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Products -- Safe from the Start Terminology
The Window of Opportunity video refers viewers to the Safe from the Start website for further information about several topics: PET Scan, Brain Development, Collaboration and How to Get Involved. Listed below are facts and resources relating to these four topics
A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is an image of the body's function obtained by using a PET scanner. Unlike conventional imaging techniques that show structure, such as X-ray and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a PET scan provides information about molecular function. Because a PET can "see" the metabolic activity of cells, it enables a technician to monitor such things as blood flow and oxygen utilization in a specific area of the body, such as the brain.
Compounds normally existing in the body, like simple sugars, are labeled with radioactive tracers which emit signals and are intravenously injected into the body. The scanner records the signals that the tracer emits as it journeys through the body and collects in targeted organs. A powerful computer reassembles the signals into actual images, which then show biological maps of normal organ function and failure of organ systems in disease.
The neurophysiological adaptations to persistent fear can alter the development of a child's brain, resulting in measurable changes in the brain PET scan of a child exposed to violence.
For further information about PET scans: The Secret Life of the Brain
visit www.pbs.org/wnet/brain/scanning/index.html
A child's early years are critically important to brain development - building a foundation for future learning. Experiences of early childhood are incorporated into the structures of the developing brain, ultimately influencing behavior later in life.
When a child is exposed to violence, fear-related changes can occur in the brain that negatively impact brain development. When a child's brain development is characterized by structure, predictability, nurturing, and enriching emotional, social and cognitive experiences, an infant can grow to become a happy, productive and caring member of society.
For further information about brain development visit the following web sites:
Safe from the Start with Bruce Perry Video (58 minutes)
To order, visit www.safefromthestart.org/orderMaterials.html
The Secret Life of the Brain
www.pbs.org/wnet/brain/index.html
The Child Trauma Academy
www.childtrauma.org/CT_Academy.htm
California Children and Families Commission
www.ccfc.ca.gov
A collaboration is when individuals or groups join together to achieve a common goal. Power, responsibilities,
funding, sharing of resources, decision making and accountability are all distributed among the partners.
Collaboration is a logical strategy used among agencies and departments to meet the needs of their
communities in a comprehensive way. As funding dollars continue to dwindle, collaboration may be a
strategy to maximize resources.
For more information on collaboration and building partnerships:
Building Safer Communities Handbook
Request a hard-copy version by calling the Crime Violence Prevention Center at (916)324-7863.
Law enforcement can note in their crime reports the names of children who are witnesses of domestic
violence. This will assist children and families in crisis obtain vital services, such as mental health
counseling and relocation funding, through the California Victim's Compensation Fund.
Educators can be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of children exposed to violence. School
administrators can assist and support children and families in referral to services.
Health care and social services professionals can perform a dual role by identifying children who have
witnessed violence and by educating the parents they come in contact with about the effects of violence
on children
Mental health professionals can educate community members, especially young, first-time parents, on the
tremendous impact violence can have on children.
Community members can take an active role in learning more about the research related to the impact of
violence on "our" children. They can then share this information with friends, family, coworkers, legislators and community leaders. Children in California need to know that their community cares about their health and success.
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