Parental Responsibility Research Articles

The best interests of the child and the right of interested third parties to parental responsibilities and rights: RC v HSC 2023 4 SA 231 (GJ)

The South African post-constitutional era gave rise to the reframing of what was previously referred to as parental authority to parental responsibilities and rights. Throughout these developments, the best interests of the child remained a constant consideration, resulting in a move away from a parent-centred approach to a child-centred approach. In line with this child-centred approach, modern South African law recognises that children have the right to family or parental care. Recognition is also given to the subsequent fundamental principle that parents and the family perform a central role in a child's care and protection. However, analogous to global trends South African family structures have transformed and are no longer typically nuclear, but are characterised by a diversity of parental, family and community-based forms of caregiving. Children accordingly find themselves being cared for by persons who are not their biological parents. In this regard the position of the "interested third party" or so-called "co-holder of parental responsibilities and rights" is gaining increasing relevance. Although the role of interested third parties is recognised in domestic law, in the Children's Act, some uncertainty about the right of these parties to obtain parental responsibilities and rights over a child prevails. One such aspect is the right of a former life-partner to obtain parental responsibilities and rights over a non-biological child upon the dissolution of a life-partner relationship. A recent High Court case, RC v SC 2022 4 SA 308 (GJ) and its appeal namely, RC v HSC 2023 4 SA 231 (GJ) to a full bench of the High Court provides valuable insight into this regard and specifically on the approach taken by the courts about an application for parental rights and responsibilities to a non-biological child by an interested third party in terms of the Children's Act.

From parental responsibility towards mutual understanding: reimagining the employment of epigenetic knowledge

This paper is interested in normative translations of findings in intergenerational epigenetics. Particularly, what role can and should epigenetic knowledge play in our normative thinking about parenthood and relationships such as those between individual parents and broader society or between parents and their children? How should epigeneticists engage in science communication to ensure that knowledge of intergenerational epigenetic effects is useful rather than harmful to parents and children? Much of the existing literature on the ethical aspects of epigenetics points out worrisome tendencies of epigenetic knowledge inspiring policies and discourses that lead to blaming and stigmatization of individual parents and women in particular. While such warnings are important, they are not the only shape ethical discussion of intergenerational epigenetics can take. Firstly, this paper claims that it is also worthwhile and necessary to imagine potential positive effects of epigenetic knowledge on parents and their children. It will be argued that an approach that focuses on empowerment of individual parents and children rather than general responsibility distributions fits will with a nonideal approach to normative theory that takes into account the unequal distributions of social, economic and material resources among parents. The second part of this paper explores whether narrative identity is a useful concept to imagine such a positive framework for the employment of epigenetic knowledge. It argues that integration of epigenetic knowledge in a shared narrative identity may benefit mutual understanding and self-knowledge, and perhaps also have an empowering effect on parents, children and families. After discussing the risks of (1) attaching too much weight to etiology and (2) any epigenetics discourse playing into ‘bionormativity’, the paper concludes that epigenetic knowledge can and should be used in a framework that goes beyond deterministic etiologies but embraces the complexities and interrelatedness of all factors influencing the health of future generations.

THE IMPACT OF A FULL-SCALE WAR IN UKRAINE ON THE LEVEL OF RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD IN FAMILIES: ANALYSIS, MECHANISMS OF INFLUENCE

The article analyzes the main problems of parenting of the Ukrainian population during the period of full-scale war. The author analyzes the disorders that are currently characteristic of modern fathers, the impact of the mental state and the resourcefulness of fatherhood in conditions of constant anxiety. Attention is focused on the main programs implemented by public organizations to support responsible fatherhood. The author analyzes the main forms that are most commonly used by different actors in the sector to support fatherhood. The impact of the displacement of parents and children and the level of responsibility of parents to their children are studied, with special attention paid to the issue of systemic support for fatherhood in communities. A significant part of the article is devoted to the issue of interaction of the public sector in communities to ensure support for responsible fatherhood. A separate aspect of the article analyzes changes in the way adults perform their parental functions, analyzing the main changes in parenting trends from the educational function to the function of meeting basic needs, overcoming anxiety and fear. Particular emphasis is placed on the issue of overcoming the inability of parents to overcome the state of shock on their own, which will contribute to a more responsible fulfillment of their parental responsibilities. The author describes the largest programs of international partners in the field of fatherhood in Ukraine. The author analyzes the impact of the war on the issue of orphanhood in the country, the importance of the public sector in ensuring the proper placement of children from institutionalized institutions in families. The state of the issue of orphanhood as of 2024 and the role of the responsible fatherhood support program in reducing the number of children left without parental care are indicated.

Considerations around Gillick competence in healthcare

This article explains the principles of Gillick competence, including how to involve young people and those with parental responsibility in decisions about medical treatment

Parental responsibility towards the education of their children at the secondary level in light of some of the contemporary variables in the capital Sanaa

The research aims to determine the extent to which parents fulfill their parental responsibilities towards raising children in light of some contemporary variables, from the perspective of the children, by answering the main question in the study. Among the study's key findings: The extent to which parents fulfill their responsibilities towards raising children in the adolescent stage, considering some contemporary variables, was at an average level, meaning that it was sometimes in the category for all areas related to parental responsibilities towards raising children in general, with an average of (3.051). This indicates that parents' fulfillment of these responsibilities was equal across all study areas regarding their responsibility towards raising children, indicating sufficient awareness of the risks posed by contemporary variables. The study recommended the necessity of preparing for the information system and audiovisual communication-revolution by focusing on the early ethical upbringing of children and maintaining good relationships with them.

On declining parental agency and institutionalized forms of parentification: narratives of changing parenthood among refugee families and social workers in collective reception centres

Over recent years, the number of refugee families with children fleeing to Europe has increased. Although reception centres in Europe are not equipped to host families with children, families nevertheless remain for extensive periods in these collective centres, where they lack autonomy, privacy, certainty and often even a sense of security. Drawing on 123 interviews with parents (58), children (38) and social workers (38) in nine collective reception centres in Belgium, we analyse how the Belgian asylum regime impacts refugee parents’ capacity to fulfil parental roles and responsibilities and social workers’ relationships with refugee parents. Our analysis points to a complex combination of declining parental agency yet increasing responsibility on behalf of refugee parents across different parental roles and responsibilities. This in turn leads children to take on what are typically considered ‘adult roles’, raising concerns about parentification among social workers. By introducing the term ‘institutionalized forms of parentification’, we call for a re-politicization of social work with refugee families. Moving away from common approaches to family relationships that focus primarily on the individual or the family system, our findings draw attention to the impact of social spaces, policies and cultural value systems.

Renforcement de la prévention par l’État au regard du bien de l’enfant ?

This paper looks at the question of whether Switzerland could go further in terms of prevention in its family law legislation, in order to guarantee the best interests of the child. The issue is addressed more specifically in relation to joint parental responsibility, shared custody, and mediation.

Improvement of the guardianship system for minors in the light of the current situation of " De Facto Orphans"

Nowadays, there are a large number of " De Facto Orphans" in our country, who are facing the dilemma of controversial identification, difficulty discovered by the outside world, and the lack of parental responsibility, which reflects that there are still some deficiencies in the current juvenile guardianship system. This paper will seek to improve the guardianship system for minors from three angles: clarifying the definition of "De Facto Orphans", establishing a parental authority system, and improving the guardianship supervision system.

Aging Population Challenges and the Role of Thai Adolescents in Caring for the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the perspective and caregiving practices of Thai adolescents towards the elderly in the Northeastern region of Thailand. The study was carried out during July 1st to September 30th, 2023 among 1,551 participants in grades 4-6 from eight randomly selected schools. The analyzing using descriptive statistics. The results found that the average age was 15.30±1.66 years old, 62.4% were female, and most lived with their parents and relatives. About 36.4% of parents have experienced either widowhood or separation, 69.4% of families had a monthly income less than 15,000 THB. While 33.7% had an elderly person in the family, 1.6% lived with bedridden patients, and 40.3% required assistance in daily activities such as cooking, mobility, while 58.7% had diabetes and high blood pressure. 59.3% did not have a primary caregiver in the family, only parents or relatives usually taking on this role. Adolescent grandchildren spent the majority of their time on education. Almost one of three rarely took care of the elderly, even though their parents and teachers taught about moral responsibility. Regarding the belief in the merit that would arise from taking care of the elderly, one of five was indifferent or did not believe, while half of them believed to some extent. From self-assessment of their ability to take care of the elderly, most were in the moderate and low levels, despite receiving information from family, teachers, or various media. The predominant perspective is that caregiving is perceived as the responsibility of parents or health professionals, and the belief that the elderly is captious and irksome. Therefore, it is advisable to present policy-oriented information across education, health, and societal dimensions to support children and young people to learn about elderly individuals and instilling their responsibility within families and societies, fostering a sustainable and well-being-oriented community.

Communicating the diagnosis of a hematological neoplastic disease to patients' minor children: a multicenter prospective study.

When a hematological malignancy is diagnosed, the whole family carries the burden of the disease; parents often try to protect minor children from suffering by avoiding communication about their disease. Since 2009, patients with minors at the Adult Hematology Division at San Gerardo Hospital (Monza) can take part in the "Emanuela Project": children can visit parents and talk with psychologists and hematologists, who explain the disease through simple metaphors. The EMY STUDY aimed to evaluate the impact of illness-related communication on children's behavior, comparing Monza's experience with other Hematology Units, where the communication is delegated to parents or psychological support. Questionnaires exploring the children's main behaviors (school performance, appetite, sleeping patterns, attachment to family figures, and family dialogue) were administered to both sick (SP) and healthy (HP) parents. From 2017 to 2021, 32 patients were enrolled, 20 from Monza and 12 from other hospitals; 84 questionnaires were globally collected. In Monza's group, no major changes in children's behavior were observed and an open dialogue about the disease was often possible. Disease communication is considered crucial and perceived as a responsibility of parents together with a professional figure, mainly the hematologist. Patients were satisfied with "Emanuela Project," reporting positive effects on doctor-patient relationship. Difficulties in separation were significantly higher at other hospitals (P = .019) than in Monza. While at other centers communication is considered parents' responsibility, Monza's patients emphasize the role of professional figures (P = .007). Differently from other hospitals, the role of the hematologist is crucial to Monza's patients (P = .001). Disease communication to patients' offspring is a crucial moment in the process of care, and the hematologist can play a major role in this difficult task, with potential positive effects both on children's well-being and on doctor-patient relationship.

Roles and Responsibilities of Parents towards Children's Education in Islamic Perspective

The family is the first educational institution that helps foster creativity in children. The purpose of writing this article is to describe the roles and responsibilities of parents towards children's education in an Islamic perspective. The research method used is library research. In Islam, the future of children is determined in the family education system. The role of parents is very important in giving birth to children who become a generation of rabbani who have faith, piety and good deeds for their survival in this world and in the hereafter. The Qur'an mentions the qualities that must be possessed by parents as educators, the first and foremost of which is divinity and knowledge of God who will later have wisdom (benefit) or understanding of the truth found through reason and knowledge so as to express gratitude to God, love to give advice to their children about God, do not associate partners with God, order their children to pray, and teach them to be patient when facing difficulties.

Spiritual Education of Human Sexuality and Christian Responsibility for Children and Parents

Spiritual Education of Human Sexuality and Christian Responsibility for Children and Parents

Tanggung Jawab Orang Tua Terhadap Pendidikan Anak

Children are a gift and a trust that Allah gives to His servants who will be responsible in the afterlife. As parents, we have an obligation to educate our children from an early age. Early childhood development is closely related to the environment and family. The aim of this research is to explain the responsibilities of parents in their children's education. This research uses qualitative research methods which are presented in an educational descriptive manner. The results of this research show that parents are the first place where children receive education in the family. A child's personality is initially formed in the family. Parents must have concepts and arrangements regarding their children's education, such as moral education, character education, science education, religious knowledge education, fair treatment of children, and giving love and care to children. Parents are role models for their children. Therefore, the role of parents in developing and shaping children's personalities from an early age is very important.

Penyadaran Perilaku Masyarakat Terhadap Ketersediaan Produksi Tanaman Lokal Berkelanjutan di Negeri Sila Kecamatan Nusalaut Kabupaten Maluku Tengah

The results of local terrestrial natural resources in the archipelagic region, especially indigenous communities in the Petuanan region, are superior potential that they possess as assets, both individually and collectively. This ownership has economic value to support the welfare and fulfillment of family needs, from the perspective of community tradition or culture, the potential of local natural resources as an identity and inheritance of the value of managing and utilizing the surrounding nature from ancestors in the past to the present. In fact, the meaning of inheriting these values ​​is the strategic steps taken by parents in the past to provide local food availability for the benefit of continuing the economic security of their children and grandchildren in the future. If we look closely at the goals of the ancestors in the traditional areas of Maluku, they have the view that it is the responsibility of parents to provide certainty of life for their offspring, so that they can now be seen enjoying it. As a result of this pattern of action, the community is not aware of the rejuvenation process in the context of sustainability. Sila Village, Nusalaut District, Central Maluku Regency is relatively faced with this reality, therefore efforts need to be made to create awareness in community behavior regarding the importance of maintaining the sustainability of local plants as a superior potential to support the family economy in the future. This is also a strategic step to maintain the sustainability of local crop production and regional identity.

Coping strategies of food insecure households with children and adolescents in Uruguay, a high-income Latin American country: A qualitative study through the lens of Bourdieu's theories of capitals and practice

Food insecurity has been associated with negative short, medium, and long-term health consequences, which are more detrimental for children and adolescents. These effects may depend on the coping strategies developed to deal with food shortages. The present research aimed at exploring coping strategies in food insecure households with children and adolescents in Uruguay, incorporating sociological theoretical insights from Bourdieu. A qualitative approach based on individual semi-structured interviews was used. A total of 40 interviews were conducted with adults who had parental responsibilities of children and adolescents and who received different types of food assistance, between July and December 2022, in four cities. Results showed that adults tend to develop a wide range of coping strategies aimed at: reducing food expenditure, increasing the availability of money for purchasing food, increasing food availability and/or rationing the food available in the household. Some of the strategies were implemented regardless of the severity of food insecurity, whereas others were characteristic of the moderate and severe levels of the construct. Evidence to support the mediation effect of coping strategies on health outcomes was found. Discourses suggested that lower accumulation of economic and cultural capital may be aligned with the adoption of less socially accepted mechanisms to access to food. Expressions of a specific habitus aimed at securing food were identified among participants with more deprivations. Taken together, the findings suggest that coping strategies may not be a universal or invariant sequence according to the severity of food insecurity and stress the importance of considering households’ resources and local context for the development of strategies to improve access to food.

‘We did not want to marry then, but’: understanding early marriage among Muslims in the context of the ‘Kerala model’ of development

Kerala, the Indian state with the highest reported level of social development, faces a challenge with persistent early marriage, particularly among Muslims in Malappuram. This study explores the sociocultural factors influencing this situation, in which child marriage rates among Muslims are significantly higher than those of Hindus and Christians. Employing a qualitative research strategy within a specific Malappuram mahallu, a Muslim-majority village cluster encompassing three villages, we identify a multifaceted interplay of micro and macro forces perpetuating early marriage. Lack of social networks, stemming from limited higher education options and career opportunities, restricts girls’ choices and makes them susceptible to parental pressure to marry early. Parents, on the other hand, often view early marriage as an appropriate solution to their anxieties concerning parental responsibility, dowry and family honour. This pressure is amplified by the narrative promoted by religious leaders who portray early marriage as the ideal path. This narrative, in turn, resonates with a subset of young men, particularly temporary Gulf migrants who prefer to marry adolescent girls, thereby perpetuating the cycle. We also argue that, unlike most regions in India, poverty and illiteracy are not the primary drivers of early marriage among Muslims in Malappuram.

Development of an Automatic Baby Cradle System

Infant care can be challenging in the fast-paced atmosphere of today, where parental responsibilities can compete with rigorous employment. An important step toward improving newborn health and reducing parent concern is the incorporation of an autonomous baby cradle system. This cutting-edge framework combines thorough planning with the seamless incorporation of several childcare components, providing carers with a priceless tool. Modern technology is incorporated into the system, including an Espressif Systems32 camera that allows parents to monitor children from a distance, a voice recognition system that enables swinging to react to spoken cues, and an advanced moisture sensor that monitors changes in bedding conditions. A sensor boosts the system’s effectiveness and adds to its excellent mobility and versatility. In a hectic setting, the Automatic Baby Cradle System redefines infant care. This system offers a comprehensive solution that addresses several aspects of newborn well-being by effortlessly integrating technology into caring. Modern capabilities like speech recognition, temperature management, wetness sensing, and remote monitoring show how technology has the power to fundamentally alter parenting habits. This research lays the framework for future developments and advances in newborn care and parental assistance as technology advances

Parent‐child interaction is related to emotional and behavioral problems in pediatric intestinal failure

AbstractObjectivesParent‐child interaction in pediatric intestinal failure (IF) and in parenteral nutrition (PN) graduates can be disturbed due to parental responsibilities related to the condition, and could affect the child's emotional and behavioral functioning (EBF). The aim was to assess parent‐child interaction, to examine associations with clinical features, and to relate parent‐child interaction to EBF.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of IF patients and PN graduates aged 1.5−18 years and one primary caregiver was performed in two Dutch multidisciplinary pediatric IF teams. Parent‐child interaction was observed using the Emotional Availability Scales (EAS), reported with the Parent Child Interaction Questionnaire (PACHIQ) and compared to normvalues when available. Associations between parent‐child interaction and clinical factors and EBF were examined. EBF was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist. All measures are validated.ResultsA total of 41 parent‐child dyads were included, 17 (41.4%) received PN at time of assessment and median age was 8.9 [interquartile range 5.8−11.9] years. No significant differences in parent‐reported interaction compared to normative values or between PN‐receiving and weaned children were found. Exploratory multivariable regression indicated that only the child's female sex was significantly positively related to parent‐child interaction. Parent‐child interaction was negatively related to EBF for nonhostility, conflict resolution, and acceptance.ConclusionOur findings suggest that (self‐reported) parent‐child interaction in IF patients and PN graduates is not significantly different as compared to healthy peers, and unrelated to clinical characteristics. However, aspects of parent‐child interaction were correlated to EBF, potentially being a target for prevention or intervention in children with diminished EBF.

Healing While Hurting: The Unspoken Burden of Female Medical Residents in Pakistan

Gender stress, particularly among female healthcare professionals undergoing postgraduate training, is a pressing issue that warrants urgent attention in Pakistan's medical landscape. This pressure is particularly intense in areas like gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, gastroenterology, and general medicine, where there's a high demand for female providers. The convergence of family stressors, marital status, parental responsibilities, financial constraints, grueling work hours, and a shortage of female healthcare workers exacerbates the problem, posing significant challenges to both individuals and the healthcare system at large.

'Like a torch that enlightens new parents along a narrow and winding path into parenthood' - Midwives' experiences by an interview study.

The core of postnatal care is that midwives recognise the needs of women and new-born babies and provide the highest possible quality of care and medical safety to optimise the health and well-being of new families. The study aimed to describe midwives' experiences in providing postnatal care for families during the first week after the birth of their baby. An interview study included 18 midwives who interchangeably worked within the models of traditional hospital care, hotel-based care, home-based care, hospital-based check-ups, and specialist care at a breastfeeding clinic at one university hospital in Sweden. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke. The main theme: 'Like a torch that enlightens new parents along a narrow and winding path into parenthood - a midwife's transitional support' was explored and comprised two themes: (1) Strengthening parents' self-confidence in their parental role by handling over parental responsibility; and (2) Challenging to facilitate parents' understanding of their parental role. Midwives expressed that supporting parents in the parental transition was a delicate task and included balancing mothers', babies', and partners' needs. The midwives guided parents into parenthood during postnatal care in a strategic manner by strengthening parents in their parental role. Postnatal care delivered by midwives is crucial for new parents and their babies.