Children In Difficult Circumstances Research Articles

Exploration and Practice of Social Support for Children in Difficult Circumstances

Children in distress cover vagrant children, poor children, seriously ill children, disabled children, etc. These children are deprived of protection and their survival situation is worrying. In recent years, there have been repeated vicious cases such as children starving to death at home and stray children smothered to death in garbage bins, reflecting that the current task of rescuing children in distress in China is very serious. Children are in a critical period of physical and mental development, and their healthy growth has a great impact on the construction of a harmonious society. As a member of the social collective, children in distress should feel the care and warmth from the society, let their hearts be nourished by love, cultivate their courage to face difficulties and setbacks, and motivate them to meet every day of life with a positive and optimistic attitude.

A critical analysis into the National Children’s Policy of Ethiopia vis-à-vis the situation of vulnerable children

The problems of children living in difficult circumstances, including street children, can be better addressed when treated under a policy framework with carefully stipulated strategies. Although a separate policy of street children is lacking, Ethiopia has tried to mainstream the issues of vulnerable children under the two relevant policies of National Children’s Policy and National Social Protection Policy. Whereas the issue of vulnerable children has been slightly discussed under the umbrella of people in need of social protection, detailed discussion along with clearly stipulated implementation strategies for children in difficult circumstances has been issued in the National Children’s Policy of Ethiopia. A critical analysis of the policy has been made in this paper with special focus on policy issues of children in difficult circumstances and implementation strategies designed to improve their situation. The analysis was undertaken using normative policy analysis approach by focusing on the substantive contents of the policy with value neutrality. The paper involves a brief overview of the contents of the policy, and critical examination of the policy from the vantage points of its underlying assumptions, cost-effectiveness, equity, feasibility, acceptability from the public, stakeholders’ participation, and consideration of the situation of children living in diverse contexts. In addition, it includes criticism of the policy and its implementation strategies. Ultimately, the paper ends with suggesting substantive recommendations that would assist the policy to better achieve its objectives and become compatible with changing scenarios at local, national, and global levels.

SOCIAL AND PEDAGOGICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED CHILDREN UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Millions of Ukrainian families with children have been forced to leave their permanent place of residence, moving to safer places under the current conditions of martial law in the country, which in its effects corresponds to the difficult life and often traumatic circumstances. The challenge arises in the need to meet the needs of new residents for social, medical, psychological, legal, social and pedagogical services, and appropriate living conditions. Forced moving can cause emotional and physical stress, fear, depression, inability to adequately assess events and make decisions, respond to them, and adapt to the changed conditions. The need for social protection and psychological and social and pedagogical assistance takes on increasing importance for families, in particular for children in difficult circumstances as a result of military actions. The article reveals the peculiarities of providing social and pedagogical support to children of internally displaced persons under martial law. The need for a multilevel comprehensive system of support for victims and displaced persons, the organization of intersectoral and interdepartmental interaction between specialists of corresponding services in providing complete psychological and social and pedagogical help, and coordination of efforts of various specialists is brought up to date. The need for social and pedagogical and psychological support for internally displaced children, which may require the recovery of their mental health and social well-being, an appropriate response to hostilities, and adaptation to new, changed conditions, is emphasized. It was established that social and pedagogical support is a type of activity of a social care teacher, aimed at organizing preventive and operational social and psychological and pedagogical assistance in preventing and overcoming situations that violate the vital activities of children. An analysis of models of social and pedagogical support for internally displaced children in difficult circumstances has been conducted. The technology of social and pedagogical support for children of internally displaced persons is considered. The relevant directions and content of social and pedagogical support for children of internally displaced persons under martial law are outlined. It is noted that modeling and organization of social and pedagogical support for children of internally displaced persons who suffered from military operations or were forced to leave their homes will help them to overcome the psychological trauma of military events, and will contribute to successful adaptation to the new changed conditions.
 Keywords: internally displaced persons, difficult life circumstances, social services, adaptation of internally displaced children, social and pedagogical support, model of social and pedagogical support for children of internally displaced families.

Regional Model of Organization of Preventive Medical Care for Children (Through the Republic of Tatarstan)

The analysis and assessment of regional characteristics of the preventive healthcare organization for children population in the Republic of Tatarstan were carried out within this research. It has revealed the major issues of prevention system in children healthcare in the Republic. Our goal was to develop and implement a set of measures on improvement of medical prevention in the system of children healthcare, and to evaluate their efficacy. The guidelines developed for preventive care in children have allowed us to create three-level model of preventive care for children in five main areas. The provision of medical, social, legal, psychological, and pedagogical care for children and adolescents (especially for children in difficult circumstances and/or socially dangerous situations) is one of the major issues for preserving the health of future generations in contrast to all socio-economic changes. This necessitates the creation of new forms, approaches, and mechanisms, as well as the development of measures on improvement of existing preventive technologies at the individual, group, and population levels via using information technologies.

Swatantra Clinic: A descriptive study on the specialized child mental health service for children in difficult circumstances at a tertiary care center in India.

In India, children in difficult circumstances, like institutionalized children have higher mental health morbidity and complex psychosocial concerns than the non-institutionalized children. To cater to the complex needs of these children referred by the Juvenile Justice System, a specialized service called 'Swatantra Clinic' was initiated by the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India. This article thereby aims to describe the psychosocial characteristics of these children, along with the array of specialized interventions provided during the first year of its inception in June 2018. It was found that majority of these children were girls and were from lower socio-economic, urban background, primarily referred for externalizing or internalizing concerns. The majority of them reported experiences of physical and verbal abuse along with family stressors and almost half of them had a diagnosable psychiatric condition. The nature of the psychosocial services rendered at the clinic mostly comprised of brief, individual and family counseling along with liaison work with various governmental agencies for rehabilitation services. These form the key components of a comprehensive, collaborative, time-bound and holistic care model to cater to the distinct psychosocial issues of this vulnerable population of children in low - middle resource settings. Policy implications are discussed.

Description of Eat Pattern and Relationship Between Nutrition Status With Basic Consumption levels in Children of School (Study Case Settlement Gundih, District Bubutan, Surabaya City)

Background, since the 1997 economic crisis the number of poor people in Indonesia has increased. One result of the crisis was the increasing number of street children. Street children are one of the conditions of children in difficult circumstances, their lives are very worrying, especially health and the future. The goal is to know the nutritional status of street children as a scientific basis for further intervention programs. Research Methods, discrete-analytic observational research. Using quota sampling as many as 30 street children in the Gundih settlement of Bubutan District, Surabaya City. Nutritional status was assessed by using anthropometric parameters of height according to age and sex and carried out a 2x24 hour recall to determine diet and consumption levels. Conclusion, (1) 70% of street children have poor nutritional status and only 6.7% have good nutritional status. (2) The most common diet patterns for street children are rice, side dishes, and vegetables. (3) The level of consumption achieved is still below 100% of the AKG and the majority are in the less and moderate category. (4) There is no significant relationship between nutritional status and consumption level (p> 0.05). Suggestions, intervention programs on street children need to be done to prevent further serious nutritional problems.
 
 Keywords: homeless kid, economic crisis, nutritional status

Psychosocial skill development among community levels workers working with children in difficult circumstances

Community Level Workers (CLWs) are the first respondents to Children in Difficult Circumstances/Need of Care and Protection (CDCs/CNCP). The study aims to develop community resource building on preventive and promotive psychosocial interventions for children in difficult circumstances. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design with pre & post assessment carried out among the trained CLWs after 16 hours of capacity building program conducted through two days residential training. The training programme was conducted in nine different places across Kerala where Jyothis Charitable Society, Kottayam, Kerala (Reg no: k368/2008) is extending its services. The training focused on Life Skills Education (LSE) & Student Enrichment Program (SEP) for CDCs/CNCP, facilitated by Master Trainers (MTs) with the hand holding support from NIMHANS. A total of 207 female with a mean age of 40.42 ± 12.64 years and had 10.30 ± 8.97 years of experience working as CLWs. Majority of the participants were teachers (64%). The mean knowledge score of the participants increased from 2.04 to 7.78 (P Keywords: Capacity building, Psychosocial interventions, Children in difficult circumstances, Community level workers.

Stigma and shame attached to claiming social assistance benefits: understanding the detrimental impact on UK lone mothers’ social relationships

ABSTRACT Employing evidence from a recent qualitative study, this paper provides new insights into the social relationships of lone mothers in the UK and exposes how these relationships are negatively affected by the stigma attached to claiming social assistance benefits. The political discourse attached to welfare policy reforms has stigmatized benefit claimants as a means to activate them into paid work. Consequently, lone mothers on benefits have reported being seen primarily as failed workers and citizens, rather than as struggling mothers trying to support their children in difficult circumstances. This stigma is internalized as feelings of shame, and has damaged lone mothers’ social identity and permeated the closest of their familial relationships, highlighting the extent of its insidious and damaging power. Sadly, lone mothers and their relatives were engaged in a process of othering that only served to trap them further into stigmatizing discourses.

Children in Difficult Circumstances: A South African Perspective

Throughout the world, a great many children face severe hardships, particularly those who are encumbered with disabilities. Although commendable legal and policy reforms have been introduced in an ...

Understanding Social Determinants for Children in Difficult Circumstances: An Indian Perspective

Background: Socioeconomic factors play an important role in predicting the health of people of a nation. Inequity in income and distribution of materials and services, and social exclusion make a nation hollow from within. Benefits of national facilities and supply do not reach many communities of uneducated and low-profile population. Recognition of social determinants of children’s health, and acting upon the issues through legislation and policies would promise to build a healthy nation with people of standard health. Method: Information has been collected from the literature available on social determinants and child health, and key challenging areas have been identified for opportunities of intervention. Result: Persistent poverty and lack of education pose significant negative impact in segregation and marginalization in society, schools and workplaces. Children of such underprivileged class are either deprived of food, education and parents’ care, or leave home for sheltering on street in quest of facilities for meeting their daily needs. In such inadequate circumstances, these children often become victims of violence, crime and abuse. Girls are trafficked and sold for prostitution. Though such children develop a strong survival spirit, their health is seriously affected by extremes of societal and environmental conditions. Conclusion: Improvement in income and education can control intergenerational inequity in life-course and professional achievements. Integration of social pediatrics for measuring the impact of social determinants, which is already prevalent in many developed countries, would be important to lower the extent of illness. This present report describes societal factors affecting children’s health in India, government policies conceived and their success-to-date in curbing the figures of child morbidity and mortality.

Framing Asymmetry: Devolution and the United Kingdom’s Four Children’s Commissioners

The United Kingdom’s four children’s commissioners, established under separate legislation for Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, are amongst the best known of the public institutions created since the beginning of devolved government in 1999. Like many such offices around the world, they are the result of domestic political and social processes as well as the influence of the requirements of international human rights treaties, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Different processes in the four countries have produced differing remits and emphases, but each commissioner is in part a response to concerns about the vulnerability of children in difficult circumstances. The commissioners’ activities include vigilance over the access of such children to support, in particular support for getting their voices heard. The commissioners have also developed prominence on the international stage as independent children’s rights institutions and all have been active in promoting children’s participation in social accountability for human rights implementation. This article explains the commissioners’ different roles and remits and examines ways in which they contribute to accountability for human rights implementation in the political, administrative, legislative, judicial and social spheres. It concludes by suggesting that their status as both “children’s champion” and independent children’s rights institutions is likely to assure their long-term endurance in the still-evolving process of constitutional change in theuk.

Creating data based training needs profile of primary schools in inclusive education

“A policy of inclusion needs to be implemented in all schools and throughout our education system. The participation of all children needs to be ensured in all spheres of their life in and outside the school. Schools need to become centers that prepare children for life and ensure that all children, especially the differently abled, children from marginalized sections, and children in difficult circumstances get the maximum benefit of this critical area of education”

Definitions and Explication of the "Social Pediatrics" Concept: Results of the Terminological Analysis

Objective : Our aim was to clarify and standardize the definitions of the term "social pediatrics." Methods : Terminological analysis, functional interpretative content analysis and method of expert assessments. Results : We found 86 definitions of the term "social pediatrics" in the Russian and foreign scientific sources (1939 to 2015). The earliest publication (1945) on social pediatrics was found in the PubMed database. After excluding duplicate and similar definitions, 24 logical definitions were included in the final analysis. Between 1970 and 1979, the highest number of foreign publications related to social pediatrics (PubMed) was found giving the grounds for considering this period the time of the official development of social pediatrics as a branch of science and practice abroad. Discussion: The definitions under the study compose a picture of a broader interpretation of the term "social pediatrics" in Europe, including different children healthcare levels (state, public, individual), while, for example, in Canada, the emphasis shifts towards a purely practical sphere — primary medical care with social pediatrics applied to vulnerable groups of children. Content analysis identified the main categories of social pediatrics in the presented definitions that were recorded in the developed matrix table. Conclusion: Based on the conceptual and categorical apparatus of social pediatrics, including a "holistic approach to healthcare," "social determinants of children's health," "preventive component," "children in difficult circumstances of life," "multidisciplinary approach/interagency cooperation," "system approach (to the organization of healthcare)," "health support," "psychosocial support," and "rights of the child," we introduced our own definition of social pediatrics. Preventive component of social pediatrics is recognized as one of the most important features according to both the content analysis and experts.

The Health Profile of Street Children in Africa: A Literature Review.

The United Nations Children’s Fund has labeled street children as children in difficult circumstances, which represent a minority population that has been under-represented for too long in health research. This is a concern because street children are at risk of carrying a greater disease burden. Their homeless lifestyle makes them more vulnerable to health risks and problems than children who live at home; as they roam the streets begging for food and money to obtain basic needs and are found sleeping in half-destroyed houses, abandoned basements, under bridges and in the open air. This paper presents health results from a systematic review of literature from 17 databases and including 16 countries in Africa. The review revealed that there are more boys than girls living on the street in their adolescence and who mainly have left home due to poverty and abuse. These children in these countries are vulnerable to poor health due to factors such as homelessness, risky sexual behavior, substance abuse and violence. Among the health problems identified are growth and nutritional disorders, physical injuries, violence, sexual abuse, communicable diseases including diarrheal diseases, malaria, respiratory diseases, neglected tropical diseases, mental health issues, substance abuse, reproductive health disorders, mortality, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. Primary interventions that could prevent poor health and improve the health status of street children include provision of safe shelter, proper nutrition, access to health care, health education, and sexual reproductive health, protection from any form of abuse, violence and substance abuse. Enforcing state policies and laws in all African countries is required to protect street children from neglect, abuse and to increase their access to education. More research on the health risks and health status of street children is still required, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, which carries the greatest disease burden and poverty.

Psychosocial Problems among Children in Difficult Circumstances

Childhood is the most important phase in a person’s life. The conducive environment available during this stage of life determines positive psychosocial development of an individual. The current study was conducted among 338 children in difficult circumstances to assess the stress, behaviour problem, adjustment in the areas of home, school, teachers, general and peers and self esteem. The results of the study brought out that, children in difficult circumstances undergo moderate to high stress. These children also exhibited higher behaviour problems which is antisocial and neurotic in nature. The adjustment is poor, especially, in the areas of general adjustment, teacher and school. The self esteem is also found to be average to poor. The results highlight the need for psychosocial interventions which are curative, preventive and promotive in nature to address the problems experienced by the children.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the Juvenile Justice System in India: Challenges and Initiatives

Background and goals. The children’s rights movement in India is relatively recent and the juvenile justice system is a young one. This article aims to provide an introduction to the juvenile justice system in India and to discuss the challenges present before it and the recent initiatives taken to address those challenges. Methods. Information was compiled from the following sources: 1) Websites of major agencies of the Government of India, namely the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB); and 2) The authors’ own experience in this area and their collaboration with the Centre for Child and Law (CCL), National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore. Results. Many initiatives have been taken by the Government of India which directly or indirectly has and will continue to have an impact on the mental health of children who come in contact with the law. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2000 (amended in 2011) is an act of Parliament and is the primary legal framework for juvenile justice in India. Another important initiative is the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at building a protective environment for children in difficult circumstances, as well as other vulnerable children, through a government–civil society partnership. There is a paucity of data and research on the prevalence and types of mental disorders among children in conflict with the law. Conclusion. Although there are major gaps between policies and actual conditions for juveniles who run afoul of the law. India has made a promising beginning by adopting progressive legislation, especially the Juvenile Justice Act of 2011, and the mental health community can learn from India’s experience and provide this vulnerable, yet difficult, population with opportunities for a brighter future. India has a history of very progressive policies and legislation, regarding juvenile justice, and work continues to address inadequacies and ongoing challenges. Keywords: Adolescent, child, India, juvenile justice, mental health.

Inviting Backchat: How schools and communities in Ghana, Swaziland and Kenya support children to contextualise knowledge and create agency through sexuality education

Education about sex, relationships and HIV and AIDS in African contexts is riddled with socio-cultural complexity. In this paper the authors argue that in extreme contexts education can lead change further by developing young people as significant actors in their own lives and in the lives of the community by bringing about change in attitudes in the community, as well as practices in schools. A qualitative study was undertaken in eight primary schools of the use of student knowledge and voice to change attitudes, impact upon socio cultural beliefs, adult–child dialogue and drive changes in practice in AIDS education. Drawing on a contextual framework that includes a socio-cultural approach to education, Basil Bernstein's well established theories of everyday and school knowledge and Catherine Campbell's notion of AIDS competent communities, it shows how this initiative variably unfolded in six sub-Saharan countries (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Swaziland and Tanzania – although only the latter three are discussed in detail) and analyses the potential of schools to operate for the benefit of children in difficult circumstances, especially with regard to poverty, gender, sexual violence and health. Participation, dialogue and agency were the key factors.

Effect of HIV/AIDS on Children's Attitudes Toward Learning: Voices of Teachers and Caregivers in Western Kenya

The well-being of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS is often significantly compromised, as they are prone to discrimination, victimization, and exclusion from social and familial structures. The present study examines the effect of HIV/AIDS on children's attitudes toward learning, as perceived by teachers and caregivers. Teachers and caregivers from seven orphanage schools in Western Kenya participated in the study. The findings indicate how children orphaned as a result of AIDS arrive at orphanages with low expectations, lack of motivation, and poor attitudes toward learning, and how they benefit from a positive and supportive environment. The study contributes to the literature on children's physical, emotional, psychological, social, and academic experiences worldwide by adding to knowledge on the educational needs of children in difficult circumstances.

Guidelines for Environmental Health Management in Children’s Homes in Sub-Sahara Africa

The field of environmental health focuses on the relationships between human health and well being and the influence of the physical, social and societal environments. Our understanding of the environment-health interface has progressed because of two relatively recent insights: First, the recognition that the unprecedented environmental changes of the last half-century are affecting global population health. Secondly, the recognition that children have greater vulnerability to environmental hazards and are inadequately protected by current regulatory standards. Efforts to redress this situation have shaped the current thrust in environmental health research toward preventing further harm to children's health. The disproportionate vulnerability of children to environmental hazards can be explained by several reasons. Children are not "little adults." It is known that children have greater risk of exposure and greater risk of harm compared to adults for many reasons that are unique to each developmental stage. Their behaviour and activity patterns bring them into greater contact with toxins. Children have important biological differences. Immature developing organs and tissues are more vulnerable to harm from toxic exposures. Immature metabolic and physiological systems less effectively protect the child from toxic exposure and effects. In addition, children have additional pathways of exposure that are not applicable to adults, e.g., in utero, via breast milk and via products such as toys, clothing, etc. Children also have a longer "shelf life." They have much more of their life ahead of them during which time they will be exposed and may develop health problems as a result. Finally, children are more often involuntarily exposed and unable to avoid exposures of their own accord [1]. Due to the AIDS catastrophe in Sub- Saharan Africa, the numbers of children in difficult circumstances have increased. To mitigate the effects of the catastrophe, charitable organizations have sprung up to establish homes for such children, especially those orphaned by AIDS or those infected with HIV. It is important to ensure that environmental health hazards and risks are minimized in these children's homes. By use of a conceptual synthesis approach, the authors attempt to generate guidelines from literature for environmental health management in children's homes in sub-Saharan Africa.

Children as Research Advisors: Contributions to a ‘Methodology of Participation’ in Researching Children in Difficult Circumstances

This article contributes to emerging discussions of child participation in general, and in research with migrant and displaced children specifically, by examining the involvement of children as research advisors in two projects: a study of foster care for separated children in Rwanda, and an analysis of the conditions of children outside parental care living in institutions and communities in Bangladesh. The comparison highlights the importance of conceiving participation as a research strategy, and advocates a ‘methodology of participation’ that considers varieties of participation and varieties of social change. Teaching research methods to children acting as advisors enabled them to understand what research is and to learn about the lives of other children, while contributing to decision‐making processes in selecting questions, participants, interpreting findings and making recommendations. Children's input into research contributes to overcoming essentialist conceptualisations of children in difficult circumstances, and moving to viewing these children as social actors embedded in complex relational processes. At the same time, involving children in an advisory capacity considers them as active participants in the research process, as they are in social life.