Genetics and antisocial behavior: substance versus sound bytes.

Family networks are widely assumed to be a key source of support for older people in Indonesia and Southeast Asia more generally, although empirical study of their composition and functioning is in its infancy. This paper draws on ethnographic and survey data collected in longitudinal research of ageing in three rural Indonesian communities, in order to identify demographic and social factors limiting the size of elders' networks. Gaps in networks commonly emerge as a result of childlessness, migration and alienation, but their implications for older people's vulnerability are shaped by socio-economic status, reputation and cultural norms.

Adoption↗

PubMed2007

MRSA in children from foreign countries adopted to Swedish families.

AIM: To determine if children adopted to Swedish families from countries with a high carrier rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are infected or colonized with MRSA. METHODS: From January 2000 to May 2005, 23 adopted children from 6 countries were examined for MRSA at the University hospital in Lund after their arrival in Sweden. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 23 children (57%) were MRSA positive with a median age of the children at the time MRSA was detected of 6 (range 3-16) months. All MRSA positive children had a history of hospitalization in their native country before arriving in Sweden. The throat was the most frequent and persistent site where MRSA was seen while in sites such as the anterior nares and perineum, MRSA was found more intermittently. The MRSA-positive children were adopted into 13 Swedish families and in 3 families, 6 of 10 family members became MRSA positive. CONCLUSION: Children adopted from foreign countries to Swedish families and with a history of hospitalization in their native country were commonly colonized with MRSA. The throat was the most frequent site colonized and transmission of MRSA from adopted children to other family members occurred.

Adoption↗

PubMed2007

Is the adoption and safe families act influencing child welfare outcomes for families with substance abuse issues?

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) was designed to promote more timely permanent placements for children in the child welfare system. To date, however, available data have said little about whether ASFA is meeting its intended goals. This study looks at the impact of ASFA on parents struggling with substance abuse issues. The authors compared child welfare outcomes, pre- and post-ASFA, for children of more than 1,900 substance-abusing women with some treatment involvement. After the implementation of ASFA, children in this study spent less time in foster care, were placed in permanent settings more quickly, and were more likely to be adopted than remain in long-term foster care. The proportion of children who were reunified with their parent or parents stayed the same. These outcomes were apparent even controlling for case and family characteristics. Results are discussed in terms of the influence of ASFA on service delivery systems.

Adoption↗