Teen Dating Violence

Tweens and teens are experiencing disturbing levels of violence in their dating relationships, but only half recognize the warning signs of a dangerous relationship. A 2008 study commissioned by Liz Claiborne and loveisrespect.org found:

69 percent of all teens who had sex by age 14 said they have gone through one or more types of abuse in a relationship.
40 percent of the youngest tweens, those between the ages of 11 and 12, report that their friends are victims of verbal abuse in relationships, and nearly one-in-ten (9 percent) say their friends have had sex.
Nearly three-in-four tweens (72 percent) say boyfriend/girlfriend relationships usually begin at age 14 or younger.
More than one-in-three 11-12 year olds (37percent) say they have been in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.
One-in-five between the ages of 13 and 14 say their friends are victims of dating violence, such as getting struck, hit or slapped by a boyfriend or girlfriend, and nearly half of all tweens in relationships say they know friends who are verbally abused.
One-in-five 13-14 year olds in relationships (20 percent) say they know friends and peers who've been struck in anger (kicked, hit, slapped, or punched) by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Only half of all tweens (51 percent) claim to know the warning signs of a bad/hurtful relationship.
In addition, significant numbers of teens (15-18) are experiencing emotional and mental abuse as well as violence when dating; it's even more prevalent among teens who've had sex by 14.
Abuse in a dating relationship can be confusing and frightening at any age. But for teenagers, who are just beginning to date and develop romantic relationships, this abuse is especially difficult.

When the abuse is physical or sexual, it can be easy to identify. Emotional abuse is much harder to recognize, but no less damaging.

At the 2008 Summer Meeting of the National Association of Attorneys General, Attorneys General from across the nation passed a resolution encouraging schools to develop teen dating violence awareness curriculum. The Washington State Attorney General's office already has a number of resources available to help, including:

Washington's Violence Against Women Network
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline:1-866-331-9474 (1-866-331-8453 TTY)
Washington State Medical Association Domestic Violence Resources
This Web site was designed to help teens and the people who care about them understand relationship abuse. It includes information on:

Safety plans
Communication skills
Assertiveness
Conflict resolution and emotion management
Faulty relationship and gender role expectations
Schools, parents, teachers, and community organizations all can help identify dating violence and provide support for abuse victims. But teens themselves must also learn how to reach out and help friends who are victims of relationship abuse.

BRN Continuing Education, Online Ca RN Continuing Education http://www.aspirace.com

Aspira Continuing Education is Now an Approved Continuing Education Provider for California Registered Nurses

Aspira Continuing Education is Now an Approved Continuing Education Provider for California Registered Nurses. Our State of California Board of Registered Nursing Provider Number is Cep15657 http://www.aspirace.com

The following is an excerpt from the State of California Board of Registered Nursing and includes continuing education requirements:

License Status Options
The following are definitions of the available license status options for registered nurses in California:

Active
RNs who wish to practice nursing in the state of California. Licensee is required to submit the appropriate renewal fee and proof of 30 hours of continuing education.

Inactive
RNs who have paid the appropriate renewal fee, but have not completed the required 30 hours of continuing education. A licensee cannot practice as a registered nurse in California with an inactive license.

Lapsed
RNs may choose to let their license lapse, or expire, if they no longer wish to practice nursing in the state of California. If the RN chooses at a later date to return to nursing and it has been less than eight years since the license expired, the RN will be required to submit the appropriate delinquent renewal fee, and proof of 30 hours of continuing education within the prior two-year period. If the license has been lapsed longer than eight years, the RN must submit appropriate delinquent renewal fee, 30 hours of continuing education, and proof of competency to practice by either a verification of a current active license in another state, or by retaking the licensing exam.

Renewal Information
Renewal Cycle
Your first California RN license is issued for two birthdays - not two years - and it will expire the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date on, it will expire every two years, if renewed timely. Once a California license number is issued, it will always remain the same number whether active, inactive or delinquent. If the license lapses and is later renewed, the same license number and renewal cycle will apply.

Renewal Notices
Notices are mailed out approximately three months prior to the expiration date of the license. If it is not received two months before the expiration date, please contact the Board. To insure receipt of renewal notices, always keep the Board informed of any address change. Registered nurses are responsible for renewing their licenses even if they do not receive a renewal notice.

Legality of Practice Between Renewal and Receipt of License
Section 121 of the Business and Professions Code provides that a nurse may work pending receipt of his/her renewed license providing the renewal fee has been submitted timely and all renewal requirements have been met. NOTE: The employer may have more stringent requirements.

RN Education Fund Fee
Effective with licenses expiring after January 31, 2004, the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) has increased its RN Education Fund fee that is collected from RNs at the time of renewal from $5 to $10. The Board's renewal fee itself remains at $75. With the new OSHPD fee, RNs will pay a total of $85 at renewal time, and delinquent renewals will be $122. The RN Education Fund provides loans and scholarships to nursing students. More information is available at Health Professions Education Foundation.

Continuing Education
All RNs in the State of California who wish to maintain an active license are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education for license renewal. The continuing education course(s) must be taken through a Board approved Continuing Education Provider. Please refer to Continuing Education for License Renewal for additional information.

NOTE: During the first two years immediately following initial licensure in California or other jurisdictions, licensees shall be exempt from completion of the continuing education requirements specified in Title 16, California Code of Regulations Section 1451.

Fingerprint Requirement
An applicant for renewal not previously fingerprinted by the Board is required to furnish to the Department of Justice (DOJ), as directed by the Board, a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a criminal history record check. This requirement applies to RNs licensed prior to August 1, 1990, since fingerprints were not required for licensure prior to that date. Failure to submit a full set of fingerprints, if required or otherwise directed, on or before the date required for renewal of a license is grounds for discipline by the Board. It shall be certified on the renewal form whether the fingerprints have been submitted. This requirement is waived if the licensee is renewed in an inactive status, or is actively serving in the military outside the country. For instructions, please refer to Fingerprint Requirement for License Renewal .

Reporting Convictions
Upon renewal of a registered nurse license, the Board requires licensees to indicate if they have had any license disciplined by a government agency or other disciplinary body; or, have been convicted of any crime in any state, the USA and its territories, military court or other country since they last renewed their license. For additional information, please refer to License Discipline and Convictions.

Military RNs
The Board waives the continuing education requirement and the delinquent penalty fee for renewals of RNs actively serving in any branch of the U.S. armed services during active U.S. military operations against any foreign power, whether or not war has been formally declared. Please refer to Special Renewal Provisions for Military RNs for additional information.

Renewing a License in Inactive Status
Inactive status means that the RN has paid the renewal fee, but has not completed the continuing education requirement. A licensee cannot practice as a registered nurse in California with an inactive license. To change from inactive to active status, the licensee must submit proof of 30 contact hours of continuing education taken within the past two years. NOTE: This does not extend the expiration date. The same expiration date will apply and another 30 hours of continuing education will be required at the time of renewal.

Renewing a Lapsed License
The delinquent renewal fee and proof of completion of 30 hours of continuing education are required in order to renew to active status. If a license remains lapsed for more than 8 years and the licensee does not have a current, active license in another state, the licensee will be required to retake and pass the licensing examination to be reinstated.

License Renewal
Currently active licensees may not renew earlier than 3 months prior to the expiration date of their license.

Renewal applicants must provide the following:

The fee of $85 timely, $122 delinquent made payable to the Board of Registered Nursing in the form of a check or U.S. Money Order (by mail) or by credit card (if using the online system)
Completed renewal application submitted either by mail (hardcopy) or via online and including:
Certification of completion of 30 hours of BRN approved Continuing Education taken within the last two years (Active Status Only)
Certification of Compliance with the Fingerprint Requirement (if applicable)
Response to License Discipline / Conviction Question
You may renew your RN license by one of the following methods:

Online at: www.dca.ca.gov/proflic/rns.shtml
By mail at:
Board of Registered Nursing
Attn: Renewals Unit
P.O. Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
In person at:
Board of Registered Nursing
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N217
Sacramento, CA 95834-1924
If you do not have a renewal form, click below to complete and print a copy. Be sure to select the correct form and fee based on your license expiration date.

Renewal Form (Timely)
Renewal Form (Delinquent)
Incomplete Renewal Instructions
Failure to provide all required information will result in a delay in the processing of your renewal application. This will be indicated by an "Incomplete Renewal" status when verifying the license using the Board's Online License Verification System. Click on the "Description" link next to "Incomplete Renewal" for clarification.

Click a link below to download the appropriate form:

Continuing Education Certification form
Fingerprint Certification form
License Discipline / Conviction Certification form
Inactive to Active License Status
To change a license from inactive to active status, the licensee must submit proof of 30 hours of continuing education taken within the past two years, certify compliance with the fingerprint requirement, and respond to the license discipline / conviction question. Download and print the Inactive to Active License form and submit to the Board for active status.

NOTE: This does not extend the expiration. The same expiration date will apply and another 30 hours of continuing education will be required at the time of renewal.


Licenses Lapsed Over 8 Years (8-Year Renewal)
If you once held a permanent California RN license that has been expired for longer than eight (8) years, and you would like to renew to active status, you may do so if you meet the following requirements:

Have once held a permanent registered nurse license in California (a temporary license does not qualify) that has been lapsed for 8 years or longer.
Presently hold a current and active registered nurse license in another state or U.S. territory, which includes Guam, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, or Canada.
NOTE: If your license has been expired for longer than (8) years, but you do not meet the above requirements, you must apply to the Board to take the NCLEX-RN examination as an 8-Year Retake.

Please refer to the Application for Reinstatement of a Lapsed License (8-Year Renewal) for detailed instructions and forms that may be completed online and printed or printed and completed by hand.

Applicants must provide the following:

Appropriate Fee(s) made payable to the Board of Registered Nursing in the form of a check or U.S. Money Order.
Completed Application for Reinstatement of a Lapsed License (8-Year Renewal).
Proof of completion of 30 hours of BRN approved Continuing Education (taken within the last two years).
Completed fingerprints (if applicable) using either the Live Scan Process or the Fingerprint Card (Hard Card) processing method. See FINGERPRINT REQUIREMENT in the instructions to determine if you are required to submit fingerprints.
License Discipline / Conviction Certification and if applicable, documents and/or letters explaining prior convictions or disciplinary action. See instructions for REPORTING LICENSE DISCIPLINE AND/OR CONVICTIONS.
A photocopy of your current, active, RN license.
Completed Verification of License for OR Nursys® Verification Request Application if your board of nursing participates in Nursys®.
Advanced Practice Certificates
The following advanced practice certificates require additional renewal fees:

Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse-Midwife
Nurse-Midwife Furnishing
Nurse Practitioner Furnishing
Nurse Practitioner, Public Health Nurse, and/or Psychiatric Mental/Health Nurse certificates are automatically renewed in conjunction with the RN license. No additional fees are required.

Continuing education is not required for renewal of advanced practice certificates.

Online Ca RN Continuing Education, Ca Board of Registered Nursing Continuing Education

Preface from...A Frontier Army Christmas

General Crook's Headquarters, Fort Fetterman (Harper's Weekly, December 17, 1876)

A number of significant military events have occurred during the Christmas season. George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River on the night of December 25, 1776, to attack unsuspecting Germans partaking in a little too much Christmas cheer became one of the most legendary events in history. Less known than Washington's holiday feat, the annual Christmas celebration at West Point in 1826 deteriorated into a mutinous "eggnog riot" involving more than a third of the corps of cadets. Following a decree that the holiday should be observed without alcohol, high-spirited Southern cadets (in particular) smuggled whiskey into the academy barracks and holiday festivities deteriorated into violence, including attempted murder. Cadet Jefferson Davis led the riot, while Cadet Robert E. Lee managed to remain aloof.

The Mexican War saw the sharp Christmas-day Battle of Bracito, which left sixty-three Mexicans dead. The victorious American troops, who suffered no deaths, celebrated Christmas night by throughly enjoying captured Mexican food, wine, and cigarillos. A generation later in 1864 General William Tecumseh Sherman sent a "Christmas card" in the form of a telegram to President Lincoln presenting the city of Savannah as a Christmas gift. The frontier army itself carried out several campaigns around the Christmas season, and the reality of bloodshed provided stark contrast to the usual joyous festivities. A dramatic example was the Indian survivors of the Wounded Knee Massacre, who were taken to a makeshift chapel hospital still decorated with Christmas finery.

As the army moved to foreign soil in more recent times, so did Christmastime conflicts. American-held Bastogne withstood a Christmas-day attack by the Germans in 1944. The Vietnam War had dragged on throughout many Christmases before President Nixon ordered the "Christmas bombing" of Hanoi and Haiphong in 1972, an effort which failed to produce victory. And you may recall Christmas 1991 and seeing the video of American soldiers bringing food to starving children in Somalia.

Clearly, Christmas is woven into the fabric of our military history. Nowhere was this history more charming, tragic, elegant, and memorable than in our own frontier army of 1865-1900. As you will see in A Frontier Army Christmas, these celebrations of Christmas were frequently dependent upon the whims of history and the fortunes of war.
Online MFT and LMFT Continuing Education http://www.aspirace.com

Lori A. Cox-Paul and Dr. James Wengert

FEMA Highlights Holiday Gifts That Increase Preparedness

Release Number: HQ-09-149

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This year Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has assembled a list of gift ideas for the holidays to help keep your family and friends prepared. Emergencies can happen at any moment; these gifts can serve as a great starting point to ensure that your friends and family have an emergency communications plan, a disaster supply kit, and stay informed about emergencies in their area.

“Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere and the holiday season provides a great opportunity to ensure that you and your loved ones are taking simple steps to be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As families gather this holiday season, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and discuss what you would do in case of an emergency or disaster. The public is the most important member of our nation’s emergency response team and the more the public does to be prepared, the more successful this team will be.”

The most important thing any individual can do is take a few minutes to discuss with their family, friends and loved ones what they will do in the case of an emergency or disaster. This includes developing a simple family communications plan and identifying how you would get in touch with loved ones and where you might meet if you are separated when an emergency or disaster takes place.

Additionally, there are simple supplies that can go a long way in the case of an emergency or disaster that would make great gifts this holiday season.

A list of possible gifts that may assist in disasters includes:

•Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits; food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours; i.e., extra clothing, blankets, and flashlights).
•NOAA weather radios with extra batteries.
•Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
•Smoke detectors.
•Fire extinguishers (for kitchen, garage, car, etc.)
•Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire.
•Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags).
•Pet Disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate).
•Battery powered lamps
This year, consider at least one of these ideas. You just may save the life of a friend or family member. For more information and preparedness tips, please visit www.ready.gov and www.fema.gov.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Social Worker Continuing Education http://www.aspirace.com

Holiday Safety Tips

National Crime Prevention Council
1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW
13th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
www.ncpc.org

This holiday season, don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, nor pickpockets a chance to do their dirty work.

Criminals love the holidays as much as everyone else, chiefly because it’s a perfect opportunity to commit a crime.

Keep these tips in mind for a safe and happy holiday season.


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If You’re Traveling . . .
* Set an automatic timer for your lights.

* Ask your neighbor to watch your home, pick up newspapers, collect mail, and park in the driveway from time to time.

* Be sure to hide any gifts that may be left in the house while you’re gone.


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If You’re Out for the Evening . . .
* Turn on lights and a radio or the TV so that it appears that someone is home.


* Lock all doors and windows while you’re out, even if you’ll be gone for just a few minutes.


* Do not place packages or gifts near windows or in other high-visibility sites.


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If You’re Shopping . . .
* Don’t let your guard down just because you are rushing.


* Stay alert and be aware of everything around you at all times.


* Park in well-lighted spaces and as close to the store as possible, lock your car doors, and hide packages in the trunk or under the seats.


* Do not carry large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card if possible.


* Make sure that you do not carry all your packages at the same time.


* Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.


* If you take your children shopping, teach them to go to a police officer or a store security guard if they get separated or get lost.


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If a Stranger Comes to the Door . . .
* Stay alert to suspicious-looking couriers delivering packages to you or your neighbors.


* Many con artists take advantage of holiday generosity by going door-to-door. Ask for identification and get specifics to how and where the donations will be spent/used.


* If you feel uncomfortable, just say “no thank you” and shut the door.


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If You’re at Home . . .
* Turn on outside lights to deter burglars.


* Report any suspicious behavior to the police or local community watch groups.


* Make sure your homeowners (or renters) insurance is up-to-date and everything is inventoried properly.

LPC Continuing Education http://www.aspirace.com

Holiday Suicides: Fact or Myth?

The idea that suicides occur more frequently during the holiday season is a long perpetuated myth. The Annenberg Public Policy Center has been tracking media reports on suicide since 2000. A recent analysis found that 40% of articles written during the 2008 holiday season perpetuated the myth.1

CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reports that the suicide rate is, in fact, the lowest in December.1 The rate peaks in the spring and the fall. This pattern has not changed in recent years. The holiday suicide myth supports misinformation about suicide that might ultimately hamper prevention efforts. MFT Continuing Education http://www.aspirace.com
Suicide remains a major public health problem, one that occurs throughout the year. It is the 11th leading cause of death for all Americans. Each year, more than 33,000 people take their own lives.2 In addition, more than 376,000 are treated in emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries.2

CDC works to prevent suicidal behavior before it initially occurs. Some of CDC’s activities include:

1.monitoring suicidal behavior;
2.conducting research to identify the factors that put people at risk or protect them from suicide; and
3.developing and evaluating prevention programs.

Older Adult Depression During the Holidays

According to Mental Health America, more than two million of the 34 million Americans age 65 and older suffer from some form of depression - and during the holidays this number climbs. For many Americans, the holiday season is a time of good cheer, family celebrations, and socialization with friends. Yet for some people, particularly the elderly, it's a time of loneliness, reflections of the past and anxiety about the future. During the holidays, older adults may feel more acutely the absence of loved ones, the distance of family members, and the passing of time. Traditions and reunions that were once observed may no longer be possible which may result in an absence of holiday meaning and significance for the elderly individual. Some major factors contributing to holiday depres-sion in the elderly include:

. Being alone or separated from loved ones,
. Loss of independence,
. Financial limitations,
. Failing eyesight (inability to read or write personal holiday correspondence),
. Loss of mobility and/or the inability to attend religious services.

Although sadness and grief are a normal part of life, depression is not a normal part of growing older. Depression is an illness which can be prevented and treated. Some of the warning signs of late-life depression include:

. Persistent sadness
. Lack of energy or interest in things that were once enjoyable
. Withdrawal from regular social activities
. Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
. Frequent tearfulness
. Slowed thinking or response
. Excessive worry about health or finances
. Weight changes
. Pacing and fidgeting
. Changes in sleep patterns
. Inability to concentrate
. Staring off into space or at the television for prolonged periods of time

For many older adults there may be stigma attached to asking for help and they may have trouble discussing depression or mental illness. Understand that open communication is needed and that it may take more than one conversation to get the individual to agree to get help. If necessary, offer to call the individual's doctor or clergy and accompany the senior to an appointment. It is important to let the older adult know that depression is not part of growing old, that it is treatable, and that their lives can be better.

The National Registry for Evidence-based Programs and Practices

An Introduction

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) developed the National Registry of Effective Prevention Programs in 1998 to better facilitate effective identification and dissemination of prevention programs targeting substance abuse. The newly revamped system, now the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), has expanded to include programs and practices for preventing and/or treating mental health and substance use disorders.

NREPP seeks to bridge the science to service gap by providing easily accessible information on the best practices and programs.

Without the identification, broad dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for older adults, this vulnerable population faces delivery of services that are unsystematic and possibly ineffective or harmful. Delivery of effective and reliable services to older adults can decrease the disabilities and impairments associated with mental health problems and substance abuse in late life, while increasing the quality of life for this rapidly growing population.

Inclusion within NREPP is highly valued and potentially advantageous. SAMHSA and many other Federal and State agencies are increasingly awarding grants to programs that utilize EBPs. Because of NREPP's strong adherence to promoting EBPs, it serves as a rich resource for states, communities, public and private researchers and specific programs seeking to implement or promote specific evidence-based mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services for older adults.

The TAC is positioned to assist interested programs, practitioners, and researchers to learn more about NREPP and help determine whether they would be solid candidates for NREPP consideration. Programs targeted for the NREPP process are thoroughly evaluated, focusing on program outcomes. As a preliminary step prior to NREPP submission, the TAC analyzes program strengths and gaps to determine if the program is suitable for NREPP review, i.e., has sufficient supporting evidence for submission. If a program is found to be in need of further technical assistance in order to get NREPP-ready, TAC staff is available to work with program staff regarding gaps and ways to address these issues. For those programs ready for submission, the TAC will package their materials and submit them for review and evaluation by three independent NREPP reviewers on the basis of scientific merit and utility.

Programs reviewed by NREPP are placed into one of five categories: (5) Effective Program or Practice, (4) Conditionally Effective Program or Practice, (3) Emerging Program or Practice, (2) Program or Practice of Interest and (1) Insufficient Current Support.

Recently, the TAC highlighted the NREPP process in a poster presentation at the 3rd National Prevention Summit held in Washington, DC. We look forward to the further identification of and coordination with potential NREPP programs. If you are aware of a successful program serving older adults, please contact us at OlderAmericansTAC@westat.com or 1-888-281-8010 and provide the program name, along with contact information. In addition to the identification of programs and support throughout the NREPP process, TAC staff receives frequent requests regarding evidence-based practices and programs. While NREPP itself is unable to focus on knowledge dissemination, the TAC can assist with disseminating successful programs and practices and promote the use of recognized evidence-based activities.
LCSW and Social Worker Continuing Education