Child Advocacy Research Articles

Child Marriage: Knowledge, Factors, Consequences and Utilization of Maternal Services among Early Married Women.

In 2020, UNFPA estimated additional 13 million child marriage cases in Nepal after a decade of lockdown due to COVID-19 wherein 2020, the data of child marriage before the age of 18 reached 5 million where marriage done before the age of 15 years was 1.3 million as per UNICEF. In Nepal, the legal age for marriage is 20 years. As per the National Criminal Code 2074, article 173 (1,2 and 3), one is imprisoned for three years with a penalty of Rs. 30,000, if found to violate the law: marrying before reaching the legal age. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. The sampling design used for the study was simple random sampling. Out of 9 municipalities in Sindhuli district, Dudhauli municipality was selected by using lottery method. 8 wards out of 14 wards in Dudhauli municipality were selected by using purposive sampling. 160 participants were early married women within the age of 15 to 24 years. Three key stakeholders were selected for Key Informant Interview from the local government level worker, non-Governmental organizations working within the municipality, and Dudhauli Health Post. One focused group discussion was conducted with 6 early married women. All the collected data were analyzed through simple descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and inferential statics by using chi-square. For a qualitative study, the information collected from the key stakeholders was documented in narrative form. Seven out of 126 women suffered from miscarriage during their second delivery. There is a significant association between the age of marriage and the number of children (P-value 0.0520) and birth time after marriage (P-value 0.019). The majority, 32.6 percent believes that child marriage can be prevented by children's counseling Conclusions: Only 1.6 percent of early married women faced complications during delivery. Majority of physically active women engaged in agriculture sector (97.5%) did not face any difficulty during delivery. None of the early married women have ever suffered from obstetric fistula despite of early delivery.

PREGI (PROGRAM EDUKASI GIZI DAN AKTIVITAS FISIK): PENINGKATAN PEMAHAMAN PERILAKU HIDUP SEHAT MELALUI GIZI SEIMBANG DAN AKTIVITAS FISIK BAGI ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR DI KOTA MATARAM

This community service activity aims to provide a learning experience or create conditions for individuals, groups, and families by opening channels of communication, information, and education to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors so that people are aware, willing, and able to practice clean living and healthy behaviors. The implementation method for this community service program is the presentation method in the classroom using Powerful Presentation Techniques (PPT) media and live demonstrations. Overall, learning and counseling for elementary school children about balanced nutrition and physical activity through empowering teachers and parents has great potential to change the lifestyle of Indonesian children. Cakranegara State Elementary School 39, as the party involved, has shown high enthusiasm for accepting the concept of balanced nutrition and physical activity, which is reflected in the implementation of education carried out for its students regarding balanced nutrition and physical activity.

Implementation of Child Protection Services Through Integrative Service Unit Integrative Child Social Protection

Objective: Children are valuable assets for the nation, but their traumatic patterns affect character formation. The government must address social problems to build a respected future generation. Tulungagung Regency, East Java Province, is the first district in Indonesia that is serious about advocating for children's social issues by inaugurating the Integrative Child Social Protection Integrated Service Unit (ULT PSAI). The research aims to investigate the role of the local government in developing an integrative service model to handle cases of social problems of children in Tulungagung Regency, the model of the child advocacy system carried out by ULT PSAI, and the effectiveness of ULT PSAI Tulungagung Regency activities in advocating for children's social problems. Methode: The method used in this research is Participatory Action Research (PAR) through (FGD) with ULT PSAI, victims, and related Regional Apparatus Organizations to obtain data. The data obtained were then processed and analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. Result: This article discusses the local government in advocating social problems for children through ULT PSAI by involving all Regional Apparatus Organizations in Tulungagung Regency, primary, secondary (outreach to at-risk groups), tertiary (response to child victims) services, and the effectiveness of PSAI ULT can be identified based on handled cases. Seeing the significance, this service model can be used as a pilot model for other regions in Indonesia. Suggestions: It is hoped that the efforts made by the Integrative Child Social Protection Integrated Service Unit (ULT PSAI) of Tulungagung Regency in carrying out advocacy and handling system-based social problems with the services of the Integrative Child Social Protection Integrated Service Unit (ULT PSAI) for vulnerable children can run more optimally by synergizing with related parties.

A conceptual analysis of system responses to the issue of problematic sexual behaviors in children and recommendations for future work in Children's Advocacy Center multidisciplinary teams.

Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) in children is a common, yet frequently misunderstood and mishandled issue facing communities. Because of the intersection of children both causing harm and being harmed, societies across the globe struggle with whether to punish or support during these times. For Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs), whose mandate it is to support victimized children, this tension is exacerbated. CACs have historically relied on identifying a "perpetrator" and "victim" when providing their services, however PSB displaying youth do not fit this classic dichotomy. Compared with other children, PSB displaying youth are more likely to experience greater incidents and types of violent childhood trauma, have increased parent instability, decreased familial support, and struggle with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Due to the stigma and fear surrounding sexual behaviors in children and systemic barriers including varied definitions of PSB, uncertainty regarding how to respond within the context of child-serving roles, and the criminalization of children's behaviors, access to supportive services is complicated and challenging. Treatment completion rates for this population are as low as 13%, despite most methods being short-term, non-invasive, and community based. This conceptual analysis paper identifies five key themes in the literature that influence these barriers and proposes an interdisciplinary approach for CAC multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to better support this vulnerable population.

Pediatric AKI in the real world: changing outcomes through education and advocacy—a report from the 26th Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) consensus conference

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality across the life course, yet care for AKI remains mostly supportive. Raising awareness of this life-threatening clinical syndrome through education and advocacy efforts is the key to improving patient outcomes. Here, we describe the unique roles education and advocacy play in the care of children with AKI, discuss the importance of customizing educational outreach efforts to individual groups and contexts, and highlight the opportunities created through innovations and partnerships to optimize lifelong health outcomes.MethodsDuring the 26th Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) consensus conference, a multidisciplinary group of experts discussed the evidence and used a modified Delphi process to achieve consensus on recommendations on AKI research, education, practice, and advocacy in children.ResultsThe consensus statements developed in response to three critical questions about the role of education and advocacy in pediatric AKI care are presented here along with a summary of available evidence and recommendations for both clinical care and research.ConclusionsThese consensus statements emphasize that high-quality care for patients with AKI begins in the community with education and awareness campaigns to identify those at risk for AKI. Education is the key across all healthcare and non-healthcare settings to enhance early diagnosis and develop mitigation strategies, thereby improving outcomes for children with AKI. Strong advocacy efforts are essential for implementing these programs and building critical collaborations across all stakeholders and settings.

Abstract 17055: Underweight and Obesity Among Asian Children at Age 3 to 5 Years: Implications for Counseling to Promote Cardiometabolic Health Across the Lifecourse

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is an important pediatric measurement that supports nutrition/weight counseling in children, especially for obesity. However, children with low BMI (<5 th percentile or “underweight”) should be considered, as Asian children are at risk for adverse cardiometabolic health at lower BMI as adults. Mehods: Using electronic record data from well-child visits from 5361 Chinese, 6215 Filipino, 5775 South Asian, and 48,666 Non-Hispanic White (NHW) children with BMI at age 3 and 5 years in a US healthcare system, we examined BMI distribution, underweight (<5th percentile), obesity (≥95th percentile), and changes in BMI from age 3 to 5 years. Results: Underweight was higher in Asian vs NHW (highest for South Asian, 15.0%, age 3, p<0.01). Obesity was highest for Filipino (11.3%, age 5) and lowest for Chinese (3.6%) vs NHW (p<0.01). At age 3, trends in greater proportion with underweight vs obesity for Chinese (6.3% vs 3.0%) and South Asian (15.0% vs 6.5%) children were seen, but not Filipino (5.0% vs 9.7%) and NHW (4.0 vs 7.8%) children (Table), similar to age 5. Most children with underweight had height <25th percentile. By age 5, large proportions shifted out of underweight, with modest obesity increases (Table). Obesity transition was greatest for South Asian children. Conclusions: Among major Asian groups and NHW children, underweight was most prevalent in South Asian (1 in 7, age 3) and obesity most prevalent in Filipino (1 in 10, age 5) children. High obesity prevalence in Filipino children and greater BMI transition in South Asian children highlight ethnic differences in BMI that support targeted lifestyle counseling to improve future cardiometabolic health.

Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial: Project Support Positive Parenting Module Following Sexual Abuse

Purpose: Support from a nonoffending caregiver can play a critical role in helping children recover from sexual abuse. However, many caregivers lack the skills to effectively support their child during the aftermath of a sexual abuse disclosure. This randomized controlled pilot trial examined a brief parenting intervention (Project Support Positive Parenting module) delivered by paraprofessionals to families waiting for intensive, trauma-focused therapy at a children's advocacy center. Methods: After a pretreatment assessment, 21 families were randomized to the intervention or a treatment-as-usual control group. Families also completed a posttreatment assessment. Results: Caregivers who received the Project Support module reported improved caregiver support and parenting self-efficacy, and their families were more likely to engage in trauma-focused therapy. Caregivers and service providers reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. Discussion: Although the results should be interpreted as preliminary, they offer promising evidence for brief parenting programs following a sexual abuse disclosure.

FEATURES OF PSYCHO-PEDAGOGICAL INTERVENTION WHILE WORKING WITH PRE-SCHOOLERS HAVING LEARNING DISABILITIES

Early childhood is a pivotal stage for addressing learning disabilities in pre-schoolers. This article delves into the core components of psycho-pedagogical interventions for this demographic, highlighting key findings and strategies.
 Within the frame of this study, it is aimed to clarify the main tasks of preschool institutions and ensure the socialization of children in preschool settings with peers and adults. At the same time, the preschool institution should ensure the education of children with learning disabilities. Systematic, special psycho-pedagogical interventions are necessary to implement the latter.
 The development of a child with a learning disability is carried out in the process of active pursuit and in many cases depends on the organization of his life, the precise daily routine, the system of education and professional intervention. It is important to systematically carry out counseling and remedial developmental assistance for children and parents, as well as to warn about the possibility of secondary disorders of physical and mental development, to socialize the child promptly.

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.

Client characteristics and service use at the first hospital-based Canadian child and youth advocacy center: An analysis of case tracking data

BackgroundThe Child and Youth Advocacy Center (CYAC) model supports a coordinated response for young victims of abuse and their families. The model is prevalent in the United States, with more recent growth across Canada. ObjectiveThis descriptive study summarizes case tracking data to profile the client population, referral characteristics, use of services, and associations between client characteristics and service use in child maltreatment investigations referred to the first hospital-based Canadian CYAC over time. This data illustrates the potential to use CYAC case tracking data in understanding the use of, and client populations served by, this emerging collaborative service model in Canada.Participants and Setting Participants included children and youth served at SeaStar Child and Youth Advocacy Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia (N = 1,364) in its first seven years of operation. MethodsDescriptive statistics were calculated for client and case characteristics. Differences in characteristics between time periods were assessed using Chi-square tests. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between characteristics and the use of specific services were estimated using log-binomial regression. ResultsThe most common indication for referral to this CYAC was sexual assault (53.3 %). Most clients were female (60.9 %), with a median client age of 10.0 years (IQR 6.0 to 13.0 years). In over half of all cases the alleged perpetrator was a family member (56.0 %) and most alleged perpetrators were adults (79.9 %). Medical exams were provided in 13.4 % of referrals and were less likely in children aged > 7 years (age 7–12, RR = 0.38, CI 0.27–0.51; and age > 12, RR = 0.41, CI 0.29–0.58), in referrals for sexual assault compared to physical assault (RR = 0.69, CI 0.52–0.90), and when the alleged perpetrator was an acquaintance rather than a family member (RR = 0.48, CI 0.34–0.67). Child and youth advocate support was provided in 76.1 % of cases and was slightly more likely in sexual assault and ‘other’ types of referrals (RR = 1.14, CI 1.06–1.22; and RR = 1.13, CI 1.02–1.26, respectively). Canine Assisted Intervention (CAI) was offered in 38.6 % of cases and was more likely in referrals for sexual assault (RR = 1.23, CI 1.01–1.50). Of those who had CAI, 41 % had an Accredited Facility Dog present with them during their forensic interview; this accompaniment in interview was more likely for clients who were older (RR = 2.15, CI 1.15–4.01) and female (RR = 2.56, CI 1.34–4.90). There were few differences in client and case characteristics or service use over time. ConclusionsThis study provides descriptive context of child maltreatment investigations referred to a Canadian hospital-based CYAC. Given the recognized variability among CYACs in scope and setting, this profile contributes to a broader understanding of the client population and service uptake at a CYAC which varies from the prototypical US-based model most often represented in the existing literature. This information contributes to a more detailed understanding of the CYAC model in practice in Canada, which can help to inform the growth and development of CYACs in the future.

The Assessment of Play Therapy and Child Counseling Competencies (APTCCC).

The Assessment of Play Therapy and Child Counseling Competencies (APTCCC).

Associations of caregiver-adolescent conflict and caregiver emotional support with adolescent trauma symptoms and adjustment after sexual abuse

BackgroundEmotional support from a caregiver is believed to be important for reducing the likelihood of adolescent trauma symptoms and adjustment problems after sexual abuse. Conflict with a caregiver, another relational dynamic, is very common during adolescence, but little is known about how it might operate in tandem with emotional support to influence adolescent trauma symptoms and adjustment after sexual abuse. ObjectiveTo better understand how caregiver emotional support and caregiver-adolescent conflict jointly contribute to adolescent trauma symptoms and adjustment after sexual abuse. Participants and settingParticipants were 477 adolescents (Mage = 13.59, SD = 1.77) and a non-offending caregiver presenting at a children's advocacy center. MethodsAdolescents completed measures of caregiver-adolescent conflict, caregiver emotional support, and their own trauma symptoms and adjustment. Caregivers completed a measure of adolescent adjustment. ResultsCaregiver-adolescent conflict and caregiver emotional support each correlated in the expected direction with adolescent trauma symptoms and adjustment (conflict correlations ranged from 0.27 to 0.38, all p values ≤.001; support correlations ranged from −0.15 to −0.21, all p values ≤.01). Regression analyses, which simultaneously considered conflict and support, indicated that conflict related to adolescent trauma symptoms and each of the measures of adolescent adjustment, whereas caregiver emotional support contributed to caregiver reports of adolescent adjustment. Caregiver-adolescent conflict did not moderate any of the relations between caregiver emotional support and adolescent trauma symptoms or adjustment. ConclusionsIn the aftermath of sexual abuse, caregiver-adolescent conflict contributes to adolescent trauma symptoms and adjustment.

Parties to Iowa child MH suit announce interim settlement

Less than a year after advocates for children with mental health needs filed suit against Iowa officials over inadequacies in the state's Medicaid mental health services, the two sides have agreed to an interim settlement that could lead to a final resolution by next summer.

Understanding Media Influence on Parental Perspectives Towards Child Obesity Prevention

The advocacy for children’s health and wellness through multiple media platforms is pertinent in raising awareness among parents as the World Health Organization (WHO) identified child obesity as one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Malaysia is currently ranked with the highest obesity population in Southeast Asia, a clear indication that intervention campaigns implemented to improve the obesity conundrum in the past have met with little success. Although studies have shown that parents exercise considerable influence on nutrition and eating habits of children, their information-seeking habits in their position as decision makers of the household remains a significant oversight. Therefore, effective health communication strategies in the media targeted towards this segment highlight the importance of child obesity prevention information, particularly among low-income groups in urban communities. This study examined media and communication strategies on child obesity by exploring how parents negotiate information to ensure children abide by healthier practices. In doing so, a diary study was conducted to observe behaviours of the target group in dealing with information on child obesity on a daily basis. The result of the study is congruent with the assumption that parents have great potential to organically formulate child obesity prevention plans with their extent of exposure towards media messages. Henceforth, the role of media is seen as a highpoint in creating awareness on health communication strategies that can further engage and assist Malaysian parents for a more sustainable future for their children. Keywords: Child obesity, health communication, media strategies, new media, social marketing.

ВКЛЮЧЕНИЕ ВОЛОНТЕРСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ В ВОСПИТАТЕЛЬНУЮ РАБОТУ КАК УСЛОВИЕ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОГО СТАНОВЛЕНИЯ БУДУЩИХ УЧИТЕЛЕЙ-ДЕФЕКТОЛОГОВ

The article substantiates the upbringing and educational potential of the inclusion of students in the specialty «Special (defectological) education» in volunteer activity. The involvement of students as volunteers in educational organizations is considered as one of the conditions for their professional development. The experience offuture teachers-defectologists and speech therapists’ participation in volunteer counseling of children with disabilities in educational organizations is presented.

The role of civil society in improving childhood cancer care in Latin AmericaO papel da sociedade civil na melhoria da atenção ao câncer infantil na América Latina

In Latin America, childhood cancer includes a number of resource-intensive diseases, with inequalities in access to timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In this context, civil society plays a fundamental role in improving childhood cancer care. The Region's organizations in this sector have become stronger and they now play a leading role in the delivery of services and in the promotion of awareness and advocacy for children's health. The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, promoted by the World Health Organization and other relevant actors, is an opportunity for governments and civil society to work together to implement best practices in the control of childhood cancer. This article addresses the role of civil society in the care of pediatric cancer in Latin America, highlighting the importance of its commitment to the fight against cancer, participation in awareness-raising, and defense of public policies that favor access to quality health services. It also focuses on the problems and opportunities for civil society in the Region in relation to the implementation of strategies to improve the survival and quality of life of children and adolescents living with cancer.

Impressions of child advocacy center leaders: How problematic sexual behavior in children and adolescents is perceived by community professionals

BackgroundConsistent with the goals of National Children's Alliance, Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) are optimal for addressing needs related to problematic sexual behavior (PSB) of youth due to their multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on community-level evidence-based interventions (Kelley et al., 2019). To promote child well-being and safety, decisions of the CAC's multidisciplinary team must be based on an accurate understanding of youth with PSB, child sexual development, and best-practice responses. However, misperceptions about youth who have engaged in PSB appear to broadly persist (Hackett, Masson, et al., 2013), leading to obstacles for CACs in addressing PSB. ObjectiveTo better understand and address the training and service needs of CACs across the country, the goal of this study was to assess CAC community professionals' (e.g., MDT members) perceptions of children and adolescents with PSB, as reported by CAC leaders. Participants and settingParticipants were 351 CACs from 47 US states, a representative sample based on regional and community distributions. MethodA designated point-of-contact (e.g., the Director) for each CAC completed an online survey reflecting on their CAC's professional community's perceptions of youth with PSB. ResultsFindings suggested that a number of misperceptions about youth with PSB, particularly adolescents, are commonly reported for CAC professional communities. Prevalent misperceptions surrounded the etiology of PSB, treatment-related needs, and differences between youth with PSB and adults. ConclusionsResults can be used to inform policy, practice, training, and resource utilization to address youth with PSB in CACs, with specific recommendations provided to enhance an evidence-based approach.

Shared Parenting in Europe

Abstract With the commonality of parental separation in Europe today, safeguarding the best interests of the child has become increasingly challenging. The potential of shared parenting to serve the best interests of the child and to safeguard parental rights post-separation have been drivers for its increased prominence in public discourse, and some European States have already adopted legislation to encourage or even set it as a preference over sole custody – a change that has doubtless been brought about by studies on child welfare and advocacy for parental equality. The aim of this article is to analyse the concept of shared parenting through the lens of European human rights law in order to discover how it is viewed in relation to the best interests of the child, and whether having legal measures in place to encourage it should be considered a component of the best interests of the child.

Principles of Genetic Counseling in Inherited Heart Conditions.

Cardiac genetic counseling is the process of helping individuals adapt to a personal diagnosis or family history of an inherited heart condition. The process is shown to benefit patients and includes specialized skills, such as counseling children and interpreting complex genetic results. Emerging areas include: evolving service delivery models for caring for patients and communicating risk to relatives, new areas of need including postmortem molecular autopsy, and new populations of individuals found to carry a likely pathogenic/pathogenic cardiac variant identified through genomic screening. This article provides an overview of the cardiac genetic counseling process and evolving areas in the field.

Effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy(PCIT) for Children with Problem Behavior: Meta-Analysis

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based short-term treatment program designed for preschool children (2 to 7 years old) and parents with behavior or emotional problems, and is an effective intervention method to improve parent-child relationships and reduce children’s problem behavior. The purpose of this study is to estimate the effect of PCIT studied in Korea and to prepare an integrated basis. From 1991 to February 2022, papers studied in Korea were selected as exploration and target studies. A total of 17 studies were selected, and 11 studies (212 children, 12 father, 212 mother, 436 total) were finally included in the meta-analysis study, excluding 3 studies that presented the ranking sum. As a result of this study, the effect of PCIT improved children's problem behavior (1.32), reduced parenting stress (1.06) and mother's depression (0.99), and increased parenting efficacy (1.06) and spouse's parenting cooperation (0.86), which showed a significant effect (d>.8). This study is the first to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of PCIT based on domestic literature and is expected to be widely used as a child counseling and parent education program.