Guided by the Schools of Social Policy & Practice, Law, Nursing and Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research brings together the resources of the University of Pennsylvania to enhance and assure the well-being of abused and neglected children and those at risk of maltreatment. By moving beyond traditional approaches, the Field Center utilizes an interdisciplinary model to integrate clinical care, research and education, inform local and national policy, and prepare the nation’s future leaders, for the benefit of children and their families.
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The Devil is in the Details:
Pennsylvania's Definition of Child Abuse Perpetrator
By Stephen St. Vincent, Esq.
When the allegations of child sexual abuse against former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky became public late last year, people were rightfully outraged that numerous officials at that university failed to report what they knew to child protective services (CPS). Certainly, if everything in the grand jury report is true, they had the moral prerogative to make such a report. But set that aside for a minute to consider an important question: was Sandusky even reportable to CPS under the current Pennsylvania child abuse reporting laws?
A New Model for Aging Out:
Mentoring Programs to Promote Interdependent Living
by Anne Day, MSW Candidate
Policy is slowly coming to the realization that youth “aging out” of foster care are not likely to be prepared for absolute independence at age 18 or even 21. The Fostering Connections Act of 2008 took a great step in helping youth transition into adulthood by extending foster care up to age 21. Unfortunately, despite the successes of Fostering Connections, many youth are still struggling to achieve independence. Extending foster care to 21 does not mitigate the impact of emancipation with no safety net, no support and no stability. Many states have chosen to step away from the idea that children, of any age, can become absolutely independent upon emancipation. Instead, many states and individual programs are encouraging mentoring programs for youth at risk of aging out. Mentoring programs take the focus off of independent living for young adults and put the focus on interdependent living, encouraging youth to form stable, trusting relationships and to build social capital.
Focus on the Field Center
In Our Opinion: Will New Laws Help Children?
Advisory Board Profile: Susan T. Marx
MSW Student Profile: Rebecca McElroy
Thank You to Our Donors
The Field Center would like to thank the following individuals, foundations, and corporations for their generous support.
(gifts received from July 1, 2011 to March 1, 2012)
Calendar of Events
Please click here to view the calendar.
Save the Date: Field Center Communty Symposium
Special Announcement
The Field Center
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Community Symposium
50 Years Since Publication of the “Battered Child Syndrome”:
Can America Stop Hurting Its Children?
John Leventhal, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University
Dr. Leventhal is one of the foremost national experts in child abuse.
His most recent research was just published in Pediatrics:
“Using US Data to Estimate the Incidence of Serious Physical Abuse in Children.”
It is the first study to provide national estimates on
the occurrence of serious injuries due to physical abuse.
April 24, 2012
8:30 – 10:30 am
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Levy Conference Center
3400 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
Preregistration is required and opens on April 1
This event is free and open to the professional community,
made available through a generous grant
by the University of Pennsylvania’s University Research Foundation
Social Worker CEUs available for nominal fee
For more information: email fieldctr@sp2.upenn.edu
Save the Date: Field of Dreams Luncheon
The Field Center
for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research
announces its
Field of Dreams Luncheon
Friday October 12, 2012
at
The College of Physicians in Philadelphia
Join us to bestow the
2012 Alan Lerner Child Advocacy Award
and announcing the 2012
Alan Lerner Fellow in Child Welfare Policy
For information about the luncheon and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Field Center at 215.573.9779 or fieldctr@sp2.upenn.edu
