The MAP Project studies maltreatment and adolescent pathways. It involves tracking youth with open child welfare cases every 6 months to assess violence, mental health, substance use, and risky sexual practices. The project has multiple studies funded by various sources. It uses standardized tests and collects data from over 500 youth involved with child welfare in Ontario. Results show high rates of maltreatment, bullying, dating violence, and delinquent behaviors in this population.

1. The Maltreatment andThe Maltreatment and
Adolescent Pathways (MAP)Adolescent Pathways (MAP)
ProjectProject
Christine Wekerle, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Pediatrics, CAAP
McMaster University
Presented at McMaster Pediatric Rounds
April 15, 2010
EMAIL: chris.wekerle@gmail.com
Knowledge Translation to Child Welfare Field via 50,000+ membership of Ontario
Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS)
MAP KT site: www2.oacas.org, enter email as username,
enter mapguesttest as password
To obtain review of Ontario child welfare information, using available population
datasets, including MAP Study (MAPS), request Ch. 6, Child Welfare, Wekerle et al.
(2009) in a report on ON children “Looking to the Future” from Kathy Glazier @
Ministry of Child and Family Services (kathy.glazier@ontario.ca)

2. MAP Project InvestigatorsMAP Project Investigators
Christine Wekerle, Ph.D.Christine Wekerle, Ph.D. (PI; McMaster)(PI; McMaster)
Co-investigators in alphabetical order:
Michael Boyle, Ph.D.Michael Boyle, Ph.D. (McMaster)(McMaster)
Deborah Goodman, Ph.D.Deborah Goodman, Ph.D. (University of Toronto,Toronto CAS)(University of Toronto,Toronto CAS)
Bruce Leslie, M.S.W.Bruce Leslie, M.S.W. (Catholic CAS, Toronto)(Catholic CAS, Toronto)
Eman Leung, Ph.D.Eman Leung, Ph.D. (St. Michael’s Hospital)(St. Michael’s Hospital)
Harriet MacMillan, M.D.Harriet MacMillan, M.D. (McMaster)(McMaster)
Brenda Moody, M.B.A.Brenda Moody, M.B.A. (Peel Region CAS)(Peel Region CAS)
Nico Trocmé, Ph.D.Nico Trocmé, Ph.D. (McGill)(McGill)
Randall Waechter, Ph.D.Randall Waechter, Ph.D. (McMaster)(McMaster)
MAP Advisory Board:MAP Advisory Board: Kong Chung, Lori Bell, NatashaKong Chung, Lori Bell, Natasha
Budzarov, Darlaine Mathews, David Firang, Dan Cadman, Susan GainesBudzarov, Darlaine Mathews, David Firang, Dan Cadman, Susan Gaines
Cherry Chan, Mario Giancola, Judith Wharton, Bervin Garraway, Carla DaCherry Chan, Mario Giancola, Judith Wharton, Bervin Garraway, Carla Da
Fonte, Jacqueline BittencourtFonte, Jacqueline Bittencourt
Note: Children’s Aid Society (CAS)Note: Children’s Aid Society (CAS)

3. MAP Project FundingMAP Project Funding
The MAP Project consists of 4 studies:The MAP Project consists of 4 studies:
MAP Feasibility StudyMAP Feasibility Study (CIHR, Institute of Gender and Health, one(CIHR, Institute of Gender and Health, one
component of Community Action Healthcomponent of Community Action Health Research (CAHR) grant)Research (CAHR) grant)
MAP Longitudinal StudyMAP Longitudinal Study tracking CAS-involved youth every 6 monthstracking CAS-involved youth every 6 months
to 2.0 year follow-up on:to 2.0 year follow-up on: violence, mental health, substance use,violence, mental health, substance use,
risky sexual practicesrisky sexual practices
Females: CIHR, Institute of Gender and HealthFemales: CIHR, Institute of Gender and Health
Males: The Provincial Centre of Excellence in ChildMales: The Provincial Centre of Excellence in Child && YouthYouth MentalMental
Health at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO);Health at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO); TheThe
Ontario Ministry of Children & Youth ServicesOntario Ministry of Children & Youth Services
MAP Extension studyMAP Extension study (3.O year follow-up) Males & Females:(3.O year follow-up) Males & Females: TheThe
Ontario Mental Health FoundationOntario Mental Health Foundation
MAP Knowledge Translation Website Development/Evaluation StudyMAP Knowledge Translation Website Development/Evaluation Study
(MAP KT): The ProvincialCentre of Excellence in Child(MAP KT): The ProvincialCentre of Excellence in Child && YouthYouth
Mental Health @ CHEOMental Health @ CHEO

4. Representative Recent PublicationsRepresentative Recent Publications
 Wekerle et al., 2009. Up Against the Wall report.Wekerle et al., 2009. Up Against the Wall report.
(distributed by family violence clearinghouse)(distributed by family violence clearinghouse)
 Wekerle et al., 2009. Chapter 6: Children and youthWekerle et al., 2009. Chapter 6: Children and youth
served by Ontario’s CAS inserved by Ontario’s CAS in Looking to the Future: ALooking to the Future: A
Profile of Ontario’s Children and YouthProfile of Ontario’s Children and Youth..
(for a copy email kathy.glazier@ontario.ca)(for a copy email kathy.glazier@ontario.ca)
MAP Research specific to ResilienceMAP Research specific to Resilience
 Child and Youth Resilience MeasureChild and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM, Ungar et(CYRM, Ungar et
al., 2008)al., 2008)
 Resiliency Scales for Children and AdolescentsResiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents (RSCA,(RSCA,
2006, Prince-Embury, available from www.psychcorp.ca)2006, Prince-Embury, available from www.psychcorp.ca)

5. ON Children’s Aid Society (CAS) MandateON Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Mandate
 Investigate allegations or evidence that childrenInvestigate allegations or evidence that children under ageunder age
16,16, or in the society’s care (> 16, Crown Wards can enter anor in the society’s care (> 16, Crown Wards can enter an
Extended Care Contract with a CAS)Extended Care Contract with a CAS)
 Youth are “aged out” of care by age 21, with exceptionalYouth are “aged out” of care by age 21, with exceptional
circumstances to age 25circumstances to age 25
 Protect children (Temporary Care, Society Ward or CrownProtect children (Temporary Care, Society Ward or Crown
Ward where parental rights are terminated)Ward where parental rights are terminated)
 Provide care to children assigned to them under CFSAProvide care to children assigned to them under CFSA
 Provide supervision to children assigned to CAS supervisionProvide supervision to children assigned to CAS supervision
 Counsel/Support Families for protection of childrenCounsel/Support Families for protection of children
or to prevent circumstances requiring child protectionor to prevent circumstances requiring child protection

6. MAP- MethodsMAP- Methods FeaturesFeatures
 At recruitment, adolescents have open case with CAS, tappingAt recruitment, adolescents have open case with CAS, tapping
all CAS status categories – from Crown Wards living in out-of-all CAS status categories – from Crown Wards living in out-of-
home care to Community families living in-home carehome care to Community families living in-home care
 Sampling with random numbers table from CAS caselistsSampling with random numbers table from CAS caselists
 CAS sites capture urban traffic, includes largest site in CanadaCAS sites capture urban traffic, includes largest site in Canada
 Youth age range - 14.0 to 17.0 yearsYouth age range - 14.0 to 17.0 years
 Cases open for >6 months, given time between case selectionCases open for >6 months, given time between case selection
(@MAP Research) and case eligibility check (@ CAS)(@MAP Research) and case eligibility check (@ CAS)
 Laptop administration, direct upload to on-line databaseLaptop administration, direct upload to on-line database
 Comparison data for MAP from:Comparison data for MAP from:
(a)(a) Use of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey atUse of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey at
annual MAP testing points (1.0, 2.0, 3,0 years); OSDUHSannual MAP testing points (1.0, 2.0, 3,0 years); OSDUHS
queries lifetime CAS involvement to prune system contributionqueries lifetime CAS involvement to prune system contribution
from comparison group (15.8% ON youth report hx CASfrom comparison group (15.8% ON youth report hx CAS
involvement; conservative approach)involvement; conservative approach)
(b)(b) Use of norm-referenced, standardized testing to consider ageUse of norm-referenced, standardized testing to consider age
and gender matched norms and established clinical cut-offs

7. The Cost of MAP data collectionThe Cost of MAP data collection
 MAPS data collection research assistants make anMAPS data collection research assistants make an
average of 6.6 calls to each CPS youth to book testingaverage of 6.6 calls to each CPS youth to book testing
 Approximately 57% report moving between six orApproximately 57% report moving between six or
more residences in the past 5 years in the MAP studymore residences in the past 5 years in the MAP study
(Wekerle, Waechter, Leung, & Chen, 2009). An(Wekerle, Waechter, Leung, & Chen, 2009). An
average of 2.5 calls for location-only purposes.average of 2.5 calls for location-only purposes.
 14% no-show for scheduled, confirmed testing14% no-show for scheduled, confirmed testing
 Average distance to and from youth’s homes for eachAverage distance to and from youth’s homes for each
testing is 131 kms (over 80% tested in youthtesting is 131 kms (over 80% tested in youth
residence)residence)

8. Maltreatment as a Living EnvironmentMaltreatment as a Living Environment
 N=1912 randomly selected from CAS caselists, 56.1% ineligible (mainlyN=1912 randomly selected from CAS caselists, 56.1% ineligible (mainly
case closed, youth AWOL, significant developmental delay, crisis)case closed, youth AWOL, significant developmental delay, crisis)
 N=839 Eligible child welfare-involved youth (51% female)N=839 Eligible child welfare-involved youth (51% female)
 32.7% Refusal rate (mainly due to other commitments; M>F;32.7% Refusal rate (mainly due to other commitments; M>F;
Community>Crown Wards)….67% recruitment rateCommunity>Crown Wards)….67% recruitment rate
 N=565 youth participated @ MAP Initial (2002-2009)N=565 youth participated @ MAP Initial (2002-2009)
 Mean age @ MAP Initial: M=15.9 years (SD=0.99)Mean age @ MAP Initial: M=15.9 years (SD=0.99)
 CAS status @ MAP Initial: 61% crown ward, 16% society ward, 18%CAS status @ MAP Initial: 61% crown ward, 16% society ward, 18%
community family, 5% temporary carecommunity family, 5% temporary care
 Single Ethnicity: 30% White, 25% Black, 15% OtherSingle Ethnicity: 30% White, 25% Black, 15% Other
 Two or More Ethnicities: 30%Two or More Ethnicities: 30%
 Most with foster parents (44%) or group home (24%)Most with foster parents (44%) or group home (24%)aa
 aa
Burgess et al. (2010) 26% kin, 25% foster serious physicalBurgess et al. (2010) 26% kin, 25% foster serious physical
illness, and 11-24% untreated mental illness, substantiatedillness, and 11-24% untreated mental illness, substantiated
maltreatment in 52% (Kin) and 65% (Foster) US NSCAWmaltreatment in 52% (Kin) and 65% (Foster) US NSCAW

9. What’s happening to the children?What’s happening to the children?
TYPE OFTYPE OF US PopulationUS Population aa
US OfficialUS Official bb
MAP ProjectMAP Project OntarioOntario cc
VIOLENCEVIOLENCE Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation SubstantiationSubstantiation Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation
Past yearPast year Past YearPast Year LifetimeLifetime Lifetime Past 3-4monthLifetime Past 3-4month
NeglectNeglect 1.6%1.6% 71.1%71.1% 26.3%26.3% 40%40% 27%27%
Physical AbusePhysical Abuse 4.2%4.2% 16.1%16.1% 21.7%21.7% 32%32% 24%24%
Any WitnessingAny Witnessing 9.8%9.8% ------------ ------------ 34%34% 32%32%
Emotion AbuseEmotion Abuse 7.1%7.1% 7.3%7.3% 31.7%31.7% 60%60% 15%15%
Sexual AbuseSexual Abuse 6.1%6.1% 9.1%9.1% 7.9%7.9% 30%30% 3%3%
Any maltreatmentAny maltreatment 10.2%10.2% 20.9%20.9% 87%87% ------------ 2.5%2.5%
10+ yrs 16.6% ------10+ yrs 16.6% ------ ------------ ------------ ------------
aa
National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)
bb
National Data Archive on Child Abuse & Neglect (NCANDS) - 2008 cycleNational Data Archive on Child Abuse & Neglect (NCANDS) - 2008 cycle
cc
Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect - 2003 cycle (Trocme et al., 2005)Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect - 2003 cycle (Trocme et al., 2005)

10. What’s happening to the children?What’s happening to the children?
TYPE OFTYPE OF US PopulationUS Population aa
US OfficialUS Official MAP ProjectMAP Project OntarioOntario cc
VIOLENCEVIOLENCE Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation SubstantiationSubstantiation Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation
BullyingBullying 36.8% ------36.8% ------ ----- 19-29%----- 19-29% ee
22-27%22-27% dd
Dating violenceDating violence 1.4% 9.9%1.4% 9.9% bb
------ 25%------ 25% ff
------------
DelinquencyDelinquency
- Damaged SomethingDamaged Something 9.9% 15.8%9.9% 15.8%
- Sold drugsSold drugs 12.1% 10.0%12.1% 10.0%
- Taken <$50 itemsTaken <$50 items 9.1%9.1% 14.2%14.2%
- Taken > $50 itemsTaken > $50 items 5.3% 5.0%5.3% 5.0%
- Beat up someoneBeat up someone 12.3% 10.6%12.3% 10.6%
- Broke into locked buildingBroke into locked building 6.3% 4.5%6.3% 4.5%
- Carried a weaponCarried a weapon 15.8% 8.7%15.8% 8.7%
- Taken part gang fightsTaken part gang fights 10.3% 4.8%10.3% 4.8%
aa
National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)
bb
Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) (physical victimization 8.8% female, 11% male) – 2007 cycleYouth Risk Behaviour Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) (physical victimization 8.8% female, 11% male) – 2007 cycle
cc
Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect - 2003 cycle (Trocme et al., 2005)Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect - 2003 cycle (Trocme et al., 2005)
dd
(victimization – perpetration) Since start of school year – Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) – 2003 cycle(victimization – perpetration) Since start of school year – Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) – 2003 cycle
EE
(victimization – perpetration) Past 6 months as per MAP Project questionnaire(victimization – perpetration) Past 6 months as per MAP Project questionnaire
ff
Past Year dating violence victimization as per the Conflict in Adolescent Relationships Inventory questionnaire “..hit, slap, or physically hurt you”Past Year dating violence victimization as per the Conflict in Adolescent Relationships Inventory questionnaire “..hit, slap, or physically hurt you”

11. What’s happening to the children?What’s happening to the children?
TYPE OFTYPE OF US PopulationUS Population aa
US OfficialUS Official bb
MAP ProjectMAP Project OntarioOntario cc
VIOLENCEVIOLENCE Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation SubstantiationSubstantiation Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation
Past yearPast year Past YearPast Year LifetimeLifetime Lifetime Past 3-4monthLifetime Past 3-4month
Past Year Alcohol UsePast Year Alcohol Use 32.6%32.6% 58.2%58.2%
Past month binge drinking (5+ drinks)Past month binge drinking (5+ drinks) 25.9%25.9% 25%25%
Past month drunkenessPast month drunkeness 35.6%35.6% 23%23%
hazardous drinking (AUDIT)hazardous drinking (AUDIT) 21%21%
Smoking cigarettesSmoking cigarettes 42.0%42.0% 11.8%11.8%
Daily cigarette useDaily cigarette use 35.5%35.5% 5%5%
aa
National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)
bb
National Data Archive on Child Abuse & Neglect (NCANDS) - 2008 cycleNational Data Archive on Child Abuse & Neglect (NCANDS) - 2008 cycle
cc
Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey – 2009 cycleOntario Student Drug Use and Health Survey – 2009 cycle

12. What’s happening to the children?What’s happening to the children?
TYPE OFTYPE OF US PopulationUS Population aa
US OfficialUS Official bb
MAP ProjectMAP Project OntarioOntario cc
VIOLENCEVIOLENCE Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation SubstantiationSubstantiation Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation
Past yearPast year Past YearPast Year LifetimeLifetime Lifetime Past 3-4monthLifetime Past 3-4month
CannabisCannabis 50.8%50.8% 25.6%25.6%
Past month cannabisPast month cannabis 28.9%28.9% 17%17%
Daily cannabisDaily cannabis 16.1%16.1% 3%3%
Non-medical prescriptionNon-medical prescription 19.2%19.2% 17.8%17.8%
Other drugsOther drugs dd
23.3%23.3% 5-7%5-7%
Potential drug use problem (CRAFFT)Potential drug use problem (CRAFFT) 16%16%
aa
National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)
bb
National Data Archive on Child Abuse & Neglect (NCANDS) - 2008 cycleNational Data Archive on Child Abuse & Neglect (NCANDS) - 2008 cycle
cc
OntarioStudent Drug Use and Health Survey – 2009 cycleOntarioStudent Drug Use and Health Survey – 2009 cycle
dd
Other drugs include: LSD, Cocaine, crack, heroin, crystal ,meth, solvents, etc.Other drugs include: LSD, Cocaine, crack, heroin, crystal ,meth, solvents, etc.

13. What’s happening to the children?What’s happening to the children?
TYPE OFTYPE OF US PopulationUS Population aa
US OfficialUS Official bb
MAP ProjectMAP Project OntarioOntario cc
VIOLENCEVIOLENCE Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation SubstantiationSubstantiation Self-reportSelf-report SubstantiationSubstantiation
Past yearPast year Past YearPast Year LifetimeLifetime Lifetime Past 3-4monthLifetime Past 3-4month
ResilienceResilience
Self CompassionSelf Compassion
aa
National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)National Study of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) - 2008 cycle (Finkelhor et al., 2010)
bb
National Data Archive on Child Abuse & Neglect (NCANDS) - 2008 cycleNational Data Archive on Child Abuse & Neglect (NCANDS) - 2008 cycle
cc
Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect - 2003 cycle (Trocme et al., 2005)Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect - 2003 cycle (Trocme et al., 2005)
dd
(victimization – perpetration) Since start of school year – Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) – 2003 cycle(victimization – perpetration) Since start of school year – Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) – 2003 cycle
ee
Past 12 months as per MAP Project questionnairePast 12 months as per MAP Project questionnaire
ff
Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) (physical victimization 8.8% female, 11% male) – 2007 cycleYouth Risk Behaviour Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) (physical victimization 8.8% female, 11% male) – 2007 cycle
gg
Past Year dating violence as per the Conflict in Adolescent Relationships Inventory (CADRI) questionnaire - ?????? MATCH TO THE EXACTPast Year dating violence as per the Conflict in Adolescent Relationships Inventory (CADRI) questionnaire - ?????? MATCH TO THE EXACT
ITEM /DATING VIOLENCE DEFINITION FROM THEYRBSSITEM /DATING VIOLENCE DEFINITION FROM THEYRBSS
hOntariohOntario
Student Drug Use and Health Survey – 2009 cycleStudent Drug Use and Health Survey – 2009 cycle

14. Correlations go Here….Correlations go Here….

15. How does it feel to beHow does it feel to be
maltreated?maltreated?
I don’t want to cry…I understand that now..I amI don’t want to cry…I understand that now..I am
not Janet Jackson or Madonna on the inside. Inot Janet Jackson or Madonna on the inside. I
always thought I was someone different on thealways thought I was someone different on the
inside. And if they could see inside me theyinside. And if they could see inside me they
would see something lovely and not keepwould see something lovely and not keep
laughing at me and throwing spitballs…at me.laughing at me and throwing spitballs…at me.
Mommy and Daddy would recognized me as…Mommy and Daddy would recognized me as…
as I don’t know, Precious!as I don’t know, Precious!
p. 125, Claireece Precious Jones,p. 125, Claireece Precious Jones, Push,Push, byby
Sapphire, 1996, currently a movie, “Precious”Sapphire, 1996, currently a movie, “Precious”

16. Where I’m From (www.tyss.org)
Where I’m from sounds like a dream that never came true,
screaming and yelling.
Where I’m from looks like darkness, clearing only when the sun
comes out which is very rare.
Where I’m from feels like running through a maze that never
seems to end, a dream that never came true.
I wish I could forget the time I spent in the foster home where
abuse and anger, pain, and hurt were a part of everyday life
I wish I could learn how come bad things happen to good
people
I wish everyone had a second chance
I want to become someone

17. MAP Adolescent Stage-Salient Behaviours –
Age of Entry (before age 13)
MAP Average Age Under age 13
Dating 13.7 years (SD=2.0) MAP ON US
MAP Females’ Partners 18 years (SD=3.0) 7% - -
MAP Males’ Partners 15 years (SD=5.0)
Sexual Intercourse 14.5 years (SD=1.8) 4% - 4%-
16%
Pregnancy/Fathered - 19%
Alcohol Use 13 years (SD=2.2) 8% 17% 23%
Cannabis Use 13.5 years (SD=1.7) 10% 2% 8%

18. MAP findings (referenced to SES, gender and
age-matched Ontario youth; OSDUHS)
 MAP youth are over 4 times more likely to have changed schools 4 or
more times in the past 5 years, as compared to ON youth (OSDUHS)
 MAP youth are 3-4 less likely to be over 16 years old and have a driver’s
license, as compared to ON youth (OSDUHS)
 MAP youth are about on par w/ ON youth in terms of jobs outside the
home, self-ratings of physical health, amount of exercise, drug-selling
(marijuana, hashish)
 MAP youth are about 1.5 times more likely to carry a weapon, to have a
physical fight on school property, to be part of gangs, as compared to ON
youth (OSDUHS); non-Crown Wards show higher likelihoods, up to 5x
more likely

19. MAP Mental Health Findings
 MAPS youth more than 3 times more likely than ON youth
(OSDUHS) to have seen a mental health profession,
prescribed psychotropic medication in past year
 16% MAPS youth report suicidal thinking
 30% MAPS youth report deliberate self-harm, about 50%
reported thinking about act less than 1 hour, higher anger-in
score (reasons: punish, relief from internal state)
 Less than 10% report suicidal thinking on mandated annual
interview for Crown Wards
 10% of CAS Pediatric Deaths due to suicide (PDRC)
 MAP Males > clinical cut-off on Trauma Symptom Checklist
for Children subscales (12% Depression; 11% Others)
 MAP Females > the clinical cut-off on Anxiety, Depression,
Anger, Post-traumatic stress response, Dissociation, Sexual
Concerns (19%)

21. Promising Dating Violence ProgramsPromising Dating Violence Programs
 Limited rigorous evaluation, mediators not targetedLimited rigorous evaluation, mediators not targeted
 At-risk youth:At-risk youth: The Youth Relationships ProjectThe Youth Relationships Project [[YRP;YRP;
Manual, Wolfe, Wekerle, et al. (1996);Manual, Wolfe, Wekerle, et al. (1996); RCTRCT: Wolfe, Wekerle, Scott & Pittman (2003),: Wolfe, Wekerle, Scott & Pittman (2003),
YRP youth reported reduced dating violence and PTSD symptom scores at 2 yearsYRP youth reported reduced dating violence and PTSD symptom scores at 2 years
post-intervention, as compared to non-intervention youth]post-intervention, as compared to non-intervention youth]
 At-risk youth;At-risk youth; Expect RespectExpect Respect (US)- school, gender(US)- school, gender
specific groupsspecific groups (Rosenbluth, 2004; Manual, Ball et al., 2008; Evaluation(Rosenbluth, 2004; Manual, Ball et al., 2008; Evaluation
under-going)under-going)
 High-school youth:High-school youth: The Fourth-R in-class curriculumThe Fourth-R in-class curriculum
Manual website www.youthrelationships.org; sites across Canada,Manual website www.youthrelationships.org; sites across Canada,
www.child.aberta.ca;www.child.aberta.ca; Cluster Randomized TrialCluster Randomized Trial: Wolfe et al., 2009, Youth report: Wolfe et al., 2009, Youth report
lowered intervention boys’ physical dating violence (and increased condom uselowered intervention boys’ physical dating violence (and increased condom use
among sexually active intervention boys, 2.5 years post intervention)among sexually active intervention boys, 2.5 years post intervention)
 High-school youth:High-school youth: Safe DatesSafe Dates (US) – school group(US) – school group
((Foshee & Lanwick, 2004)Foshee & Lanwick, 2004)

22. Thoughts on MAP FindingsThoughts on MAP Findings
““If you don’t ask the questions, you can’t find the answer”If you don’t ask the questions, you can’t find the answer”
 Child maltreatment forms often overlap – esp. in at-risk andChild maltreatment forms often overlap – esp. in at-risk and
child welfare groups IPV-> all forms; Physical, Sexual ->child welfare groups IPV-> all forms; Physical, Sexual ->
Neglect, Emotional AbuseNeglect, Emotional Abuse
 Same point for adolescent dating; level of conflict? DatingSame point for adolescent dating; level of conflict? Dating
violence behaviours? Teens often view controlling behavioursviolence behaviours? Teens often view controlling behaviours
as “love”.as “love”.
 Child welfare youth are doing on par with ON teens on manyChild welfare youth are doing on par with ON teens on many
dimensions (IQ, physical health), but problems in high schooldimensions (IQ, physical health), but problems in high school
bullying, dating violence, mental health, delinquency/conduct,bullying, dating violence, mental health, delinquency/conduct,
illicit drugillicit drug
 Need Canadian population studies to query maltreatment,Need Canadian population studies to query maltreatment,

23. ReferenceReference
 Wekerle, C., Leung, E., Goldstein, A., Thornton, T., & Tonmyr, L. (2009). Up
against a wall: Coping with becoming a teen. (Substance use among adolescents in child
welfare versus adolescents in the general population: A comparison of the
Maltreatment and Adolescent Pathways (MAP) longitudinal study and the
Ontario Student Drug Use Survey (OSDUS) datasets). London, ON:
University of Western Ontario.
 Wekerle, C., Waechter, R., Leung, E., & Chen, M. (2009). Chapter 6: Children
and youth served by Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies. In Profile of Ontario’s
Children and Youth, Ontario Ministry of Children & Youth Services Internal
Policy Document
 Martinez-Toreteya, C., Anne Bogat, G., von Eye, A., & Levendosky, A. A.
(2009). Resilience among children exposed to domestic violence: The role of
risk and protective factors. Child Development, 80(2), 562-577.
 Ungar, M. et al. (2008). The study of youth resilience across cultures: lessons
from a pilot study of measurement development. Research in Human
Development, 5, 166-180.
 Prince-Embury, S. (2006). Resilience scales for children and adolescents..
www.psychcorp.ca