Child Trends Content Topic Results

In this paper, the authors explore why child welfare and justice systems need a new emphasis on positive youth development (PYD) approaches that incorporate racial equity and inclusion, why it is important to focus on young adults specifically, and why the child welfare and justice systems are particularly important sectors in which to provide positive, developmentally appropriate supports. 

This report summarizes findings from the Preventing and Addressing Intimate Violence when Engaging Dads (PAIVED) research study, which examined how federal Responsible Fatherhood programs aim to prevent and address intimate partner violence through their fatherhood programming.

Having a mentor-like adult outside of the home can promote positive well-being for children, and even make them more likely to talk with their parents about things that matter to them. This brief uses data from the National Survey of Children's Health to examine the prevalence of these relationships in the U.S., and the association between having a caring adult and indicators of positive well-being.

Most young adults are in romantic relationships and are sexually active. Most of them report high levels of satisfaction in their relationships. But in about 30 percent of these couples, only one partner reported being very satisfied or committed to the relationship. What else do we know about dynamics in young adults' heterosexual relationships? Do men and women get an equal deal? Find out in this brief.

Given the centrality of the family to child and adult well-being and the changing dynamics and structure of families today, an urgent need exists to map trends in family life across the globe, with a special focus on the consequences of these trends for children. Enter The World Family Map Project, a new, nonpartisan, nonsectarian initiative from Child Trends, acting in partnership with a number of foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and universities, including the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Focus Global, and the Social Trends Institute.

This fact sheet uses nationally representative data to show that forced sexual intercourse is a common experience among young adult women of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, with verbal and physical force being the most common force used. The fact sheet also presents data that suggests the association between forced sexual intercourse and risky behaviors.