Using guided credible history interviews to establish special education eligibility for students with traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: In Oregon in 2019, only 261 students were eligible for special education under the traumatic brain injury (TBI) category. Many students with TBIs are not treated by a medical provider, so the requirement for a medical statement could prevent eligible youth from receiving special education services. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated barriers to using a medical statement to establish special education eligibility for TBI, support for using a guided credible history interview (GCHI), and training needs around GCHI. RESULTS: Among participants, 84% reported difficulty obtaining a medical statement for TBI eligibility determination, and 87% favored the GCHI as an alternative, though they reported a need for training in TBI and GCHI. CONCLUSION: The results support the use of GCHI to establish special education eligibility for TBI and informed Oregon's addition of GCHI to TBI special education eligibility determination.

Stakeholder Perspectives on the School Experiences of Students With Traumatic Brain Injury: The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Service Delivery.

BACKGROUND: For students with traumatic brain injury (TBI), the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges they were already experiencing at school. METHODS: This qualitative study employed focus groups and interviews with students, parents, school, and medical personnel to explore the school experiences of students with TBI. Thematic qualitative analyses were used. RESULTS: Key themes from the analysis include (a) incidence of brain injuries decreased; (b) screen time for students with TBI exacerbated symptoms; (c) COVID protocols at school made it difficult for educators to identify and provide accommodations for students with TBI; (d) COVID protocols at school could inadvertently exacerbate mental health difficulties after a TBI; and (e) COVID-related logistics increased the time between an injury and return to school or return to play. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: The results from this study suggest that professional development for teachers supporting students with TBI is needed, especially for online learning environments. Additionally, because mental/behavioral health concerns may arise for students with TBI in online learning environments, school health care providers can work with families to assess a student's mental health, making referrals to appropriate supports. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant need for professional development and school-wide infrastructure supportive of students with TBI.

Management of Return to School Following Brain Injury: An Evaluation Model.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects children's ability to succeed at school. Few educators have the necessary training and knowledge needed to adequately monitor and treat students with a TBI, despite schools regularly serving as the long-term service provider. In this article, we describe a return to school model used in Oregon that implements best practices indicated by the extant literature, as well as our research protocol for evaluating this model. We discuss project aims and our planned procedures, including the measures used, our quasi-experimental design using matched controls, statistical power, and impact analyses. This project will provide the evidential base for implementation of a return to school model at scale.

Transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities who experienced foster care: An ecological approach.

BACKGROUND: Almost 21,000 youth, in the U.S., leave foster care due to "emancipation" each year. Although not well documented for this age group, nearly half of children/youth in foster care receive a disability diagnosis. There is a growing body of literature about the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities. However, minimal research exists on the transition experiences of youth in foster care who also have a disability. This study intends to help fill this gap in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to uncover challenges during the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities who experienced foster care and elucidate the supports most beneficial in addressing these challenges. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: All participants reside in the United States pacific northwest. Seven foster care alumni aged 19-23 and five professionals serving the target population participated in the study. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with YDFC and a focus group with professionals to understand the process of the transition to adulthood for YDFC. Our findings generated an ecological model useful for transition planning prior to the youth leaving foster care. Within our model we focus on alterable factors to bring intervention points to light. RESULTS: Barriers uncovered included lack of consistent high school graduation requirements, high quality Independent Living Programs, positive relationships and highly skilled professionals; frequent placement changes; and inappropriate disability or mental health diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations include systems improvements; improved intra- and interagency collaboration; and helping youth build and maintain positive relationships.