Child Welfare
AdoptUSKids
www.adoptuskids.org
is a service of the National Adoption Center, dedicated to matching hard-to-place children with families. More than 60 percent of the 3,000-plus youths profiled come from minority backgrounds, most are middle-school aged and older, and some have special physical, emotional or educational needs. The site provides success stories about easy integrations to encourage families to consider these children. The site is a project of the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Administration for Children and Families.
Civic Engagement
Activism Project 2000
www.youthactivism.com
is a clearinghouse for promoting youth involvement in democracy. The site provides success stories, technical assistance, resources, links and helpful information for youth and youth workers who want to give minors a voice in the political process. The Activism Project 2000 is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that encourages youth involvement.
Education
No Child Left Behind
www.nochildleftbehind.gov
provides detailed information about the cornerstone of President Bush’s education plan, enacted in January to aid children and schools. Graphs, charts and FAQs are provided to illustrate the initiative. The site highlights the key components of the plan in a simple manner. A helpful resource for teachers, parents and youth professionals who want to better understand changes about to occur in public schools. The site is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
Health
About Health
www.abouthealth.com
is a comprehensive guide to such socially relevant health concerns as anthrax and underage drinking. The site addresses the concerns of parents and teens with information and useful links, and uses true stores to promote strong anti-drinking and anti-drug messages. Run by Family Health Productions, a nonprofit that produces TV programs, videos and other materials.
Media/Technology
Content Bank
www.contentbank.org
is a resource-intensive website for low-income communities. The site promotes Internet use by providing resources tailored toward the special needs of underserved communities. Each section is enhanced by audio clips, so even those with elementary literacy can benefit from the site. The website is powered by the Children’s Partnership, a nonprofit that focuses on research and public policy advocacy for underserved youth.
Research
Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice
http://cecp.air.org
is dedicated to the prevention of emotional and behavioral problems in children and youth. The site provides links to research in several topic areas, including child welfare, juvenile justice and prevention strategies. This is a useful sight for youth professionals investigating the origins of emotional and behavioral disturbances. The nonprofit center is based in Washington, D.C.
Well-Being
Child Trends Databank
www.childtrendsdatabank.org
provides the latest trends and statistics from about 70 child-related indicators. Topics range from education and community to health and emotional development. The website, funded in part by the Packard Foundation and the Foundation for Child Development, offers analysis, graphics and tables that help to illustrate and explain the facts. A simple and comprehensive resource for youth professionals.
