Tanja Besier

Professional caregiver's knowledge of self-reported delinquency in an adolescent sample in Swiss youth welfare and juvenile justice institutions

Since an important goal of the youth welfare system is to prevent troubled adolescents from committing acts of delinquency in future, professional caregivers need to possess accurate knowledge about past behaviors in order to implement appropriate interventions. As part of a comprehensive study on youth in state care, adolescents at 30 residential care facilities in Switzerland were surveyed about past acts of delinquency, and their responses were compared to those of their professional caregivers to see how well they correlated. A sample of 267 male and female adolescents aged 11-18years completed questionnaires about the frequency, nature, and seriousness of different types of offenses, while a designated caregiver for each resident completed a corresponding questionnaire. The majority of residents (86.1%) reported having committed at least one offense, which confirms the prevalence of problem behaviors in this population and the need for strategies to prevent it. The overall rate of agreement between the residents and their caregivers was 77.2%, with both parties reporting that the resident had committed at least one offense in 69.7% of cases, and both reporting that no offense had been committed in 7.5% of cases. Agreement was substantially higher for offenses that were serious than for those that were minor or moderate. Cohens kappa reached slight to moderate values with regard to individual and categorized offenses. Seriousness scales of delinquency for self-reports and caregiver reports were moderately associated. While the overall rate of agreement between the residents and their caregivers was high, increasing it still further might lead to improvements in strategies for the prevention of recidivism.

Schulbegleiter als Unterstützung von Inklusion im Schulwesen Erhebung zur gegenwärtigen Situation von Schulbegleitern in Baden-Württemberg

In the context of inclusive education, so-called «Schulbegleiter» (school escorts) have been installed to assist children with special needs. However, adequate conceptions of their role are lacking, and no provisions exist describing the exact tasks and duties of these school escorts. This article presents data on a statewide empirical study and provides information on the professional background, qualifications, and assignments of such escorts as well as the nature of the assisted children in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The data were collected in nearly 50 % of all schools providing general education in Baden-Württemberg, and a total of 526 school escorts completed a questionnaire on their work. Children with special needs who received such assistance were aged 6 to 19 years (M = 10.4) and had a mental disorder in nearly three-fourths of all cases, with autism spectrum disorders being most common (59.4 %). The most frequent assignments of the escorts were providing practical assistance during classes and mobilizing the child as well as providing direct support in emotionally challenging situations. Such escorts can make a significant contribution to the inclusive education of disabled children. They do, however, need an adequate qualification and practical competences to meet the diverse challenges of children with special needs. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are supposed to stay involved in the process, not only by planning interventions, but also during the course of inclusive education itself. Thus, the emotional situation and adjustment of included children with mental disorders over time must be monitored adequately.

A German e-learning-training in the context of early preventive intervention and child protection: preliminary findings of a pre-post evaluation

BackgroundIn recent years, a number of government-sponsored initiatives have been implemented in Germany that are focused on early preventive intervention in child protection. In response to the need for interdisciplinary training in this area, the internet-based e-learning program “Early Preventive Intervention and Child Protection” was developed for professionals in the child welfare and health care systems working with families with infants and toddlers. The program is currently undergoing evaluation for effectiveness and user satisfaction.MethodsIn a pre-post design, users are requested to complete questionnaires that assess three measures of expertise: theoretical knowledge of relevant fields, the ability to correctly identify subtle signals of infant communication, and the ability to assess maternal sensitivity. This article presents the contents of the program and the pre-training results (Nxa0=xa01.294 participants). Descriptive analyses as well as Pearson correlations and Bonferroni corrections of error were conducted using the statistical program SPSS v. 21.0.ResultsThe findings show that a wide range of professionals are making use of the program, and that their existing theoretical knowledge about early preventive intervention, as well as their ability to identify subtle signals of infant communication, is relatively good. However, their ability to assess maternal sensitivity, which is considered a crucial indicator for the risk of child abuse, was low.ConclusionsThe outcome of the pre-training results indicates that professionals working in the area of child protection need to develop more capability in recognizing maternal sensitivity, in order to ensure early detection of families who are at risk and thus in need of support. Finally, the number of years of professional experience did not correlate with the scores on any of the three measures, which emphasizes the importance of providing interdisciplinary training in this area for all those working in child and family services, regardless of background.

Schulbegleiter als Unterstützung von Inklusion im Schulwesen

In the context of inclusive education, so-called «Schulbegleiter» (school escorts) have been installed to assist children with special needs. However, adequate conceptions of their role are lacking, and no provisions exist describing the exact tasks and duties of these school escorts. This article presents data on a statewide empirical study and provides information on the professional background, qualifications, and assignments of such escorts as well as the nature of the assisted children in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The data were collected in nearly 50 % of all schools providing general education in Baden-Württemberg, and a total of 526 school escorts completed a questionnaire on their work. Children with special needs who received such assistance were aged 6 to 19 years (M = 10.4) and had a mental disorder in nearly three-fourths of all cases, with autism spectrum disorders being most common (59.4 %). The most frequent assignments of the escorts were providing practical assistance during classes and mobilizing the child as well as providing direct support in emotionally challenging situations. Such escorts can make a significant contribution to the inclusive education of disabled children. They do, however, need an adequate qualification and practical competences to meet the diverse challenges of children with special needs. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are supposed to stay involved in the process, not only by planning interventions, but also during the course of inclusive education itself. Thus, the emotional situation and adjustment of included children with mental disorders over time must be monitored adequately.

Risikoepidemiologie und Kinderschutzstatistik in der frühen Kindheit: Eine Pilotuntersuchung mit dem „Wahrnehmungsbogen für den Kinderschutz“

In contrast to many other countries in Europe, Germany lacks sufficient empirical data on the incidence/prevalence of child maltreatment and its risk factors. This pilot study generated systematic data on the prevalence of child abuse and neglect and its risk factors in Germany. Using a newly developed questionnaire (ESM1 and ESM2) on child abuse and neglect as well as indicators for risk factors, we conducted a survey on 35 child daycare centers in a county in southern Germany, the goal being to generate reliable data. The questionnaire and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was completed by daycare professionals for every child between 4 and under 7 years who was attending the participating daycare center (1,122 children). Child maltreatment was reported in 13.2 % of the cases, and risk factors for future child maltreatment were detected in 38.4 % cases. This study demonstrates that systematic data collection concerning child protection is feasible in child daycare centers. In the future, we recommend that local child protection networks be modified on the basis of reliable empirical data.

Gewalt gegen Kinder ist weit verbreitet

Niemand ist so häufig körperlicher oder emotionaler Misshandlung und sexuellem Missbrauch ausgesetzt wie Kinder. Das Risiko für Gewalterfahrungen hängt von Faktoren wie dem Alter, dem psychosozialen Umfeld und dem kulturellen Hintergrund des Kindes ab. Die Folgen für die körperliche und psychosoziale Entwicklung sind enorm.

Gewalt gegen Kinder@@@Violence against children

Violence against children is a widespread phenomenon. Interpersonal violence within the family context is typical in childhood, whereas violence occurs more frequently in the leisure and peer context during adolescence, often involving new media. The risk for experiencing violence is associated with many different factors, for example the age, psychosocial context, and cultural background of a child. Data on the prevalence of violence vary by country, depending on the available documentation systems. It is estimated that the number of unreported cases is high. Meta-analyses comprising mainly retrospective self-report studies indicate prevalence estimates between 12 and 19% for neglect, physical, and sexual abuse. Emotional child abuse is reported far more often, with a prevalence as high as 36.3%. German studies, however, werent able to replicate these international findings. Here, child emotional abuse is reported less often. Violence against children has many negative consequences for physical, emotional, and psychosocial development. Violence prevention therefore comprises different international and national programs and strategies, which are able to successfully reduce violence against children. Programs focusing on the promotion of adequate parenting behavior show especially promising results.ZusammenfassungGewalt gegen Kinder und Jugendliche ist ein weit verbreitetes Phänomen. Interpersonelle Gewalt im familiären Kontext ist im Kindesalter häufig, während im Jugendalter verstärkt Gewalt im Kontext von Freizeit und Gleichaltrigen erlebt wird, hierbei spielen neue Medien oftmals eine zentrale Rolle. Das Risiko für Gewalterfahrungen hängt von verschiedenen Faktoren wie beispielsweise dem Alter, dem psychosozialen Umfeld und dem kulturellen Hintergrund des Kindes ab. Zahlen zur Prävalenz von Gewalt variieren weltweit abhängig von den verfügbaren Dokumentationssystemen. Hier gibt es eine hohe Dunkelziffer. Meta-Analysen zeigen mit retrospektiven Selbstberichtsmethoden Prävalenzzahlen von 12–19u2009% für Vernachlässigung und körperliche Misshandlung oder sexuellen Missbrauch. Emotionale Kindesmisshandlung wurde mit einer Gesamtprävalenz von 36,3u2009% deutlich häufiger angegeben. In deutschen Untersuchungen wird emotionale Misshandlung hingegen deutlich seltener genannt. Gewalt gegen Kinder hat unabhängig vom Gefährdungskontext zahlreiche negative Folgen für die körperliche, emotionale und psychosoziale Entwicklung des Kindes. Zur Prävention von Gewalt existieren daher verschiedene internationale und nationale Programme und Strategien, die Studien zufolge das Ausmaß an Gewalt gegenüber Kindern deutlich reduzieren können. Vor allem Programme zur gezielten Förderung der elterlichen Erziehungs- und Beziehungskompetenzen liefern vielversprechende Ergebnisse.AbstractViolence against children is a widespread phenomenon. Interpersonal violence within the family context is typical in childhood, whereas violence occurs more frequently in the leisure and peer context during adolescence, often involving new media. The risk for experiencing violence is associated with many different factors, for example the age, psychosocial context, and cultural background of a child. Data on the prevalence of violence vary by country, depending on the available documentation systems. It is estimated that the number of unreported cases is high. Meta-analyses comprising mainly retrospective self-report studies indicate prevalence estimates between 12 and 19u2009% for neglect, physical, and sexual abuse. Emotional child abuse is reported far more often, with a prevalence as high as 36.3u2009%. German studies, however, weren’t able to replicate these international findings. Here, child emotional abuse is reported less often. Violence against children has many negative consequences for physical, emotional, and psychosocial development. Violence prevention therefore comprises different international and national programs and strategies, which are able to successfully reduce violence against children. Programs focusing on the promotion of adequate parenting behavior show especially promising results.

Übungen zum kollegialen Austausch und Reflexion des professionellen Umgangs mit Fällen von sexuellem Missbrauch

Im Rahmen des Online-Kurses „Pravention von sexuellem Kindesmissbrauch“ wurde einer Reihe von Teilnehmenden zusatzlich zu den Online-Inhalten Prasenzkurse angeboten, zu denen hier eine Auswahl der in den Veranstaltungen genutzten Ubungsmaterialien mit Arbeitsanleitungen eingebunden ist.

Evaluationsergebnisse der begleitenden Präsenzkurse im Rahmen des Online-Kurses „Prävention von sexuellem Kindesmissbrauch“

Im Rahmen des Online-Kurses „Pravention von sexuellem Kindesmissbrauch“ fur medizinisch-therapeutische und padagogische Berufe wurde einer Reihe von Teilnehmenden zusatzlich zu den Online-Inhalten Prasenzkurse angeboten. Das Kapitel fasst die Erfahrungen mit diesen Prasenzveranstaltungen zusammen, gibt einen Uberblick uber die Evaluationsergebnisse und beschreibt die sich daraus ergebenden Hinweise darauf, in welcher Form Fortbildungsveranstaltungen zum Thema Pravention von sexuellem Kindesmissbrauch gewinnbringend angeboten werden konnen. Die Ergebnisse sind nicht spezifisch fur eine Blended-Learning-Kombination von Online- und Prasenzinhalten, sondern konnen ebenfalls generell als Hilfestellung fur Fortbildungsveranstaltungen in diesem Themenbereich gesehen werden.

Gewalt gegen KinderViolence against children

Violence against children is a widespread phenomenon. Interpersonal violence within the family context is typical in childhood, whereas violence occurs more frequently in the leisure and peer context during adolescence, often involving new media. The risk for experiencing violence is associated with many different factors, for example the age, psychosocial context, and cultural background of a child. Data on the prevalence of violence vary by country, depending on the available documentation systems. It is estimated that the number of unreported cases is high. Meta-analyses comprising mainly retrospective self-report studies indicate prevalence estimates between 12 and 19% for neglect, physical, and sexual abuse. Emotional child abuse is reported far more often, with a prevalence as high as 36.3%. German studies, however, werent able to replicate these international findings. Here, child emotional abuse is reported less often. Violence against children has many negative consequences for physical, emotional, and psychosocial development. Violence prevention therefore comprises different international and national programs and strategies, which are able to successfully reduce violence against children. Programs focusing on the promotion of adequate parenting behavior show especially promising results.ZusammenfassungGewalt gegen Kinder und Jugendliche ist ein weit verbreitetes Phänomen. Interpersonelle Gewalt im familiären Kontext ist im Kindesalter häufig, während im Jugendalter verstärkt Gewalt im Kontext von Freizeit und Gleichaltrigen erlebt wird, hierbei spielen neue Medien oftmals eine zentrale Rolle. Das Risiko für Gewalterfahrungen hängt von verschiedenen Faktoren wie beispielsweise dem Alter, dem psychosozialen Umfeld und dem kulturellen Hintergrund des Kindes ab. Zahlen zur Prävalenz von Gewalt variieren weltweit abhängig von den verfügbaren Dokumentationssystemen. Hier gibt es eine hohe Dunkelziffer. Meta-Analysen zeigen mit retrospektiven Selbstberichtsmethoden Prävalenzzahlen von 12–19u2009% für Vernachlässigung und körperliche Misshandlung oder sexuellen Missbrauch. Emotionale Kindesmisshandlung wurde mit einer Gesamtprävalenz von 36,3u2009% deutlich häufiger angegeben. In deutschen Untersuchungen wird emotionale Misshandlung hingegen deutlich seltener genannt. Gewalt gegen Kinder hat unabhängig vom Gefährdungskontext zahlreiche negative Folgen für die körperliche, emotionale und psychosoziale Entwicklung des Kindes. Zur Prävention von Gewalt existieren daher verschiedene internationale und nationale Programme und Strategien, die Studien zufolge das Ausmaß an Gewalt gegenüber Kindern deutlich reduzieren können. Vor allem Programme zur gezielten Förderung der elterlichen Erziehungs- und Beziehungskompetenzen liefern vielversprechende Ergebnisse.AbstractViolence against children is a widespread phenomenon. Interpersonal violence within the family context is typical in childhood, whereas violence occurs more frequently in the leisure and peer context during adolescence, often involving new media. The risk for experiencing violence is associated with many different factors, for example the age, psychosocial context, and cultural background of a child. Data on the prevalence of violence vary by country, depending on the available documentation systems. It is estimated that the number of unreported cases is high. Meta-analyses comprising mainly retrospective self-report studies indicate prevalence estimates between 12 and 19u2009% for neglect, physical, and sexual abuse. Emotional child abuse is reported far more often, with a prevalence as high as 36.3u2009%. German studies, however, weren’t able to replicate these international findings. Here, child emotional abuse is reported less often. Violence against children has many negative consequences for physical, emotional, and psychosocial development. Violence prevention therefore comprises different international and national programs and strategies, which are able to successfully reduce violence against children. Programs focusing on the promotion of adequate parenting behavior show especially promising results.