving an increasing number of queries about special guardianship. Kelly Reeve, team leader of CLAS, examines this trend
How to cope with bereavement
Authors: Pienaar Fiona
Published: October 2022

Bereaved children can struggle to come to terms with their loss, but the right support can help them make sense of death
Youth groups tackle radicalisation
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

Youth organisations have a vital role in helping young people discuss extremism issues, say practitioners
Children's social care inquiry bids to influence policy and practice
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

In a candid interview, former children's minister Tim Loughton expresses frustration that the Munro reforms are “gathering dust” and expects leadership issues will feature prominently in the inquiry he is co-chairing
RESIDENTIAL CARE
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Children's homes look after some of the most vulnerable young people in the care system, but providers and practitioners are working hard to create nurturing and therapeutic environments
Family reunification for child refugees
Authors: MacLachlan Stewart
Published: October 2022

Stewart MacLachlan considers recent case law that may allow some refugee children to apply to be reunited with their parents or siblings
Oxfordshire Reaches into Schools to Boost Mental Health Support
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Health commissioners in Oxfordshire have placed children's professionals in all of the county's secondary schools to help provide support to pupils with mental health problems and offer advice to teaching staff
Trends in Youth Work Training
Authors: Pandya-Wood Jason
Published: October 2022

Youth work education data reveals rise in student numbers, but a tough job market for graduates
‘Childcare Passport’ Plans Outlined
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Consolidating childcare support schemes into a single fund could reduce costs and improve services
Onside makes case for expanding state-of-the-art youth centres
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

The number of youth zones – dubbed 21st century clubs for young people – are growing, but critics say they suck funding from statutory services. CYP Now visits the Wigan Youth Zone to find out what goes on
Plan to raise youth work status
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

The Institute for Youth Work sets out priorities for how the sector can increase its influence and recognition
Holiday scheme standards
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Revised inspections for residential holiday schemes for disabled children show that as well as providing high-quality care, the best schemes “add considerably to young people's experiences, progress and development”
Councils and childcare providers collaborate to deliver 30 hours
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Two of the eight councils piloting 30 hours of free childcare outline how they will use it to encourage early years settings to increase the number of places and test flexible approaches to provision to help parents into work
Scrutiny of private fostering
Authors: Dorling Kamena
Published: October 2022

Kamena Dorling, head of policy and programmes, examines changes to data collection on private fostering arrangements and what further work is needed to safeguard children and young people
Bringing CAMHS to the classroom
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Two areas outline how they are improving links between schools and mental health specialists
Labour creates taskforce to find sustainable childcare solutions
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

The party's new childcare taskforce must develop a future vision for children's centres and make the free entitlement sustainable, while securing a strong funding commitment from the government, say experts
Case for youth custody reform
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

The National Association for Youth Justice says new report reinforces its call to abolish YOIs and STCs
YOUTH WORK AND YOUTH SERVICES
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Amid deep funding cuts and reductions in provision and staff, local authority youth services have developed new ways of working in an effort to support the growing needs of young people
Troubled Families delivers gains despite damning study findings
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

In-depth research has found no link between the Troubled Families programme and improved outcomes for participants, but children's services leaders claim the government's flagship initiative still has merits
DfE turns to ‘big data’ to warn of Ofsted ‘inadequate’ rating risk
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Department for Education permanent secretary says new datasets could help children's services departments identify problems ahead of Ofsted inspections and enable them to turn these around to avoid poor ratings
Court ruling uncovers knowledge gap in gender identity practice
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

The increase in children referred with gender identity issues is putting social workers under pressure over how to respond appropriately. Experts say a legal ruling highlights the need for practitioners to be properly trained
Making the gangs strategy work
Authors: Pitts John
Published: October 2022

Justice agencies must collaborate to overcome the allure of gang life for young people, says John Pitts
Youth sector unites to prove worth
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

More joint working by providers will improve outcomes for young people, say youth sector leaders
More cash to support SEN plans
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Extra funding alone will not improve the transfer of SEN children to integrated care plans, warn campaigners
Five lessons for charities and ministers from the collapse of Kids Company
Authors: Corry Dan
Published: October 2022

The closure of Kids Company highlighted problems over the checks and balances used by government and charities to ensure public funding is spent well, from which the rest of the children's voluntary sector can learn
Teaching first aid to children
Authors: Taylor Hannah
Published: October 2022

Teaching first aid to young people can boost their confidence and life skills, and many resources do not require prior knowledge
BETTER SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Speech and language services ensure children keep up with their learning, but cuts have hit provision hard. Joe Lepper looks at how some councils and partners are managing to deliver successful services
Sharing, caring president
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Neil Puffett meets Dave Hill, president of the ADCS, 2016/17
Learnings on school readiness
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Pilot scheme improved young children's transition to formal education through collaboration and involving families
Champion for prevention
Authors: Brown Jess
Published: October 2022

Jess Brown talks to Sarah Champion MP, shadow minister for preventing abuse
Special schools
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

The number of children with disabilities educated at special schools is rising. While the proportion of settings achieving a “good” rating is up, there is wide variation between different types of provider
INSPECTIONS: PVI childcare providers
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

A change in inspection procedures has helped contribute to a rise in the proportion of childcare providers on non-domestic premises that are rated good or outstanding, latest Ofsted figures show
Care leavers and the ‘local offer’
Authors: MacLachlan Stewart
Published: October 2022

Stewart MacLachlan, legal & policy officer at Coram Children's Legal Centre, looks at recent changes in leaving care support, including the introduction of the “local offer” and support for young migrants
Schools cash pressures see SEND pupils leave mainstream system
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

A rise in the number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is putting pressure on schools, prompting concerns that children are missing out on classroom support and leaving mainstream settings
Achieving work-life balance
Authors: Suff Rachel
Published: October 2022

Some of the most committed and emotionally engaged workers are children's professionals, so employers must be alert to the dangers of burnout while promoting healthy workplace practices
‘All about creating collaboration’
Authors: Offord Adam
Published: October 2022

Adam Offord speaks to Emma Revie, chief executive, Ambition
Children's rights online
Authors: Trevena Frances
Published: October 2022

Frances Trevena, head of policy and programmes at Coram's Children's Legal Centre, argues that children and young people need better digital education to safeguard their rights in the online world
Courts and domestic violence
Authors: Trevena Frances
Published: October 2022

Frances Trevena, head of policy and programmes at Coram's Children's Legal Centre, examines calls by charities for reforms to the way family courts deal with contact cases involving domestic violence
Boosting participation in NCS
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Youth social action scheme must engage more disadvantaged young people to hit growth targets
Adoption
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

As the number of children being placed for adoption continues to fall, the government's latest strategy emphasises the need for matches to be made without delay and stresses the importance of quality support
Tackling health visitor struggles
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Local authorities need to be given more flexibility over delivering child health checks, says LGA chief
Inquiry reveals social care system is failing to meet children's needs
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Review finds councils unable to keep up with rising demand, with resources focused on crisis interventions at the expense of early help. No Good Options calls for action to tackle postcode lottery of services and children's outcomes
New ADCS chief urges sector to rally over funding for children
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Association of Directors of Children's Services president Alison Michalska says agencies must work together to convince government to invest more in services, while councils must get greater powers to influence education
YOUTH COURTS: A PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Blackburn Magistrates' Court is one of the first to try a problem-solving approach to work with young offenders in an effort to improve their wellbeing and cut reoffending rates. Jo Stephenson investigates
Election 2017: a battle to ensure children's policies gain attention
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Following Prime Minister Theresa May's election call, children's leaders are drawing up key policies. They say issues like school funding, free childcare and recruiting health visitors must not be drowned out by Brexit
Plan for closer school–CAMHS ties
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Advocates of closer working between schools and mental health services outline the benefits it can bring
PCCs and youth crime prevention
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Experts call for police and crime commissioners to do more to fund youth crime prevention work
Boosting attainment in reception
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Education experts answer Ofsted criticism of the quality of education for disadvantaged young pupils
SEND services
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

The introduction of area-wide multi-agency inspections of special educational needs and disabilities services has highlighted the challenges of implementing system reforms while continuing to deliver quality provision
How Ofsted's SIF has changed the children's services landscape
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Under Ofsted's single inspection framework, the number of children's services rated “inadequate” has doubled, prompting criticism it raised the bar too high. Leaders assess its legacy and what it will mean for the future
Enterprise fund: how it works
Authors: Smee Anna
Published: October 2022

UK Youth outlines how youth groups can access new funding scheme to become more sustainable
Supporting Traveller children
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Experts warn on the impact of cuts to specialist school support for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children
Inspecting stability
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Ensuring looked-after children have a stable care placement, social worker and school place is vital to good outcomes, so Ofsted places great emphasis on stability when it inspects children's services, writes Jo Stephenson
Developing cultural competence in children's services organisations
Authors: Spillett Meera
Published: October 2022

Paper from former director of children's services highlights lack of progress in developing leadership skills of black, Asian and minority ethnic professionals, and provides tools to help create culturally competent organisations
CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Rotherham's child sexual exploitation scandal propelled the issue to the forefront of policymaking. CYP Now investigates the key learning and strides taken to tackle perpetrators and protect children and young people
Sector-led improvement
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Ofsted's new inspection framework for children's social care services places greater emphasis on councils' own approaches to self-evaluation and sector-led improvement, reports Jo Stephenson
Social media in the workplace
Authors: Timms Katherine
Published: October 2022

With social media increasingly being adopted as a communication tool in employees' working lives, it has never been more important to maintain strict boundaries between the personal and the professional
New Ofsted social care chief hails era of intelligence-led inspections
Authors: Stanley Yvette , Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Yvette Stanley, Ofsted's new director of social care, says the latest children's services inspection framework focuses more on frontline social work practice and uses data analysis to identify emerging problems
Preparing for inspection
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

The new social care inspection system has been billed as “light touch” for “good” authorities, but children's services leaders still need to be fully prepared for when Ofsted calls, writes Jo Stephenson
Appreciating the small stuff
Authors: Aldridge Tim
Published: October 2022

While leaders of organisations are generally expected to drive change from the top, it is important to understand that noticing and participating in the little things can help good practice to flourish
Post-Brexit status of EU citizens
Authors: Hussein Ban
Published: October 2022

Ban Hussein, project officer at Coram Children's Legal Centre, examines the government's recently published proposals for the status and rights of European Union citizens in the UK after Brexit
Apprenticeships
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

The government has a goal to create at least three million apprenticeships by 2020, with many of these placements being targeted at vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of young people, writes Derren Hayes
Supporting pupil attainment
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: October 2022

Narrowing the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and better-off peers is a key challenge for leaders across all types of schools and one which Ofsted is keeping a close eye on, reports Jo Stephenson
Regional adoption agencies: initial successes, emerging challenges
Authors: Puffett Neil
Published: October 2022

Evaluation of regional adoption agencies highlights mixed progress, with some starting to improve various aspects of the adoption process, while others are struggling to attract staff and develop shared IT functions
Priorities for the youth fund
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Three youth work experts outline how the government's £500m youth investment fund should be spent
BEACON OF HOPE FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS
Authors: de Castella Tom
Published: October 2022

The Lighthouse is a ground-breaking project aimed at improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people who have been sexually abused. Tom de Castella met the team
ELECTION 2019
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Derren Hayes analyses what the main parliamentary parties are pledging on the key policy battlegrounds for the children, young people and families sector at the coming general election
Factors behind rise in remand
Authors: Jacobs Nina
Published: October 2022

Lack of magistrates and secure children's homes to blame for increase in children in custody on remand
HELPING CHILDREN GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: October 2022

Getting enough sleep is vital to children and young people's wellbeing, yet research suggests social media and screen-based technology is making this harder. Charlotte Goddard investigates
RESIDENTIAL CARE
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Standards of residential child care have never been higher, but a shortage of provision and rising demand due to more traumatised children coming into the system is stretching local authority budgets to the limit
Social prescribers for children
Authors: Jacobs Nina
Published: October 2022

StreetGames' project could be the first initiative to “prescribe” social support for struggling young people
Let practitioners solve today's challenges
Authors: Webb Andrew
Published: October 2022

Andrew Webb is a former DCS at Stockport Council
Charities Find Ways to Thrive
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: October 2022

Funding cuts and austerity mean charities can face an uphill struggle to survive. Joe Lepper speaks to three winners of the CYP Now Awards Children and Young People's Charity Award to see how they are faring
E-Safety
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

The digital world has become an integral part of young people's lives, but amid growing concerns of being exposed to harm, Derren Hayes looks at work by policymakers and practitioners to keep children safe online
Professional boundaries
Authors: Gibbons Gail
Published: October 2022

Professional boundaries are the essential limits that protect a practitioner's authority and vulnerable service users and are particularly important when working with children, young people and families
‘More trusting, less prescriptive’ – Taylor's new vision for the YJB
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Youth Justice Board chair Charlie Taylor says slimmed-down national standards reflect a more mature youth justice system that needs the freedom to innovate to improve the lives of the most vulnerable young offenders
MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

As children's mental health needs increase, schools, charities and councils are working to develop new ways of supporting pupils' wellbeing through the curriculum and improve therapeutic interventions
Deprived councils bear brunt of decline in children's centres use
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Analysis reveals the largest falls in the use of children's centres is in the poorest council areas leading experts to question the government's commitment to social mobility and call for a new funding and policy direction
Securing support for children with SEN
Authors: Dorling Kamena
Published: October 2022

In the context of funding shortfalls for children with special educational needs, Kamena Dorling, head of policy and public affairs at Coram, looks at the increase in appeals against local authority decisions
EARLY HELP
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Amid rising knife crime, youth homelessness and care referrals, the case for spending on early help has never been so important, yet investment in prevention services has been falling, fuelling late interventions
Therapy helps deaf children get a better start
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: October 2022

Auditory Verbal therapy helps children with hearing loss develop their listerning and spoken language skills, enabling them to better grasp early opportunities
Early child development review: emerging issues and solutions
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

Andrea Leadsom MP, who is leading a government-commissioned review on early child health, says improving access to parenting services, better data sharing and the benefits of digital support are being considered
Rise in home schooling prompts concerns
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

A surge in the number of children being educated at home due to parents' Covid fears could cause problems for children and councils
Seven key reasons why proposed EYFS revisions must be changed
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

As a consultation on changes to the early years foundation stage framework closes, childcare organisations express concerns over how the proposed reforms prioritise formal learning subjects over holistic approaches to education
Fall in YOI staff linked to restraint increase
Authors: Simpson Fiona
Published: October 2022

Former chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick calls for workforce improvements to tackle rising restraint use in the secure estate
Ombudsman orders audit over SEND failings
Authors: Oldershaw Richard
Published: October 2022

Cases raise concerns of ‘systemic failure’ by council and children's services provider, writes Richard Oldershaw of the Child Law Advice Service
Sibling relationships in care system
Authors: Simmonds John
Published: October 2022

Children's services and courts face serious challenges when making care plans or permanence orders for siblings, writes Dr John Simmonds, director of policy, research and development at CoramBAAF
TECHNOLOGY IN CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: October 2022

From virtual reality for practitioners to the use of big data systems to share information between agencies, technology is changing the way children's services intervenes in the lives of vulnerable children and families
Changes to care responsibilities divide opinion among leaders
Authors: Simpson Fiona
Published: October 2022

Easing and removing some council duties governing care and protection of vulnerable children is ‘dangerous’ say some experts, but others argue the flexibilities are necessary to help them respond to the Covid-19 pandemic