Child Protection Measures Research Articles

Violence in contact and custody proceedings-Acase of child endangerment in the family court-Where are efficient child protection measures?

Against the background of 30years of discussion in medicine and law about unfounded accusations and the existence of reasonable suspicion of intra-family violence in contact and custody proceedings, this article emphasises the importance of focusing on child protection by all professionals.Based on acase report in connection with the Federal Ministry of Justice's handout "Dealing with violence in custody and contact proceedings", the article describes the relevance of child protection in Austrian case law and the means by which it is undermined. In the name of science, ideological diagnoses are used instead of evidence-based treatment diagnoses [1]. "Professionals from the healthcare system, youth welfare, justice and education should cooperate in child protection with the aim of recognising, identifying and ending child abuse, maltreatment and/or neglect as such (cf. §3 KKG) [2]."In legal practice, however, practitioners in the psychosocial, psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic fields are often not recognised as witnesses because of the assumption they are influenced by parents or patients themselves. In Austria, the evaluation of evidence is the responsibility of the judge and it is often assumed that practitioners cannot take an objective position towards their patients and their relatives. Specialist medical or psychological experts are therefore of crucial importance. When taking their oath, they have committed themselves to objectivity and impartiality in the recording of findings and orientation towards scientific principles and standards ("state of the art") and their application, as well as to continuous further training and education in the preparation of expert opinions [3].The specific case in question is achild with adiagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder following suspected sexualised violence, enuresis and enkopresis in connection with the traumatic experiences.The connection between violent situations and child and adolescent psychiatric disorders and the course of the custody and contact proceedings are described. Relevant legal interests such as the will of the child, the best interests of the child, attachment tolerance and protection against violence are addressed and put up for discussion. Topics such as domestic, psychological, sexualised, institutional violence and intimate terror are presented.The case report is an example of how child psychiatrists deal with points relevant to the Federal Ministry of Justice's handbook "Dealing with violence in custody and contact proceedings", which was published in January 2024. It represents aguideline for the area of court proceedings, assessment and treatment.

Adoption from care, the reunification principle and consensual placements: the political promotion of a controversial child protection measure in Sweden

ABSTRACT Swedish child welfare policies have traditionally been family-centred, and great importance has been placed on consensual measures and the reunification of children in care with their birth families. Adoptions of children from care are rare. Thus, when the government commissioned the Swedish Board of Health and Welfare (NBHW) to improve social services’ knowledge about adoption, it seemed to indicate an ideological shift in Swedish child protection policies. For over a year, we documented the activities of the working group at the NBHW as they tried to mediate between what they interpreted as a political attempt to promote adoption on the one hand and social services’ reluctant stance towards adoption on the other. We identified three main challenges in this task: (i) the handling of the commission’s ideological premises, (ii) the question of what kind of knowledge about adoption should be disseminated to social services, and (iii) the question of what knowledge is relevant for social services. The article uses theories of metagovernance to show how the NBHW dealt with these challenges by reframing the commision’s premises, adapting the message and by balancing the objectives of addressing the issues social services identified as relevant and of fulfilling its remit.

Wissen zu und Umsetzung von institutionellen Schutzkonzepten in deutschen Krankenhäusern als Teil des medizinischen Kinderschutzes

ZusammenfassungHintergrundAktuelle Studien zeigen die hohe Prävalenz von Kindesmisshandlung in Deutschland und dass Übergriffe durch Krankenhauspersonal ebenfalls ein Problem darstellen. Seit 2020 fordert der Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss institutionelle Schutzkonzepte (ISK) zum Schutz und zur Unterstützung von Betroffenen in Kliniken. Diese Untersuchung hat zum Ziel, zu analysieren, wie hoch Wissen und Handlungskompetenzen zu Kindesmisshandlungen bei Krankenhausmitarbeitenden sind und inwiefern ISK in Krankenhäusern umgesetzt werden.MethodenEs wurden 1011 Teilnehmende vor dem Belegen zweier Online-Kurse zu Kinderschutz und Schutzmaßnahmen in Krankenhäusern zu selbsteingeschätztem Wissens- und Kompetenzstand im Kinderschutz und Auftreten von Misshandlungsfällen und Schutzmaßnahmen in der eigenen Einrichtung befragt. Die Daten wurden mittels deskriptiver Verfahren ausgewertet.ErgebnisseEs zeigt sich, dass Wissen und Kompetenzen von Krankenhausmitarbeitenden zu Kinderschutz im Mittelfeld liegen. Besonders häufig werden in Krankenhäusern Misshandlungsfälle wahrgenommen, die außerhalb der Institution begangen werden, aber auch Gewalt durch Mitarbeitende bzw. gleichaltrige Mitpatient*innen spielt eine bedeutende Rolle. 93,6 % der Befragten gaben an, dass ihre Einrichtung bereits mindestens ein Element eines ISK entwickelt habe, allerdings berichteten nur 1,0 % der Befragten, dass bereits alle abgefragten Elemente vollständig entwickelt wurden.DiskussionKrankenhäuser in Deutschland scheinen sich überwiegend auf den Weg gemacht zu haben, Kinder und Jugendliche besser vor Misshandlung zu schützen und Betroffene zu unterstützen. Allerdings bestehen nach wie vor noch Defizite bei den Kompetenzen der Mitarbeitenden und der Umsetzung der ISK-Elemente. Hierfür müssen mehr Ressourcen von den Trägern der Krankenhäuser und von der öffentlichen Hand zur Verfügung gestellt werden.

Enhancing child protection responses in oral health practice: A scoping review of evidence‐based approaches

AbstractChild abuse and neglect represent significant global health challenges with long‐lasting adverse impacts. Oral health practitioners, who often interact with children, play a key role in detecting and responding to suspected cases. Despite this, there is a notable gap in the systematic child protection measures in dental practices globally. This scoping review, utilising the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, aims to outline current approaches for oral health practitioners and identify gaps in the approaches designed to enhance their responsiveness. Covering studies from January 2000 to May 2023, the review explored educational programmes, guidelines and interdisciplinary training modules. A comprehensive search across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL and Scopus, along with grey literature sources, identified 1230 sources, resulting in the inclusion of 20 relevant sources. Findings highlight three main approaches: dental‐specific education programmes, practical guidelines for child protection responses and analysis of legal and professional obligations. These approaches demonstrate a mix of direct educational interventions and policy‐driven strategies aimed at enhancing oral health practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and practices towards child abuse and neglect. Given the identified variability and gaps in training and resources, future research should assess the effectiveness of these approaches and develop comprehensive, culturally safe training for oral health practitioners globally.

Factors contributing to online child sexual abuse in Bangladesh: A qualitative inquiry

Background Children globally, including in Bangladesh, are facing various forms of online sexual abuse including sextortion, exploitation, body shaming, and blackmail. They are also coerced into engaging in intimate activities, harassed through the sending of sexual content, among other forms of abuse. We aimed to explore the root cause of online child sexual abuse (OCSA) in Bangladesh. Methods This qualitative research design utilized in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) between February and April 2022. The study sample comprised 21 school-going children aged 13−17 years, selected from two different geographical settings (10 from rural areas and 11 from urban areas) in Bangladesh using purposive sampling techniques. They participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs) while additional data was obtained through key informant interviews (KIIs) with 11 multidisciplinary stakeholders. Results Children from both rural and urban areas reported facing abuse in various ways, such as being asked to send naked photos, being invited to be naked in video calls, and being invited to have virtual sex, among others, over the internet. Conclusions The government should consider integrating OCSA education into secondary levels. Additionally, there should be efforts to ensure a safe online environment through content scrutiny, promotion of outdoor activities, and community campaigns. An anonymous reporting system must be implemented, and strict measures under the Children's Act must be enforced against perpetrators. Further intervention studies are needed to ensure effective child protection measures in Bangladesh.

Leaving Against Medical Advice: Current Problems and Plausible Solutions.

Leave against medical advice (LAMA) is defined as 'a decision to leave the hospital before the treating physician recommends discharge', and is associated with higher rates of readmission, longer subsequent hospitalization, and worse health outcomes. In addition to this, they also contribute to poor healthcare resource utilization. We conducted a single-center audit to establishpatient demographics and contributing factors of patients leaving against medical advice from our emergency department (ED). We benchmarked our data against locally available clinical policy guidelines.We interrogated our electronic health record system (known as Salamtak®), which is a Cerner-based platform (Cerner Corporation, Kansas City, MO 64138)for patients who signed LAMA from ED from 2018 to 2023. We selected a convenience pilot sample of 120 subjects. Based on a literature review, we identified patient demographics (age, gender, nationality, socioeconomic status, marital status, religion), possible contributing factors (time of attendance, insurance status, length of ED stay), and patient outcomes (reattendances within 1 week and mortality) to evaluate. Based on locally available guidance, we formulated six criteria to audit with a standard set at 100% for each. A team of emergency medicine residents collected data that was anonymized on an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel,Microsoft Corporation. (2018). Basic descriptive statistics were used to collate results. About 93 patients (77.5%) were 16 years and above, and 27 patients (22.5%) were below 16 years. There was a slight preponderance of males (64 patients, 53.3%) than females (56 patients, 46.6%). The majority of LAMA cases presented in the evening and night (97 patients, 80.8%). About 57 (47.5%) patients had an ED length of stay of 3 hours or more. The average ED length of stay for these patients was 3.4 hours. About 73 patients (60.3%) were insured. Out of 120 patients, only 12 (10%) had a mental capacity assessment documented. The commonest reason for signing LAMA was a social reason in 45 (37.5%) cases. In the remaining cases, the causes were a combination of family, financial, waiting, or other/undocumented reasons). When faced with a decision to LAMA, the involvement of a Public Relationship Officer (PRO) was only documented to be consulted in seven (5.8%) cases. About 14 cases were re-attended within 1 week (11.6%) and no mortalities were reported in any of the reattendances. LAMA is a not-so-rare phenomenon often occurring in EDs, and often a cause of trepidation for healthcare workers. Treating this as an aberrant behavior on the part of the patient, or laying the responsibility for this action on the healthcare provider is primitive, counter-productive, and not patient-centric. Familiarity with local guidelines around this contentious area is essential. Revised nomenclature like 'premature discharge' may be less stigmatizing for the patient.Where possible, a harm reduction approach should be used and frontline healthcare workers must be prepared with an escalation plan.In the United Arab Emirates, familiarity with Wadeema's Law as a child protection measure is essential.

Knowledge and Prevalence of Sexual Grooming in Academia: Basis for Awareness Campaign

This research aims to illuminate sexual grooming in academic settings, underscoring the imperative for awareness and preventive measures. The study is theoretically grounded in Ward and Sieger's Pathways Model, incorporating Finkelhor’s Precondition Model, Marshall and Barbaree’s Integrated Theory, and Hall and Hirschman’s Quadripartite Model. This comprehensive framework provides a nuanced understanding of the psychological mechanisms at play in sexual grooming. To address gaps in educators' awareness, the study utilizes random sampling to assess 25 teachers from senior high and tertiary levels. A survey instrument, featuring closed and Likert scale questions, gauges respondents' knowledge of sexual grooming definitions, signs, and prevalence in academia. Aligned with the UNICEF report on child sexual violence, the study underscores the urgency of tackling such issues. The conceptual framework employs the input-process-output model, considering teachers' profiles, survey responses, and potential implications for an awareness campaign. The methodology incorporates a structured online questionnaire covering demographic information, knowledge assessment, training awareness, reporting procedures, and the perceived importance of addressing sexual grooming. By exploring educators' comprehension and experiences regarding sexual grooming, this research strives to contribute to a safer learning environment. The findings will inform targeted training programs and bolster child protection measures within educational institutions. As dedicated proponents of the Department of Education's mission, the study endeavors to bridge the awareness gap and foster child-friendly, secure, and motivating academic environments.

Factors contributing to online child sexual abuse in Bangladesh: A qualitative inquiry.

Children globally, including in Bangladesh, are facing various forms of online sexual abuse including sextortion, exploitation, body shaming, and blackmail. They are also coerced into engaging in intimate activities, harassed through the sending of sexual content, among other forms of abuse. We aimed to explore the root cause of online child sexual abuse (OCSA) in Bangladesh. This qualitative research design utilized in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) between February and April 2022. The study sample comprised 21 school-going children aged 13-17 years, selected from two different geographical settings (10 from rural areas and 11 from urban areas) in Bangladesh using purposive sampling techniques. They participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs) while additional data was obtained through key informant interviews (KIIs) with 11 multidisciplinary stakeholders. Children from both rural and urban areas reported facing abuse in various ways, such as being asked to send naked photos, being invited to be naked in video calls, and being invited to have virtual sex, among others, over the internet. The government should consider integrating OCSA education into secondary levels. Additionally, there should be efforts to ensure a safe online environment through content scrutiny, promotion of outdoor activities, and community campaigns. An anonymous reporting system must be implemented, and strict measures under the Children's Act must be enforced against perpetrators. Further intervention studies are needed to ensure effective child protection measures in Bangladesh.

Child protection measures against online violence

Child protection measures against online violence

Cultural Understanding and the Impact of Domestic Violence Against Children in Uganda Communities: A Case Study of Child Maltreatment in Busoga and Acholi Regions

Child maltreatment is a grave concern affecting societies worldwide, with its impact extending across generations. This study delves into the intricate interplay of cultural, socio-economic, and institutional factors contributing to child maltreatment in Uganda's Busoga and Acholi regions. Guided by the case study methodology, the research examines the prevalence of child maltreatment, the influence of cultural norms and practices, the roles of cultural and religious leaders, and the challenges within the child protection system.The findings reveal alarming statistics, highlighting the pervasiveness of child maltreatment, including corporal punishment in schools, child defilement, sexual violence, and child labor. The socio-economic context, particularly in northern Uganda, amplifies children's vulnerabilities due to poverty, disease, conflict, and the prevalence of orphans. Cultural norms and traditions significantly shape disciplinary practices, emphasizing community involvement in child upbringing. Local cultural and religious leaders influence child discipline structures and advocate for children's rights. However, despite theoretical approaches to child protection, practical implementation lags, and identifying perpetrators remains challenging. Poor documentation and resource constraints hinder effective responses to child maltreatment, leading to a resource allocation disparity between urban and rural areas.The implications of child maltreatment are profound, affecting children's physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, potentially leading to long-term consequences. The study recommends collaborative efforts involving government bodies, NGOs, cultural and religious leaders, and communities. Culturally sensitive interventions, practical implementation of child protection measures, and equitable resource allocation are vital components of a holistic approach.

The Evolution of Special Child Protection Measures in the Period 2017-2021. Analysis According to the Development Regions of Romania

The article presents an X-ray of the special protection measures for Romanian children's care based on 8 Romanian development regions in the last 5 years. The 2017-2021 secondary analysis of the data provided by the “National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and Adoption” (A.N.P.D.C.A.)shows at the national level a decrease in the rate of children in residential centers in 2021, compared to 2017, a slight decline in the number of children for whom the particular protection measure has been instituted for relatives up to IV degree or other families/persons and an increase in the rate of children placed with professional foster carers. During the analyzed period, in all 8 development regions, a decrease in the rate of children for whom special protection was instituted is observed. The North-East Region has the highest rate of children in the protection system, and the București and Ilfov Region has the lowest rate of children in the protection system. 23.01.2024 | Editor's note | the current PDF document is a corrected version of the article. Some technical errors have been identified by the authors, post publication, and corrections were made in order to publish the correct content.

The Tradeoff of Child Labor: Evidence from Indonesia

Using data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS), this study examines the influence of child labor on wages and educational attainment in Indonesia. Several statistical methods, such as Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Quantile Regression, and robust Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) models, are used to analyze the relationship between child labor, income, and education while controlling for confounding variables. The findings indicate that child labor is initially associated with reduced wages, but this association becomes insignificant when other variables, such as years of education, are considered. Longer educational periods mitigate the negative effects of child labor on wages. In addition, the analysis reveals a tradeoff between child labor and educational attainment, highlighting the impact of child labor on education. Access to economic resources, however, mitigates this tradeoff, highlighting the importance of economic factors in children's decision-making. The study highlights the significance of child protection measures and effective socioeconomic policies to guarantee children's access to education and enhance their opportunities. It provides valuable insights into the effects of child labor on education and the role of economic factors in determining how children allocate their time.

Intercountry Adoption in Malaysia and Morocco: A New Frontier

Intercountry adoption offers a family-based care option for children in need of care and protection. It allows them to find loving and permanent homes outside their birth country, providing them with stability, support, and a sense of belonging essential for their well-being. The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption 1993 (Hague Convention 1993) serves as the primary international legal instrument governing intercountry adoption. Despite its importance, intercountry adoption remains relatively uncommon in Malaysia, as the country lacks specific statutory provisions and is not a signatory to the Hague Convention 1993. The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of intercountry adoption in Malaysia and Morocco and explore the viability of intercountry adoption as a child protection measure. The study involves interviews with relevant departments and an examination of Malaysia's current adoption laws. Additionally, the study analyses the international legal framework, including the Hague Convention 1993 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (UNCRC) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the context surrounding intercountry adoption. Furthermore, this paper offers a comparative analysis of Morocco's intercountry kafalah system, which recognises kafalah as an alternative to legal adoption based on Islamic law. The findings of this study will offer valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing Malaysia's approach to intercountry adoption. By considering best practices and international standards, this research seeks to ensure the well-being and protection of children in need of care and protection, promoting their access to a stable and nurturing family environment.

CHILD PROTECTION MEASURES ON BULLYING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS

Bullying is a destructive social problem in schools that needs attention. Schools have the responsibility to create a safe place where students can learn without fear of being bullied. The purpose of the study was to explore child protection measures against bullying in selected special education schools in Luapula province. This study was guided by a Constructivist Paradigm, in keeping with the research paradigm, a qualitative intrinsic case study design was employed because the case study outcomes were intended to tell the researcher something that is solely about the case itself. In this case, the child with disability and special education school was of primary interest in the study. The sample size comprised of 38 participants consisting of 2 head teachers, 12 teachers, 12 parents and 12 learners from the two selected special education schools. Purposive critical case sampling was used to select head teachers, expert sampling was used on teachers and criterion sampling was used to select learners and parents. Data from head teachers and teachers were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussions guide (FGD) were used on learners and parents. Data were analysed by thematic analysis. The study revealed that children with disabilities were protected from bullying in special education schools using the 3R’s (Recognizing, Responding and Reporting) bullying prevention strategies for learners with special educational needs. The findings established that Recognizing bullying prevention strategies included recognizing the statistics or acts of bullying in the school, recognizing the warning signs of victims and stereotypes of bullies and routine checking to stop harassment and bullying acts. The study also revealed that Responding bullying prevention strategies included holding meetings that reinforce positive behaviour expectations, providing guidance and counselling on how to respond to bullying, punishing learners using discriminatory language or derogatory remarks, formulation of anti-bullying programs, formation of support groups to sensitize learners, training staff members on how to recognizing incidents of bullying and teach anti-bullying social skills. Other strategies identified include the Reporting bullying prevention strategies which included reporting all forms of ill-treatment, reporting bullying incidence in school settings, reporting any form of harassment, and bullying acts. These bullying prevention strategies enabled the teachers in the school to protect learners with disabilities in schools. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the school should be on the lookout for incidences of bullying, respond to bullying quickly and effectively and document and report all actions taken when recognizing and responding to bullying.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0056/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Dampak Psikologis Korban Inses: Analisis Terhadap Kualitas Hidup dan Fungsi Sosial dalam Pendekatan Empiris Normatif

Purpose – This study aims to analyze the ways in which psychological impacts can affect the quality of life and social functioning of incest victims, both in the short and long term, through the adoption of a normative empirical approach.
 Methods – The research methodology employed in this empirical-normative approach entails a systematic and comprehensive process aimed at delving into the multifaceted psychological repercussions experienced by incest victims. The empirical-normative approach, characterized by a meticulous examination of community cases juxtaposed with pertinent legal frameworks, elucidates the profound psychological ramifications endured by victims. Initiating this methodology involves meticulously selecting a diverse array of representative case studies from a community. This selection process may entail collaborative efforts with various stakeholders such as child protection agencies, mental health services, or non-governmental organizations specializing in aiding incest victims, thereby ensuring the identification of pertinent cases. The overarching goal is to gain profound insights into the intricacies of victims’ experiences and the profound psychological impacts they have undergone.
 Findings – Research findings indicate that individuals subjected to incest commonly endure protracted trauma, precipitating a spectrum of symptoms, encompassing withdrawal, overwhelming guilt, diminished self-worth, impaired socialization, and pervasive social detachment. Furthermore, victims may manifest additional symptoms including mood fluctuations, withdrawal tendencies, heightened stress, profound depression, and challenges in interpersonal communication. Socially, incest survivors frequently confront pervasive stigma and discrimination within the familial and societal spheres, undermining the fundamental constructs of familial bonds and child welfare.
 Research implications – The theoretical implications derived from these findings underscore the importance of comprehensive and well-coordinated interventions. Such interventions should encompass psychological support, educational initiatives, and robust child-protection measures. Additionally, preventive endeavors targeting heightened public awareness regarding incest and extending support to victims are pivotal in effectively addressing profound psychological repercussions.
 Originality/value – This research significantly enhances society's comprehension of the intricate nature and pressing urgency surrounding the issue of incest, underscoring the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach to effectively tackle the socio-psychological impact on children victimized by incest.

An Assessment of the Structural and Process Quality in pre-Primary Education in Tanzania: The case of Rural Schools

In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand for early childhood education (ECE) in lowand middle-income countries, including Tanzania. There is also growing awareness that unless ECE is of high quality, children may attend school but may not learn. This study sought to establish the quality of ECE programmes. It was, therefore, important that the researcher investigates whether the ECE programmes were meeting the expectations of the quality indicators and consequently the holistic needs of children in the early years. The study utilized a descriptive survey design. Data were collected throughan observation schedule and questionnaires administered to 45 pre-primary education teachers in Dodoma, Morogoro and Mwanza regions, Tanzania. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations.Findingsrevealed that infrastructure, teachers’behaviours, school leadership and child-protection measures were generally fair. While teachers’ qualifications, classroom characteristics, parents’ participation in school activities, equipment and materials were found to be unsatisfactory. By way of conclusion, unsatisfactory structural and process quality of ECEin rural areas calls forregular in-service training for teachers, improving classroom characteristics, increasing parents’ involvement in school activities, and increased budget allocations to pre-primary education (PPE). Addressing these areas can lead to better educational outcomes for children and contribute to their overall academic success.

Child Protection in Indian Programme and Legislative Framework: A Critical Analysis

The Indian Judicial System lags in addressing child trafficking, as it does not yet have a dedicated Act or law to address the issue of either human or child trafficking. The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill of 2018 still awaits a nod from the Upper House of the Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, to be implemented. However, a network of other laws, policies and schemes sets out measures to provide some preventive and rehabilitative services for children who are vulnerable to trafficking or have been trafficked. These include children who have lost one or both parents, live on streets, belong to low socio-economic background and have been abused, among others. Some of the laws and policies regarding safeguarding of children include the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015; Mission Vatsalya, 2022 and Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. The mentioned laws and policies have set up key mechanisms for child protection by the government in the Indian context. This article looks to identify such provisions across the Indian legislative and programmatic landscape that are instrumental in keeping children in the care of family as far as possible and providing them safe out-of-home care where family care cannot be provided. It also reviews how these provisions set up, or fail to set up, a safety net around children to protect them from trafficking. The article undertakes a critical analysis of child protection measures set up by the government in India to identify good practices as well as gaps in the judicial and policy landscape of child protection and trafficking. It analyses the Guidelines on Mission Vatsalya, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.

Foster Care as A Child Protection Measure in Malaysia: A Literature Review

Foster care has been practised widely in other countries as one of the alternative care options for children in need of care and protection. In general, foster care refers to a placement of a child either temporarily or permanently, in the care of a person other than a parent. However, at present, there is no specific legislation governing foster care in Malaysia, except for the limited provisions in the Child Act 2001. A review of foster care as a child protection measure in Malaysia from a legal perspective was conducted and four themes emerged, namely, (a) concept of foster care; (b) international legal framework for foster care; (c) foster care in other countries; and (d) foster care in Malaysia. Results indicate that there is a comprehensive literature on foster care from a legal perspective but small literature in the context of Malaysia since there is no specific legislation governing it. At present, foster care is administered based on the practice of the Malaysia Social Welfare Department.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTURE, LIFE SKILLS AND SELF-ESTEEM OF YOUTH LEAVING THE CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM

The youth who leave the child protection system face multiple challenges, some of them due to insufficiently developed life skills, as well as some psychological peculiarities related to them. The particular context in which they grew up leaves its mark on the confidence they have in a good future. The present study aims to explore to what extent the future expectations of these young people are positive or negative, as well as the relationship of these expectations with the level of development of their life skills, with the young people's perception of self-efficacy, as well as with the level of their self-esteem, being used for the first time on the Romanian population, the Casey Life Skills Assessment scale, short form. The research had an exploratory, quantitative design, and involved the application of an online questionnaire to a number of 92 young people, aged 18-26, who benefit from a special child protection measure in Romania. The results of the study show that the optimistic perception of the future of young people who are about to leave the child protection system correlates positively with an increased level of self-esteem, perceived self-efficacy, as well as with the self-estimated level of development of life skills. In conclusion, the preparation for independent life of the young people raised in the child protection system requires attention both for the formation of life skills and for the development of self-esteem and problem-solving skills, so that they can look with hope to their own future.

Caminhos para uma reforma do Sistema de Promoção e Proteção das Crianças e Jovens – Recomendações

The evolution within the Child and Youth Promotion and Protection System (CYPPS) presents several legal milestones for a child-centred understanding. However, it is observed a set of concerns leading to arranged political actions, for the effective guarantee of the children's rights. In this view, this article describes the current reality and makes evidence-based recommendations for developments in the CYPPS, based on scientific literature, reports, legislation, and political instruments.The results focus on two axes, changes in the law and changes in CYPPS management. From the point of view of the law, extending the child age in relation to adoption, to readmit the child protection in system and take measures to promote protection; reconceptualizing child protection measures, name of the courts, and the concept of minor; and increasing support for special guardianship. From the management point of view, establishing a national council to coordinate the entire CYPPS; creating an Ombudsman for children; and publishing integrated facts and figures involving all stakeholders.The conclusions highlight the need of an urgent rethink and reform in the CYPPS.