Social workers, neighbors and teachers help break negative cycles [tucson.com]

Children in troubled families are often destined for troubled lives — unless they get help before their brains become “hard-wired for stress.”

That’s what scientist Katie McLaughlin says happens when children endure abuse or neglect, homelessness or hunger. McLaughlin, director of the Stress and Development Lab at the University of Washington, said there are scientifically proven ways to help, but getting those services to children and families is a challenge.

To end the cycle, Tucson is beginning what some other communities have already undertaken, with more schools and agencies offering support and intervention for children and parents who have experienced severe and prolonged hardships.

[For more on this story by Patty Machelor, go to http://tucson.com/news/local/s...fc-63a32e1d29d8.html]