No abstract

Utilizing a novel approach to evaluate junk food broadcast marketing policies, the study demonstrated that countries with statutory policies saw a significant decrease in junk food sales per capita not seen in countries with no or only self-regulatory policies. To effectively reduce exposure to child-targeted junk food marketing, governments should establish strong, comprehensive statutory regulations. Additionally, countries that implement junk food marketing policies can use food sales data to track policy effectiveness.

This article compares the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in three Hispanic populations in the US: Mexican Americans, Cuban Americans, and Puerto Ricans. Lifetime reports of suicidal thought and behavior of adults participating in the 1982-1984 Hispanic Health and Examination Survey (HHANES) were analyzed. Puerto Ricans reported consistently higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than either Mexican Americans or Cuban Americans. The correlates of suicidality varied by ethnicity. The differential suicide risks in these Hispanic populations point to the importance of the sociocultural context in understanding suicidality and the need for groupspecific interventions.

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While outreach and case management services have been shown to improve retention of at-risk youth in behavioral health treatment, these important support services are challenging to implement. The Hartford Youth Project (HYP), established by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families as a pilot for the state adolescent substance abuse treatment system, made outreach and engagement integral to its system of care. HYPbrought together a network of stakeholders: referral sources (juvenile justice, schools, community agencies, child welfare, and families); community-based outreach agencies; treatment providers; and an administrative service organization responsible for project coordination. Culturally competent Engagement Specialists located in community agencies were responsible for: cultivation of referral sources; community outreach; screening and assessment; engagement of youth and families in treatment; case management; service planning; recovery support; and advocacy. This article describes HYP's approach to identifying and engaging youth in treatment, as well as its challenges. Use of family-based treatment models, expectations of referral sources, limited service capacity, youth and family problems, and staff turnover were all factors that affected the outreach and engagement process. Process, baseline assessment and case study data are used to describe the needs and issues specific to Hartford's substance-abusing Latino and African-American youth.