by Communications Staff

August 28, 2008 — At the 2008 American Psychological Association Convention, the Council of Representatives accepted several reports that address issues with a bearing on psychology practice:

• Disseminating Evidence-Based Practice for Children and Adolescents: A Systems Orientation to Enhancing Care (From the APA Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice with Children and Adolescents).
  
  The task force report covers key assumptions of evidence-based practice (EBP), developmental considerations for children and adolescents and an EBP approach to practice that consists of observation, inquiry and evaluation.

• Report of the Task Force on Gender Identity and Gender Variance
  
  Transgender people are increasingly willing to identify themselves and, in some cases, to undergo gender transition or sex reassignment openly. According to the task force, transgender people, their families and friends, employers, schools and government agencies are increasingly turning to psychologists for help in addressing related issues. 
  
  The Resolution on Transgender, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression is also available online.

• Report of the Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (PDF, 640 KB) 
  
  The task force explored studies related to abortion and mental health and whether there is any credible evidence that elective abortion of an unwanted pregnancy in and of itself causes mental health problems for adult women.

• Report of the Task Force on Resilience and Strength in Black Children and Adolescents
  
  The task force was charged with identifying the factors that contribute to the healthy development of African American children and adolescents in the contexts of their peers, families, schools and communities.