Bereavement is one of a range of difficult life events that children and young people may face. Among a nationally representative sample of children aged 5 to 16, 3.8% had experienced the death of a parent or sibling. This research review provides an overview of educational and psychological outcomes for children and young people bereaved of a parent or sibling, and the effectiveness of services provided for this group. It finds that whilst most children do experience some negative impact on psychological wellbeing in the short term, for the majority these difficulties do not persist or require specialist intervention. Evidence of impact on educational attainment is generally lacking. When children do experience a significant negative impact from their experience of bereavement, there is some evidence that specialist interventions and programmes can be helpful, especially those which also strengthen the protective factors within a child’s life for example by providing support to parents as well. The key conclusion from the evidence reviewed is the importance of a differentiated response to childhood bereavement, taking account of each child’s needs and circumstances. The review focuses on two main aspects of childhood bereavement: its impact on children’s outcomes, and the effectiveness of services or interventions intended to address childhood bereavement.
Bereavement is one of a range of difficult life events that children and young people may face. Among a nationally representative sample of children aged 5 to 16, 3.8% had experienced the death of a parent or sibling. This research review provides an overview of educational and psychological outcomes for children and young people bereaved of a parent or sibling, and the effectiveness of services provided for this group. It finds that whilst most children do experience some negative impact on psychological wellbeing in the short term, for the majority these difficulties do not persist or require specialist intervention. Evidence of impact on educational attainment is generally lacking. When children do experience a significant negative impact from their experience of bereavement, there is some evidence that specialist interventions and programmes can be helpful, especially those which also strengthen the protective factors within a child’s life for example by providing support to parents as well. The key conclusion from the evidence reviewed is the importance of a differentiated response to childhood bereavement, taking account of each child’s needs and circumstances. The review focuses on two main aspects of childhood bereavement: its impact on children’s outcomes, and the effectiveness of services or interventions intended to address childhood bereavement.
Subject terms:
intervention, mental health, young people, bereavement, children;
Supporting families is at the heart of the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, and is a key aspect of the Every Child Matters change for Children agenda. However, research and inspections have consistently shown that children and parents are often unable to access support services until their difficulties reach crisis point. This briefing draws on the research evidence to discuss family support services for children, young people and their families. These briefings were originally funded through the quality protects initiative. They are relevant to all practitioners and managers taking forward the Every Child Matters: Change for Children agenda.
Supporting families is at the heart of the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, and is a key aspect of the Every Child Matters change for Children agenda. However, research and inspections have consistently shown that children and parents are often unable to access support services until their difficulties reach crisis point. This briefing draws on the research evidence to discuss family support services for children, young people and their families. These briefings were originally funded through the quality protects initiative. They are relevant to all practitioners and managers taking forward the Every Child Matters: Change for Children agenda.
Subject terms:
young people, access to services, children, families, family support;
A revised and updated version of 'Childhood bereavement: a rapid literature review', first published in September 2011. The review looks at the impact of childhood bereavement on children’s psychological and educational outcomes and the effectiveness of interventions address childhood bereavement. Searches were carried out in the British Education Index, Australian Education Index, ERIC and PsychInfo databases for material published since 2000. The review is based on 88 articles, books and reports selected. The review provides an overview of the impact of childhood bereavement on psychological wellbeing and educational outcomes, summarises findings from a new analysis of British Cohort Study data. It also discusses factors which the literature suggests either place children at greater risk of negative outcomes from childhood bereavement or help to protect them from this. The second section describes services to support bereaved children and their families and considers evidence for their effectiveness.
(Edited publisher abstract)
A revised and updated version of 'Childhood bereavement: a rapid literature review', first published in September 2011. The review looks at the impact of childhood bereavement on children’s psychological and educational outcomes and the effectiveness of interventions address childhood bereavement. Searches were carried out in the British Education Index, Australian Education Index, ERIC and PsychInfo databases for material published since 2000. The review is based on 88 articles, books and reports selected. The review provides an overview of the impact of childhood bereavement on psychological wellbeing and educational outcomes, summarises findings from a new analysis of British Cohort Study data. It also discusses factors which the literature suggests either place children at greater risk of negative outcomes from childhood bereavement or help to protect them from this. The second section describes services to support bereaved children and their families and considers evidence for their effectiveness.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
literature reviews, bereavement, children, intervention, mental health, risk, young people;
Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services
Publication year:
2010
Pagination:
86p.
Place of publication:
London
This research is designed to inform on what works in strengthening family wellbeing and community cohesion through the role of schools and extended services. It is based on a review of the research literature involving systematic searching. It summarises the best available evidence that will help service providers to improve services and, ultimately, outcomes for children, young people and their families. The Institute of Education, University of London carried out this review on behalf of the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People’s Services. The National Foundation for Educational Research compiled the data. Key messages drawn from the research show that there needs to be a holistic approach to securing community cohesion and family wellbeing involving all service providers working together. The decision on what services should be provided by extended schools needs to involve community groups and parents so that services are appropriate and meet the real needs of the community. Target support during Early Years and at transition points in school can make significant differences to children’s learning and aspirations. Key effects are improved behaviour, better learning outcomes and fewer exclusions.
This research is designed to inform on what works in strengthening family wellbeing and community cohesion through the role of schools and extended services. It is based on a review of the research literature involving systematic searching. It summarises the best available evidence that will help service providers to improve services and, ultimately, outcomes for children, young people and their families. The Institute of Education, University of London carried out this review on behalf of the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People’s Services. The National Foundation for Educational Research compiled the data. Key messages drawn from the research show that there needs to be a holistic approach to securing community cohesion and family wellbeing involving all service providers working together. The decision on what services should be provided by extended schools needs to involve community groups and parents so that services are appropriate and meet the real needs of the community. Target support during Early Years and at transition points in school can make significant differences to children’s learning and aspirations. Key effects are improved behaviour, better learning outcomes and fewer exclusions.
Subject terms:
mental health, outcomes, schools, social inclusion, wellbeing, young people, community development, families;
Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services
Publication year:
2010
Pagination:
102p., bibliog.
Place of publication:
London
This knowledge review is designed to inform on what works in strengthening family wellbeing and community cohesion through the role of schools and extended services. It is based on a review of the research literature involving systematic searching; analysis of key data; and views from service users and providers. It summarises the best available evidence that will help service providers to improve services and, ultimately, outcomes for children, young people and their families. The Institute of Education, University of London carried out this review on behalf of the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People’s Services. The National Foundation for Educational Research conducted the data work. Key findings reveal that there needs to be a strategic approach to securing community cohesion and family wellbeing involving all service providers working together. Schools vary in the extent to which they provide and make parents aware of their extended services. Children’s services could encourage engagement by sharing good practice and providing support and training to motivate schools that have made less progress. Also, targeted support during Early Years and at transition points in school can make a real difference to children’s learning and aspirations.
This knowledge review is designed to inform on what works in strengthening family wellbeing and community cohesion through the role of schools and extended services. It is based on a review of the research literature involving systematic searching; analysis of key data; and views from service users and providers. It summarises the best available evidence that will help service providers to improve services and, ultimately, outcomes for children, young people and their families. The Institute of Education, University of London carried out this review on behalf of the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People’s Services. The National Foundation for Educational Research conducted the data work. Key findings reveal that there needs to be a strategic approach to securing community cohesion and family wellbeing involving all service providers working together. Schools vary in the extent to which they provide and make parents aware of their extended services. Children’s services could encourage engagement by sharing good practice and providing support and training to motivate schools that have made less progress. Also, targeted support during Early Years and at transition points in school can make a real difference to children’s learning and aspirations.
Subject terms:
mental health, outcomes, schools, social inclusion, wellbeing, young people, community development, families;
An overview of recent evidence in the field of childhood wellbeing using material retrieved through searches of the literature and internet. There is a predominant focus on the UK, but significant international work is included where particularly relevant. The paper provides a summary of how wellbeing is conceptualised; the domains and measured employed to asses child wellbeing within the UK and internationally; how the views of children and young people are incorporated into work on child wellbeing; conclusions from key studies; issues and challenges; and future work on child wellbeing. The report highlights the complexities of arriving at a shared definition of child wellbeing and the lack of current consensus as to how child wellbeing might best be measured. The current research indicates that the UK performs poorly in some international ‘league tables’ of children’s wellbeing, although there are limitations to these comparisons. International comparisons also indicate that wellbeing is negatively associated with income inequality and positively associated with spending on family benefits and services. No direct association has been found between poor childhood wellbeing and the prevalence of ‘broken families’. There is a close association between childhood wellbeing and positive family relationships. Areas for future research are highlighted.
An overview of recent evidence in the field of childhood wellbeing using material retrieved through searches of the literature and internet. There is a predominant focus on the UK, but significant international work is included where particularly relevant. The paper provides a summary of how wellbeing is conceptualised; the domains and measured employed to asses child wellbeing within the UK and internationally; how the views of children and young people are incorporated into work on child wellbeing; conclusions from key studies; issues and challenges; and future work on child wellbeing. The report highlights the complexities of arriving at a shared definition of child wellbeing and the lack of current consensus as to how child wellbeing might best be measured. The current research indicates that the UK performs poorly in some international ‘league tables’ of children’s wellbeing, although there are limitations to these comparisons. International comparisons also indicate that wellbeing is negatively associated with income inequality and positively associated with spending on family benefits and services. No direct association has been found between poor childhood wellbeing and the prevalence of ‘broken families’. There is a close association between childhood wellbeing and positive family relationships. Areas for future research are highlighted.
Subject terms:
policy, poverty, quality of life, wellbeing, young people, children, emotions, friendship, happiness, health;
University of London. Institute of Education. Thomas Coram Research Unit
Publication year:
2007
Pagination:
65p., bibliog.
Place of publication:
London
This is a report on a study which aimed to review what is currently known about healthcare for children and young people in the secure estate. Young offender institutions, secure training centres and secure children's homes were covered. The review covered all aspects of health but focused on physical health. An overview of relevant literature, interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of the most recent inspection report were carried out. Case studies of promising practice were also compiled. The findings are presented and discussed as follows: characteristics and health needs of children in the secure estate; health education and promotion; meeting healthcare needs; provision of health care in different settings - a review of inspection reports; and improving health services in secure settings.
This is a report on a study which aimed to review what is currently known about healthcare for children and young people in the secure estate. Young offender institutions, secure training centres and secure children's homes were covered. The review covered all aspects of health but focused on physical health. An overview of relevant literature, interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of the most recent inspection report were carried out. Case studies of promising practice were also compiled. The findings are presented and discussed as follows: characteristics and health needs of children in the secure estate; health education and promotion; meeting healthcare needs; provision of health care in different settings - a review of inspection reports; and improving health services in secure settings.
Subject terms:
secure accommodation, secure training centres, young offender institutions, young people, children, health, health care, health education, health needs;
University of London. Institute of Education. Thomas Coram Research Unit
Publication year:
2008
Pagination:
6p.
Place of publication:
London
This research summary provides an overview of findings from an 18-month, in-depth research project: The social functioning, emotional wellbeing and mental health of unaccompanied young people seeking asylum in the UK. The research was conducted by the Thomas Coram Research Unit, at the Institute of Education, University of London. It was commissioned and funded by the Department of Health, although the views expressed in this summary do not necessarily reflect those of the Department. The key findings from the study are presented and some of the specific implications for policy and practice for those working with unaccompanied children and young people in a range of health, social care, education, immigration and legal settings are discussed.
This research summary provides an overview of findings from an 18-month, in-depth research project: The social functioning, emotional wellbeing and mental health of unaccompanied young people seeking asylum in the UK. The research was conducted by the Thomas Coram Research Unit, at the Institute of Education, University of London. It was commissioned and funded by the Department of Health, although the views expressed in this summary do not necessarily reflect those of the Department. The key findings from the study are presented and some of the specific implications for policy and practice for those working with unaccompanied children and young people in a range of health, social care, education, immigration and legal settings are discussed.
Subject terms:
immigration, social care provision, unaccompanied asylum seeking children, wellbeing, young people, education, happiness, health care;
This report presents findings from an in-depth study of the perspectives and experiences of children and young people arriving unaccompanied to seek asylum in the UK. The research, conducted by the Thomas Coram Research Unit and supported by the Department of Health, is based on conversations with 54 young people from 18 countries, supplemented by interviews with key professionals with expertise and knowledge of working with this group. The young participants speak movingly about their journeys and the shock of arriving in the UK, about being in care and about their experiences of a range of health, education, social care, immigration and legal services. Implications for policy and practice are listed at the end of each chapter. This study is essential reading for social workers, foster carers, asylum teams and all those who support and care for young people seeking refuge in the UK.
This report presents findings from an in-depth study of the perspectives and experiences of children and young people arriving unaccompanied to seek asylum in the UK. The research, conducted by the Thomas Coram Research Unit and supported by the Department of Health, is based on conversations with 54 young people from 18 countries, supplemented by interviews with key professionals with expertise and knowledge of working with this group. The young participants speak movingly about their journeys and the shock of arriving in the UK, about being in care and about their experiences of a range of health, education, social care, immigration and legal services. Implications for policy and practice are listed at the end of each chapter. This study is essential reading for social workers, foster carers, asylum teams and all those who support and care for young people seeking refuge in the UK.
Subject terms:
immigration, legal aid, policy, social care provision, young people, access to services, asylum seekers, education, health needs;
University of London. Institute of Education. Thomas Coram Research Unit
Publication year:
2004
Pagination:
41p.
Place of publication:
London
This review provides an accessible review of information relevant to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and young people in the UK. The report examines 3 main areas: abuse through prostitution, abuse through pornography, and the trafficking of young people to and through the UK for commercial sexual exploitation. Having established the legislative framework surrounding the topic, the report examines recent statistics relating to sexual abuse of children and the profiling of offenders, victims and offences. The report also examines strategies to protect and support children and young people. It looks at those that have been found to be effective, and at the deficiencies in those strategies that have been found wanting. The report closes by examining works in progress. Leading of from this there is a discussion of the implications of the report and an identification of gaps in the literature.
This review provides an accessible review of information relevant to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and young people in the UK. The report examines 3 main areas: abuse through prostitution, abuse through pornography, and the trafficking of young people to and through the UK for commercial sexual exploitation. Having established the legislative framework surrounding the topic, the report examines recent statistics relating to sexual abuse of children and the profiling of offenders, victims and offences. The report also examines strategies to protect and support children and young people. It looks at those that have been found to be effective, and at the deficiencies in those strategies that have been found wanting. The report closes by examining works in progress. Leading of from this there is a discussion of the implications of the report and an identification of gaps in the literature.
Extended abstract:
Authors
CHASE Elaine; STATHAM June;
Title
The commercial sexual exploitation of children and young people: an overview of key literature and data.
Publisher
University of London. Institute of Education. Thomas Coram Research Unit, 2004.
Summary
This publication provides an accessible review of information relevant to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and young people in the UK, examining 3 main areas: abuse through prostitution, abuse through pornography, and the trafficking of young people to and through the UK for commercial sexual exploitation.
Context
In recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the extent and scale of abuse of children and young people through sexual exploitation, both internationally and in the UK. Much of this awareness can be attributed to the work of key local and international voluntary and non-governmental organisations that have lobbied for recognition of the problem. These organisations have also undertaken most of the limited research that exists to support policy and legislative changes aimed at protecting children and young people from such exploitation.
Method
The overview draws on a number of sources to develop a current ‘snap shot’ of activity in the field. Members of the National Plan Steering Group were contacted and asked about key literature (including unpublished or ‘grey’ literature), research in progress, etc. The Home Office was asked about statistical sources and on-going developments in data collection. A review of published UK literature was carried out through web and literature searches, using the Child Data Abstracts database and National Children’s Bureau library and the Electronic Library for Social Care. A ‘snowballing’ approach was used to follow up on particular articles. Key websites of organisations and charities known to play a direct role in working with sexually exploited children were used, and recent searches made on the Guardian Group website. The review drew on a scoping exercise on trafficking of children recently completed by a TCRU colleague for Save the Children and also includes qualitative information from a recent TCRU research project on teenage pregnancy among young people in and leaving care. Although the focus is primarily on the UK a selective review was also conducted of relevant international literature, with a particular focus on Europe. This helped to provide an overview of current international policy, to which the UK is a signatory, and a context for policy, legislation and practice developments in the UK.
Contents
The review begins with definitions of key terms. It then considers international and national policy and legislative frameworks for protecting children and prosecuting perpetrators. Overall, the largest amount of information was found in relation to young people exploited through prostitution. This highlighted the range of vulnerability factors, the processes used to engage young people in prostitution and the types of support strategies available to those exploited or at risk of exploitation. This showed that although comprehensive support services are provided in some places, provision is patchy. Furthermore, there has been little impact evaluation to date on the outcomes for those accessing support services. Rather less information is available on the scale of child pornography or the links between the use of pornography and other forms of sexual abuse. The Internet as a modern technology for proliferating child pornography is discussed, alongside its role in providing opportunities for paedophiles to access and ‘groom’ children for sexual purposes. The complexities of providing adequate protection for children as they gain wider access to the Internet through mobile phones are also discussed. Finally the review provides a summary of key findings in relation to the trafficking of children to and through the UK for commercial sexual exploitation. It highlights the limited available data on the scale of the problem and the limited protocols or mechanisms in place to support those at risk.
Conclusion
The study concludes with a summary of research currently underway that will go further towards supporting the research base for this area of work. Recommendations are made to fill apparent knowledge gaps, including further research on issues surrounding young asylum seekers and their vulnerability to abuse through prostitution; further strengthening the knowledge base on effective practice in supporting vulnerable young people; further research on British-born children being moved across the country for purposes of sexual exploitation; and further research on the relationship between Internet use and other forms of abuse against children and young people, including grooming for prostitution.
77 references
Subject terms:
human trafficking, internet, law, literature reviews, policy, prostitution, vulnerable children, young people, child abuse, child labour, child pornography, child protection, child sexual abuse, children, child sexual exploitation;