Lessons from Post-War Experience: An Alternative Care Interventions for War-affected Children in Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract This qualitative research analyses the literature and lived experiences of war-affected institutionalized children of Pakistan. It is well documented that war-affected children face a unique set of adverse childhood events that have lasting effects on their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being and development. War-affected children of Pakistan exposed to childhood trauma require enhanced interventions during and after conflict to mitigate the compounded and lasting detriments to their well-being and development. Social-Ecological interventions for this war-affected population needs trained social workers, psychologists, and child-rights activists to approach all angles of their humanitarian needs in collaboration with NGOs, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders. The findings strengthen the argument for supporting familial attachment through community-based integrated interventions both during and after armed conflict for the orphaned children of Pakistan in alternative care. The goal of this article is to inform policy implementation and provide recommendations for additional support to this population.