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    Can severe behaviour problems be prevented? : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Social Work, Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Webb, Laurel
    This study examines the etiology of antisocial behaviour and explores the biological and environmental factors which influence its development. The aim of this research is to look at whether early detection of severe problem behaviour in children, coupled with appropriate intervention, may prevent the possibility of antisocial behaviour patterns firmly established during the adolescent years. Using the framework of an ecological model this study examines the various layers at which behaviour is influenced. Social policy reforms in New Zealand during the past fourteen years (1984-1998) are outlined and the impact they have had upon families and social work practice within the Children, Young Persons and their Families Service (CYPFS). The policy and procedural changes within CYPFS are evaluated. Current literature on antisocial behaviour, treatment, interventions and prevention, post traumatic stress disorder and attachment, is reviewed. This is an exploratory research design and uses the method of file content analysis to examine 306 retrospective case records which were referred to a local CYPFS office between 1990-1995, under the category of Problem Behaviour. The findings from this study are related to the wider context of research in the literature. There was an over representation of Maori within the study sample, compared to the Maori population from the local community. here were marked gender differences for behaviour categories, with an over representation of males in the severe antisocial behaviour accompanied by recidivism and recidivist offending only categories and an over representation of females in the adolescent/peer related behaviours. Children and young people who fared the worst came from families with multiple problems and environments where there was domestic violence and child abuse. One third of the young people from this study had severe antisocial behaviour and/or recidivism. Most of them did not receive an early or timely intervention and many placements, estimated to be costly to CYPFS. The overall findings from this study suggest that a timely intervention on the first referral to CYPFS may have prevented ongoing re-referrals and costly placements. Further research is recommended in order to test these findings.
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    Pathways and policy : approaches to community resource access, health and wellbeing in two New Zealand cities : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2004) Field, Adrian
    This research examines access to community resources - services, facilities and amenities that are potentially health promoting - in two New Zealand territorial authorities, and the policy and planning frameworks of each regarding community resources. International research evidence indicates that community resource access is potentially beneficial to health and wellbeing, through creating supportive environments for health, and providing venues to facilitate social connections. Review of the urban design and planning literature indicates that community resource access is strongly influenced by the dominant urban design and planning models. Geographic information systems were used to develop a Census meshblock-based indicator of community resource accessibility (the Community Resource Accessibility Index). Quantitative analysis examined associations of resource access with socio-economic and demographic population patterns. Qualitative analysis, using key informant interviews and document analysis, explored policies on community resource access, and the role of health and wellbeing as a policy goal for each territorial authority. Quantitative analysis revealed the socio-economically wealthier city had higher overall levels of community resource access, but within each city, more deprived areas had higher levels of access. The location of community resources within poorer areas reduces the mobility costs of people within these areas to access such resources, and makes more available the general health benefits of community resources. Qualitative analysis indicated community resources are important components of urban strategies. Historic patterns of community resource development, aggregated city wealth and local policies were important determinants of the level of community resource access. In New Zealand, as will be the case internationally to varying degrees, there is considerable scope for territorial authorities to enhance local health and wellbeing, through direct delivery of community resources, and through collaboration with external agencies to develop community resources that are outside the direct responsibilities of territorial authorities. When these findings are considered in the context of the passage of local government legislation in late 2002, there is growing potential for territorial authorities to use a variety of levers to enhance community resource access, and by implication, health and wellbeing. Health promoters have opportunities to engage with local government and contribute to urban development strategies, for the purposes of enhancing population health and reducing health inequalities.