A practical guide for medical professionals extending their child health practice into the community.
Community Child Health is designed to orient physicians, nurses, social workers, public health officers, and allied professionals to the world of children and to help them devise practice styles and priorities in concert with the current needs of children. Palfrey's central thesis is that society has lost sight of children, and, as a result, we have done a very poor job of structuring the environment to nurture them as they grow. Ironically, communities are breaking apart just at the time when families need them the most, leaving children vulnerable, confused, and isolated. The health consequences include poor school performance, behavioral problems, injuries, early sexuality, drug and alcohol use, weapons possession, homicide, and suicide.
The medical professions can have a major impact in reversing these social and health problems. Palfrey has designed this book to equip such professionals with the conceptual frame, data base, and practical tips and tools that will result in improved results in the growth and development of children. It is an advocate's manual, a cookbook for the program planner, and a guide for the child health professional seeking improvements in community child care.
Introduction
Where in the World are the Children?
Children in a Changing Community Context
Community Influences on Children's Health
Trends in the Health Status of American Children
Community-Based Health Services
Community Services: New Ventures, New Partners
Health and Schools
Health and Special Education
Health Services for Children at Social Risk with Bill Bithoney, Sean Palfrey and Jean Ciborowski
Group Care Programs: Health Service Needs
An Action Plan for Today
Boundary Issues and Other Reasons Why the Current System Is Flawed
Policy Developments and Why We Should Not Give Up Hope
Creating Alliances To Foster Children's Health
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Reviews
Judith Palfrey has written a well-organized, readable book about children's health as it is affected by forces in the community. Physicians, social workers, and community health workers, as well as politicians and others who shape public policy, would benefit from reading it....Palfrey is a leader in applying the resources of Children's Hospital of Boston, well known for highly technical tertiary care activies, to the preventative and continuing-care issues of children. Her personal approaches and her review of the experience of others will prove invaluable to anyone interested in meeting the challenge of child health care today. This book will benefit generalists working with the community and specialists who wish to provide the best environment for their chronically ill children. I can do no better than repeat the contention of Julius Richmond in the foreword, that this work represents a 'seminal volume for child health workers.'—The New England Journal of Medicine
Endorsements
What an excellent overview of the problems and solutions for children and families! This wonderful volume pleads for a return to family-centered communities of all kinds....How has a society like ours come to such neglect of its future generations? This volume can point us back toward successful solutions—T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. Professor Emeritus Children's Hospital, Boston
This landmark book should be read by everyone interested in general pediatrics and community health....Enhancing our understanding of the past and clarifying the present, this powerful book provides the building blocks and the practical guidelines with which to build a better health care future for our children.—Morris Green, M.D. Perry W. Lesh Professor of Pediatrics Indiana University Medical Center
This book offers a thoroughly sensible approach to the problems of our children--an effort to connect them to others (doctors, nurses, social workers, teachers) who might be of help to them.—Robert Coles, M.D. University Health Services Harvard University
Judith Palfrey is that rare physician who sees beyond the examining table, and understands how profoundly the health of children depends on the health of communities. Community Child Health will be a major contribution to efforts to assure that even children growing up in high-risk environments will be able to become productive and responsible adults.—Lisbeth B. Schorr, Director Harvard University Project on Effective Services Author of Within Our Reach: Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage
