Introduction: Risk factors for child maltreatment are well-described, but clinicians may overlook these risk factors. The Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) model is an evidence-based approach to identifying psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment. This article describes a quality improvement initiative to implement the SEEK model in a unique pediatric setting, a Children’s Advocacy Center. Methods: The objectives were to (1) describe the identification of psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment by implementing the SEEK screening tool with each new family, (2) achieve and sustain a SEEK completion rate of greater than 85%, and (3) achieve and sustain a SEEK follow-up compliance rate of greater than 75%. Structured quality improvement methods, including several plan-do-study-act cycles, were used to implement interventions. Results: The percentage of caregivers who completed the SEEK questionnaire increased from a baseline of 76% to 86%, which was sustained for more than 2 years, resulting in a better understanding and support of families’ needs. Caregivers completed 3,606 SEEK Parent Questionnaire-R. Mental health concerns and food insecurity were among the most commonly endorsed items. Follow-up compliance increased from 47% to 90%, a level that has been maintained. Conclusions: While Children’s Advocacy Centers evaluate children with suspected abuse, identifying current stressors in the home and linking families with resources to address their immediate psychosocial concerns can improve short- and long-term outcomes. This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating consistent screening for psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment in this busy environment.

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Introduction:The purpose of this study was to compare child sexual abuse interview disclosures and judicial outcomes for cases of child and adolescent sexual abuse/assault seen in a pediatric emergency department (PED) before and after the implementation of a simulated child advocacy center (CAC) multidisciplinary model of care. Method: A retrospective chart and legal records review was conducted from both the PED model of care group and the simulated CAC multidisciplinary model of care for judicial outcomes, child sexual abuse interview disclosures, and sexual abuse case characteristics. Results:The simulated CAC multidisciplinary model of care did not result in increased indictments, pleas, trials, or disclosure of sexual abuse in the sexual abuse interview when compared with the PED model of care. The simulated CAC multidisciplinary model of care did result in a significantly higher rate of sexual abuse interview completion. Discussion: Demographic risk factors for sexual abuse victimization as well as perpetration have been identified in the literature and were supported by this study. Law enforcement and child protective services were more frequently present in the PED under the simulated CAC multidisciplinary model allowing for improved protection of children.

Agriculture is the most important economic activity around the world with its contributions reflected by its share in the gross domestic product of countries. It ensures food security, provides raw materials for many industries and employment opportunities. Today, pest and diseases are among the main challenges plaguing the agricultural sector. More specifically, phytophagous mites are devastating many economically important crops worldwide. Tetranychus urticae Koch (Two-spotted spider mites), Raoiella indica Hirst, (red palm mites), Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (broad mites) and Panonychus ulmi Koch (European red mites) are widely known for their extensive damage to crops. To control these mites, farmers have incorporated the use of pesticides into their farming systems. However, chemical control comes with many problems such as insect resistance, detrimental environmental effects and various human health implications. As such biological control is an environmentally friendly alternative that uses bio-control agents such as predators, pathogens and parasitoids to control pests. In this review, it was found that predators and pathogens were the most widely used biocontrol agents, specifically, the Amblyseius spp. Berlese were most effective and widely documented. The available literature also suggests that for successful control of agricultural mites via biological control, there needs to be a clear understanding of the behaviors of these mites and the bio-control agents used.