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REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Reprints of published articles may be requested by clicking on the name of the designated author.

Reports may be ordered on a cost-recovery basis from the Better Beginnings Research Office by clicking on the order link.

In addition, some reports are available in PDF format and may be viewed using Adobe Acrobat. In order to view PDF files you must download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader version that is suitable for your system from the Adobe web site. Versions of Acrobat Reader are available for Windows, Macintosh, and several other systems.

Reports and publications are organized into the following categories:

We also have a brochure available in PDF format:

TOPIC I: SHORT-TERM FINDINGS

  1. Better Beginnings, Better Futures: Highlights of Lessons Learned. (2004) . Full Report (25 pages, 3.08mb); PDF or Order.

  2. Developing Capacity and Competence in the Better Beginnings, Better Futures Communities (2000)
    • Full Report: (409 pages, 2.47mb): PDF or Order.
    • Executive Summary (19 pages, 397kb): PDF
    • Overview of Lessons Learned (9 pages, 23kb): PDF
    • Chapter 1: Report Summary (80 pages, 741kb): PDF
    • Chapter 2: What We Know and Don't Know About Prevention/Early Intervention Programs for Young Children (10 pages, 63kb): PDF
    • Chapter 3: The Better Beginnings, Better Futures Initiative (15 pages, 90kb): PDF
    • Chapter 4: Programs for Better Beginnings (19 pages, 107kb): PDF
    • Chapter 5: Socio-Demographic Characteristics (22 pages, 226kb): PDF
    • Chapter 6: Methodology (23 pages, 262kb): PDF
    • Chapter 7: Effects on Children (25 pages, 184kb): PDF
    • Chapter 8: Effects on Parents and Families (17 pages, 104kb): PDF
    • Chapter 9: Effects on Neighbourhoods and Schools (11 pages, 246kb): PDF
    • Chapter 10: Community Development and Resident Participation in Better Beginnings, Better Futures (33 pages, 166kb): PDF
    • Chapter 11: Partnerships and Programs: Service-Provider Involvement in Better Beginnings, Better Futures (12 pages, 72kb): PDF
    • Chapter 12: Economic Analysis (10 pages, 81kb): PDF
    • Chapter 13: Conclusions and Implications (29 pages, 279kb): PDF
    • References: (18 pages, 128kb): PDF
    • Appendix A: Table of Programs (29 pages, 120kb): PDF
    • Appendix B: Description of Better Beginnings, Better Futures Demographic and Outcome Variables (7 pages, 289kb): PDF
    • Appendix C: The Better Beginnings, Better Futures Demonstration Sites (10 pages, 65kb): PDF

Published Articles/Books

  1. Nelson, G. (2005). Safeguarding and Promoting the Well-being of Children and Families: What is Best Practice? In Scott, J & Ward, H. (Eds) Safeguarding and Promoting the Well-being of Children, Families and Communities (pp. 184-196). London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Reprint Request
  2. Nelson, G., Pancer, S.M., Hayward, K. and Peters, R. Dev. (2005). Partnerships for Prevention: The Story of the Highfield Community Enrichment Project. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. Reprint Request or Order
  3. Peters, R. DeV. (2005). A community-based approach to promoting resilience in young children, their families, and their neighbourhoods. In Peters, R. DeV., Leadbeater, B., & McMahon, R. J. (Eds). Resilience in children, families and communities: Linking context to practice and policy (pp. 157-176). New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Reprint Request
  4. Herry, Y., Peters, R.DeV. & Arnold, R. (2003). Le projet Partir d'un bon pas pour un avenir meilleur: ses effets à court terme auprès des enfants de Cornwall. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 22, 85-98. Request Reprint
  5. Pancer, S.M., Nelson, G., Dearing, B., Dearing, S., Hayward, K. & Peters, R.DeV. (2003). Promoting wellness in children and families through community-based interventions: The Highfield Community Enrichment Project (Better Beginnings, Better Futures). In Kufeldt, K. & McKenzie, B. (Eds.). Child Welfare: Connecting research, policy, and practice (pp.111-121). Waterloo, Ontario: Wifrid Laurier University Press. Request Reprint
  6. Peters, R. DeV., Petrunka, K. & Arnold, R. (2003). The Better Beginnings, Better Futures Project: A universal, comprehensive, community-based prevention approach for primary school children and their families. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 32(2), 215-227. PDF or Request Reprint
  7. Herry, Y., Peters, R. DeV., Arnold, R. et Petrunka, K. (2003). Partir d’un bon pas pour un avenir meilleur: les resultants des dix premières années de recherché sur un programme d’adaptation sociale du gouvernement ontarien. Revue du Nouvel-Ontario, 28, 79-112 Reprint Request

TOPIC II: OVERVIEW OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH METHODS

Reports Available

  1. Better Beginnings, Better Futures: An Integrated Model of Primary Prevention of Emotional and Behavioural Problems (1990)
    • Full Report (185 pages): Order
  2. The Development of the Better Beginnings, Better Futures Integrated Model for Primary Prevention (1993)
    • Full Report (66 pages, 436kb): PDF or Order
    • Executive Summary (18 pages, 70kb): PDF
  3. Communities Coming Together: Proposal Development in the Better Beginnings, Better Futures Project (1993)
    • Full Report (50 pages, 482kb): PDF or Order
    • Executive Summary (8 pages, 162kb): PDF
  4. Model, Program and Research Overview (1994)
    • Full Report (50 pages): Order
  5. Vue d'ensemble du modèle, des programmes et de la recherche (1994)
    • Full Report (50 pages): Order

Published Articles

  1. Crooks, Claire V., & Peters, Ray DeV. (2005). Predicting Academic Difficulties: Does a Complex, Multidimensional Model Outperform a Unidimensional Teacher Rating Scale? Canadian Journal of Behavioural Sciences, 37(3), 170-180. PDF or Request Reprint
  2. Burke, S.O., & Gerlach, J.A. (2001). Using hospitalization data to describe effects of community-based primary prevention programs in communities at socio-economic risk. In Swan, W. (Ed.) Forward to basics: Health economics in Canada. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Health Economics Research Association. (Selected, refereed, full papers from the 7th CHERA conference in 1997) pp. 257-281. Request Reprint
  3. Burke, S.O., & Gerlach, J.A. (1998). Using hospitalization data to describe effects of community-based primary prevention programs. Children and families in an era of rapid change. Washington, DC: Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Request Reprint
  4. Peters, R. DeV. (1996). Better Beginnings, Better Futures Project: Research Overview. Canada's Children, 3(1), 15-20. Request Reprint
  5. Peters, R. DeV., & Russell, C.C. (1996). Promoting Development and Preventing Disorder: The Better Beginnings, Better Futures Project. Chapter in Peters, R.DeV. & McMahon, R.J. (Eds). Preventing childhood disorders, substance abuse and delinquency. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishers. Request Reprint
  6. Diallo, L., & Reitsma-Street, M. (1995). Strategies de survie et d'identité: les dynamiques culturelles dans un projet d'intervention en prevention. Reflets: Revue Ontarioise d'intervention sociale et communautaire, 1(1), 43-69. Request Reprint
  7. Peters, R. DeV. (1994). Better Beginnings, Better Futures: A Community-Based Approach to Primary Prevention. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 13(2), 183-188. Request Reprint
  8. Reitsma-Street, M. & Arnold, R. (1994). Community-Based Action Research in a Multi-Site Prevention Project: Challenges and Resolutions. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 13(2), 229-240. Request Reprint
  9. Sylvestre, J.C., Pancer, S.M., Brophy, K. & Cameron, G. (1994). The Planning and Implementation of Government-Sponsored Community-Based Primary Prevention: A Case Study. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 13(2), 189-195. Request Reprint

TOPIC III: LOCAL RESIDENT PARTICIPATION: BUILDING NEIGHBOURHOOD CAPACITY

Reports Available

  1. Better Beginnings, Better Futures: Resident Participation in the Project's Early Years (1993)
    • Full Report (92 pages, 590kb): PDF or Order
    • Summary Report (14 pages, 231kb): PDF
    • Executive Summary (4 pages, 188kb): PDF

Published Articles

  1. Nelson, G., Pancer, S.M., Hayward, K. & Kelly, R. (2004). Partnerships and participation of community residents in health promotion and prevention: Experiences of the Highfield Community Enrichment Project (Better Beginnings, Better Futures). Journal of Health Psychology, 9(2) 213-227. Request Reprint
  2. Neysmith, S. & Reitsma-Street, M. (2000) Valuing unpaid work in the Third Sector: The case of community resource centres. Canadian Public Policy, XXVI(3), 331-346. Request Reprint
  3. Reitsma-Street, M. & Neysmith, S. (2000) Restructuring and community work: The case of community resource centres for families in poor urban neighbourhoods. In S. Neysmith (Ed.) Restructuring caring labour: Discourse, state practice and everyday life. Toronto: Oxford University Press. Request Reprint
  4. Reitsma-Street, M., Maczewski, M. & Neysmith, S. (2000) Promoting engagement: An organizational study of volunteers in community resources centres for children. Children and Youth Services Review, 22(8), 651-678. Request Reprint
  5. Cameron, G. & Cadell, S. (1999). Empowering participation in prevention programs for disadvantaged children and families. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health. 18(1), 105-122. Request Reprint
  6. Reitsma-Street, M. & Rogerson, P. (1999). Implementing principles: An alternative community organization for children. In K.A. Blackford, L. Garceau, & S. Kirby (Eds.). Feminist success stories: Célébrons nos réussites feministes Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press. Request Reprint
  7. Herry, Y., Vincent-LeBlanc, L. et Levesque, D. (1998). La participation de la communauté au sein d'un programme de prévention primaire. Interventions,106, 64-72. Request Reprint
  8. Pancer, S.M. & Cameron, G. (1994). Resident Participation in the Better Beginnings, Better Futures Prevention Project: Part I - The Impacts of Involvement. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 13(2), 197-211. Request Reprint
  9. Cameron, G., Peirson, L. & Pancer, S.M. (1994). Resident Participation in the Better Beginnings, Better Futures Prevention Project: Part II - Factors that Facilitate and Hinder Involvement. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 13(2), 213-227. Request Reprint

TOPIC IV: SERVICE PROVIDER INVOLVEMENT: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

Reports Available

  1. Building Bridges: Service Provider Involvement in Better Beginnings, Better Futures (1995)
    • Full Report (96 pages, 842kb): PDF or Order
    • Summary Report (30 pages, 659kb): PDF
    • Executive Summary (4 pages, 256kb): PDF

Published Articles

  1. Herry, Y., Levesque, D. et Vincent-LeBlanc, L. (1996). L'intégration des services au sein d'un programme de prévention primaire. Nouvelles pratiques sociales, 9, 87-100. Request Reprint

TOPIC V: LOCAL PROJECT ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

Reports Available

  1. Values, Process and Commitment: Better Beginnings, Better Futures Project Organization and Management (1998)
    • Full Report (128 pages, 861kb): PDF or Order
    • Summary Report (42 pages, 527kb): PDF
    • Executive Summary (6 pages, 192kb): PDF

Published Articles

  1. Bélanger, J. M., & Diallo, L. (1999). Empowering Communities: Community Administration of a Government Project in Delaney, Roger, Keith Browlee and Margaret Sellick (Editors). Social Work With Rural and Northern Communities, Centre for Northern Studies, Lakehead University, pp. 81-104. Request Reprint

TOPIC VI: PROGRAMS

Reports Available

  1. Programs for Better Beginnings (1999)
    • Full Report (79 pages, 674kb): PDF or Order
    • Executive Summary (7 pages, 153kb): PDF

Published Articles

  1. Cameron, G., Karabanow, J., Peirson, L., Laurendeau, M.C., & Chamberland C. (2001). Program Implementation and Replication. In Prilleltensky, I, Nelson, G. & Peirson, L. (Eds.). Promoting family wellness and preventing child maltreatment: Fundamentals for thinking and action. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press. Request Reprint

TOPIC VII: PERSONAL STORIES

Reports Available

  1. Our Journey from Better Beginnings to Better Futures: The Personal Stories of Community Residents (1998)
    • Full Report (62 pages, 446kb): PDF or Order

TOPIC VIII: NUTRITION

Published Articles

  1. Evers, S., Arnold, R., Hamilton, T., & Midgett, C. (2007). Persistence of overweight among young children living in low income communities in Ontario. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(3), 219-224. Request Reprint.
  2. Hooper, M. & Evers, S. (2003). What do Ontario children eat for breakfast? Food group, energy and macronutritional intake. Journal of The Canadian Dietetic Association, 64, 28-30. Request Reprint
  3. Edward, H.G., & Evers, S. (2001). Benefits and barriers associated with participation in food programs in three low income communities in Ontario. Can J Dietet Pract Res, 62, 76-81. Request Reprint
  4. Evers, S., Doran, L. & Schellenberg, K. (1998). Influences on breastfeeding rates in low income communities in Ontario. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 89, 203-207. Request Reprint
  5. Schwartz, C., & Evers, S. (1998). Infant feeding practices in low income communities in Ontario. Journal of the Canadian Dietetic Association, 59, 30-34. Request Reprint
  6. Doran, L., & Evers, S. (1997). Energy and nutrient inadequacies in the diets of low income breastfeeding women. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 97, 1283-1287. Request Reprint
  7. Leaman, M., & Evers, S. (1997). Dietary intake by food groups of preschool children in low income communities in Ontario. Journal of the Canadian Dietetic Association, 58, 184-191. Request Reprint
  8. Badun, C., Evers, S., & Hooper, M. (1995). Food Security and Nutritional Concerns of Parents in an Economically Disadvantaged Community. Journal of The Canadian Dietetic Association, 56(2), 75-80. Request Reprint
  9. Evers, S. (1995). Nutritional Issues for Low-Income Children. Rapport, 10(4), 4-5. Request Reprint
  10. Evers, S., & Hooper, M. (1995). Anthropometric status and diet of 4 to 5 year old low income children. Nutrition Research, 16, 1847-1861. Request Reprint
  11. Evers, S., & Hooper, M.D. (1995). Dietary intake and anthropometric status of 7 to 9 year old children in economically disadvantaged communities in Ontario. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 14(6), 1-9. Request Reprint

TOPIC IX: FOLLOW-UP RESEARCH

Reports Available

1. Long-Term Findings: Ten-Year Follow-up Outcomes

“Investing in Our Future: An Effective, Affordable, and Cost-Saving Prevention Project for Young Children.”

In 2007-08, we gathered follow-up data on approximately 600 youth and their parents when the youth were 18 years of age, 10 years after ending their program involvement.

WHAT WE FOUND AT GRADE 12

Youth and parents from the BBBF project neighbourhoods showed statistically significant positive outcomes on the following measures relative to youth and parents from the comparison neighbourhoods.

Youth Measures

  • less use of special education services
  • higher average high school grades
  • more frequent regular physical exercise
  • less criminal property offences
  • less perceived deviance in the neighborhood (e.g., drug use, violence, theft)

    Parent Measures

  • greater sense of neighborhood cohesion
  • lower rate of clinical depression
  • less frequent alcohol use
  • fewer smokers in the home other than the parent (proxy for second-hand smoke)

    Cost-Savings Analyses:

  • By Gr 12 the Government costs of providing Better Beginnings to children and their families for 4 years compared to the difference between the project and comparison sites costs of providing government services showed the Government gained nearly $7,500 per family on its investment in the 3 older child sites. This amounts to a $2.50 return on every $1 invested by the Government.


    2. Medium-Term Findings: Six-Year Follow-up Outcomes

    This report focuses on the findings from the second wave of longitudinal follow-up data collected from children and their families from the older child Better Beginnings sites as the children entered Grade 9, six years after Better Beginnings programs ended. The objectives of this medium term follow-up research were to determine effects on the Better Beginnings programs on Grade 9 children and their families, and to relate short-term program costs to medium-term potential cost savings. The report presents findings related to these objectives which show generally positive impacts of the Better Beginnings project on Grade 9 children and their families six years after ending project involvement. We found better outcomes in five key school related outcome measures for youth (e.g., less special education use, fewer grades repeated, less inattentive-hyperactive behaviour). For parents, we found greater feelings of social support, more marital satisfaction, better family functioning, and more neighbourhood satisfaction. In addition, a preliminary indication of cost-saving benefits to the government combine to suggest that the Better Beginnings project is leading to better futures for some of Ontario's most vulnerable children and their families.

    Also, see the December 2010 Issue of the Society for Research in Child Development Monograph

    ABSTRACT

    Although comprehensive and ecological approaches to early childhood prevention are commonly advocated, there are few examples of long-term follow-up of such programs. In this monograph, we investigate the medium- and long-term effects of an ecological, community-based prevention project for primary school children and families living in three economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Ontario, Canada. The Better Beginnings, Better Futures (BBBF) project is one of the most ambitious Canadian research projects on the long-term impacts of early childhood prevention programming to date. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of human development informed program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Using a quasi-experimental design, the BBBF longitudinal research study involved 601 children and their families who participated in BBBF programs when children were between 4 and 8 years old and 358 children and their families from sociodemographically matched comparison communities. We collected extensive child, parent, family, and community outcome data when children were in Grade 3 (age 8–9), Grade 6 (age 11–12), and Grade 9 (age 14–15).

    The BBBF mandate was to develop programs that would positively impact all areas of child’s development; our findings reflect this ecological approach.We found marked positive effects in social and school functioning domains in Grades 6 and 9 and evidence of fewer emotional and behavioral problems in school across the three grades. Parents from BBBF sites reported greater feelings of social support and more positive ratings of marital satisfaction and general family functioning, especially at the Grade 9 followup. Positive neighborhood-level effects were also evident. Economic analyses at Grade 9 showed BBBF participation was associated with government savings of $912 per child.

    These findings provide evidence that an affordable, ecological, community-based prevention program can promote long-term development of children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and produce monetary benefits to government as soon as 7 years after program completion.


    3. Sustainability Report

    This report presents research findings from data collected in 2003 in each Better Beginnings, Better Futures neighbourhood. These data are compared to those collected in 1998. A general conclusion of the report is that the eight Better Beginnings projects were continuing to function well in 2003, despite substantial changes in organizational structure in several project sites since 1998. Also, children in the Better Beginnings neighbourhoods generally are showing better school performance and behaviour than those from the comparison neighbourhoods, and these differences are greater in 2003 than in 1998/99. In a word, the Better Beginnings projects are sustainable.

    Better Beginnings, Better Futures: Project Sustainability (2005)

  • Full Report (301 pages, 1.3mb): PDF or Order
  • Introduction (6 pages, 243kb): PDF
  • Section A (157 pages, 715kb): PDF
  • Section B (39 pages, 403kb): PDF
  • Summary and Conclusions (9 pages, 181kb): PDF
  • References and Appendices (90 pages, 457kb): PDF


     

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