A public health topic that is interesting to me is the mental health of mothers, fathers, and families. To know a child completely you have to not only learn about the child, but you have to know their family background and where they come from. Some children may come from families that have a history of ADHD or speech delays. Their families may have a history of violence, cancer, or heart problems these are things that educators should know when it comes to the children that they will see on a daily basis for at least 8 hours a day. Knowing things like this will allow problems with children to be regulated.
In most schools and child development centers their are usually files kept that give background information on each child as far as illnesses are concerned. Other personal information dealing with the families mental background is usually told if the parents wants it to be told or if they know that their child's mental state will affect the classroom or their child's peers.
In Italy mental illness is looked down upon. There may be shame associated with having an intellectually handicapped adult child in the family; in America their usually is no shame associated with having a handicapped family member. Parents in Italy may not fully utilize available services to assist their handicapped child like parents do in America. When it comes to domestic violence in Italian families it is usually hidden for long periods of time so that the family honor won't be put to shame. Domestic violence is hidden in American families as well but their are hotlines and groups that battered adults can use to help them get through it.
www.vtpu.org
