Welcome
The PPN website is a unique resource that offers credible, research-based information on what works to improve the lives of children and families.
Sometimes referred to as a "best practices" site or a "model program" site, PPN is both of those things and much more. In addition to providing information on Programs that Work, PPN also links to additional research information in all areas related to child well-being, including their physical and mental health, academic success, and economic security. These additional resources include Research in Brief, Resources and Tools and Expert Perspectives. To promote successful implementation of best practices and model programs, PPN also screens and posts evidence-based information on effective Service Delivery.
In addition to the breadth of information PPN provides, visitors can rely on PPN to provide information that has met our high standards for scientific credibility, objectivity, and clarity. Learn about our process for reviewing information for inclusion on the site and how to submit a program for consideration.
July 2010 What's New
Recent census estimates show a widespread increase in diversity of children and youth in the United States
Throughout the United States, there has been an unprecedented increase in births of minority children, particularly Hispanic children, and a decline in births of white children. In fact, according to the U.S. Census, nearly one-half of births last year were to minorities. Overall, 43 percent of the current U.S. child population is composed of minorities, compared to 31 percent of the adult population. Increased diversity is occurring not only in urban areas, but in rural areas as well. In areas with traditionally concentrated minority populations, such as the Southwest and Southeast, minorities have become the demographic majority. Read more about these findings in a new issue brief from the Carsey Institute titled "The Changing Faces of America's Children and Youth".
Read the issue brief at the Carsey Institute website
Preterm births decline for the second year in a row
Preliminary data from 2007 and 2008 show that preterm births (less than 37 weeks of gestation) declined during both years, which was the first two-year decline observed in nearly three decades. In 2008 the preterm birth rate was 12.3 percent, compared to 12.7 percent in 2007 and 12.8 percent in 2006. This overall decline reflects a decline in both late and early preterm births, and a decline across all age groups of women, except for those over 40. Rates are similarly declining among all racial/ethnic groups. There was no increase in preterm birth in any state except for Hawaii. Preterm birth has been associated with life-long disability as well as early death. This data brief from the National Center for Health Statistics, titled "Are Preterm Births on the Decline in the United States?," cites literature on possible explanations for past increases in preterm birth, such as use of Cesarean sections and inducing labor.
Read the data brief at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website
New research in suicide and self-injury among children and adolescents shows role for health care providers
A recent issue of Pediatrics highlighted the topic of suicide and self-injury among adolescents and the potential role that health care providers can play in preventing teen suicide. One study reported in the article "Standardized Screening for Suicidal Adolescents in Primary Care" evaluated a brief intervention that encouraged pediatricians to perform standardized screening for suicide risk among their patients. The intervention resulted in increased rates of screening, identification of youth at risk for suicide, and referrals to behavioral health care providers. Another study reported in "Screening, Triage, and Referral of Patients Who Report Suicidal Thought During a Primary Care Visit" examined the feasibility of screening for suicidal intent during a primary care visit, and found that a computerized screening method followed by linkage to any required services was feasible and could lead to greater mental health service use by suicidal youths. Finally, a study of children and youth with chronic health conditions reported in "Suicide and Self-Injury Among Children and Youth with Chronic Health Conditions" found a significant association between chronic physical and mental health conditions and incidence of self-harm, suicidal thinking, and attempted suicide.
Read all three journal abstracts at the Pediatrics website: Standardized Screening... Screening, Triage, and Referral... Suicide and Self-Injury...
PPN Newsletter
Read the PPN Newsletter for July 2010
The PPN email newsletter features regular content updates to the PPN website, such as new programs and research briefs that have been added.
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Awards and Honors
The PPN website has been recognized with the following awards and honors:
Innovations in American Government Awards, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government (Award Finalist 2006)
Child & Family WebGuide, Tufts University
Children NOW Web Award
Adding Wisdom Award, Parent to Parent
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