Stigmatization Of Children Research Articles

Stigmatization of sickle cell disease across the Democratic Republic of Congo: A presentation of two cases

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a neglected genetic disorder with a high burden of illness across tropical countries. It is characterized by hemolytic anemia and high mortality rates among children under the age of five living in low-income countries. The clinical expression of these individuals is a cause of “morpho-phobia” due to the physical expression of SCD. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate how this stigmatization of children with sickle cell disease can take on multiple facets embedded in society. Educating patients, families, and healthcare workers, as well as informing the public can serve to address this stigmatization. SCD is a genetic, non-infectious disease, and the simple social acceptability of these young patients will enable them to live a life like everyone else.

Perceived Stigmatization in Iranian Children With Deformities or Scars Caused by Burns Referred to Treatment Centers in Tehran, Iran

Background & Aims Experiencing stigmatization behaviors in children with post-burn deformities can leave lasting negative effects on their mental and social health, and is considered an important issue in the child's growth and development. This research aims to investigate the perceived stigmatization in children with deformities or visible scars caused by burns referred to treatment centers in Tehran, Iran. Materials & Methods In this cross-sectional study, 190 children aged 8-18 years with a history of burns resulted in deformities or visible scars participated. Sampling was done using a convenience method from October 20, 2021, to October 20, 2022. The 21-item perceived stigmatization questionnaire (PSQ) was used to collect information. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software, version 21 using independent T-tests and analysis of variance. Results The mean total score of PSQ was 2.199 ± 0.562. The domain of confusing/staring behaviors had the highest score of 2.517±0.820. Perceived stigmatization showed significant relationships with children’s age (P=0.030), gender (P= 0.010), educational level (P< 0.001), time since burn (P<0.001), and frequency of reconstructive burn surgery (P=0.009). Moreover, perceived stigma in children was significantly correlated with their mothers' education level (P=0.007) and occupation (P=0.003). Conclusion Female children with deformities or visible scars caused by burns tend to experience stigmatization behaviors more frequently than males. These children experience these behaviors mostly during early adolescence. Additionally, a higher number of reconstructive surgeries and a shorter time since the burn accident are linked to high perception of stigmatization in these children. Moreover, children of employed mothers and those whose mothers have higher educational levels report more perceived stigmatization. It is important for nurses to identify these issues and refer the cases who require additional support to available social treatment centers for further assistance.

Spór o "rewolucję seksualną"

Distinguishing between “legitimate” and “illegitimate” children, that is, born by a woman who was legally married or born out of wedlock, was always of great importance. This was due to the fact that the term ”family” was understood in the dynastic sense. For its preservation, the identity of the father was necessary, and that could not be definitively determined biologically until the beginning of the twentieth century; besides, it was not legally possible to assert paternity. The legal term “bastard” had a pejorative meaning, and stigmatized the children of unknown fathers. Even if the “bastard” came to property or significance, there was the burden of illegitimate origin; the child and mother fell into the category of people treated with contempt. In the nineteenth century there was an increase in the proportion of “illegitimate” births, which in historiography was taken as a sign of the sexual revolution resulting from the weakening of religion and customs; there was a separation of the sexual act from the duty of procreation. The unfavourable situation of “bastards” endured for a long time; in fact, we can only talk about radical change at the turn of the twenty-first century, in attitudes to sexual life and the character of the family. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the absence of a father no longer has a negative impact on children. Key words: the concept of “bastard”, “legitimate” children – “illegitimate” children, dynastic family, legal regulations regarding the family and illegitimate children, changes in religiosity and customs, thesis about the “sexual revolution ”, stigmatization of children without fathers

Experience of stigmatization in children receiving inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment: a longitudinal study

Mental health-related stigma is poorly understood, and minimal research has focused on the experience of stigma from children’s perspectives. We sought to investigate whether children treated as inpatients and outpatients had different experiences of stigma over time and whether stigma is linked to global functioning cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Children, aged 8–12 years, receiving treatment within a national specialist mental health inpatient unit were matched for age, gender and diagnosis with children receiving outpatient treatment (N = 64). Validated measures of stigma, global functioning and symptom severity were collected at the start of treatment and upon discharge from the ward for inpatients, and a similar timeframe for their individually matched outpatients. Latent change score models and partial correlation coefficients were employed to test our hypotheses. No differences in most aspects of stigma between children treated as inpatients and outpatients were observed, except for personal rejection at baseline and self-stigma at follow-up favouring outpatients. A reduction in stigma was observed in societal devaluation, personal rejection and secrecy for inpatients, and self-stigma and secrecy for outpatients between the two assessments. Societal devaluation declined at a higher rate among inpatients compared to outpatients, albeit reductions in stigma were comparable for all remaining measures. No association was found between the change in stigma and change in global functioning. Future research may offer further insights into the development and maintenance of stigma and identify key targets for anti-stigma interventions to reduce its long-term impact.

RECONSTRUCTION OF CHILD CRIMINAL SANCTIONS IN PERSPECTIVE OF LAW NUMBER 11 THE YEAR 2012 CONCERNING JUSTICE CHILD CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM BASED ON JUSTICE VALUES

Children who are in conflict with the law are seen to need to be given physical and spiritual protection. Bearing in mind, the Court's decision is more likely to impose imprisonment sanctions. The United Nations in several Congresses has criticized imprisonment sanctions, besides having the potential to cause stigmatization in children, it is also ineffective and does not create a deterrent effect. This study aims to examine and to analyze the implementation of Child Criminal sanctions in the perspective of Law Number 11-year 2012 concerning the Child Criminal Justice System, to analyze the factors that influence child criminal sanctions that are not yet fair. The research question is how the reconstruction of child-based criminal sanctions based on justice is. This research is included in non-doctrinal research (empirical). It used three theories, namely the theory of criminal purpose to analyze the first problem, the dignified justice theory to analyze the second problem and progressive legal theory to analyze the third problem. The results found that the implementation of sanctions Crime against a child in conflict with a law imposed by a prison sentence, the Judge in his consideration emphasizes juridical considerations so that the criminal sanctions imposed on the child are not in accordance with teleological theory as the purpose of punishment. Criminal sanctions against children have not brought justice, among others, because several articles in Law Number 11-year 2012 concerning the Child Criminal Justice System still have weaknesses. Reconstruction of Articles that hinder the realization of fair criminal sanctions, namely Article 7 paragraph (2) Article 32 paragraph (2), Article 71 paragraph (1) letter e, Article 79 paragraph (1) and Article 81 paragraph (1) of the Law Number 11 the year 2012 concerning the Child Criminal Justice System.

Ethical Regulation as a Problem-Solving Resource Leading to Participant Interaction in the Educational Process in Terms of Integration and Inclusion

Introduction. The article is dedicated to analysing the possible ethical regulation of problems that arise during the interaction of participants in the educational process through integration and inclusion (based on the example of teaching children with disabilities and orphaned children in regular schools). The relevance of the article is in its discussion of the trend towards the spread of inclusive and integrative practices in modern Russian education. Materials and Methods. The study was aimed at investigating problems experienced in terms of inclusion and integration in the context of ethical principles of interaction in education. The study involved 391 respondents, all students of regular schools of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast, in which programs of inclusion and/or integration have been put into practice, as well as their parents and teachers. The problems arising in the interaction of subjects of education in the conditions of integration and inclusion were studied by sociometry (characteristics of the position of special children in the system of interpersonal relations with peers in a heterogeneous class), structured interviews (analysis of the teachers’ attitudes to work in heterogeneous classes) and questionnaires (analysis of the parents’ attitude to teaching their children in a heterogeneous class). Interpretation of the results was carried out by comparing the empirical data with the ethical principles fixed in the Model Code of Professional Ethics of Pedagogical Workers, as well as ethical codes adopted by representatives of related professions. Results. During processes of integration and inclusion, a hidden or obvious social exclusion is observed in every part of interaction during the educational process (“student-student”, “student-teacher”, “student-parent”, “parent-teacher”) and is specified by the following characteristics: discrimination and stigmatisation of children with special needs and their parents; exclusion of children with special needs to the fringes of the social system inside their class; intentional or unintentional information disclosure about the child’s health and/or his family status. The ethical principles that are most often violated in the interaction of participants in the educational process (the principle of respect, the principle of competence, the principle of confidentiality) are highlighted. A theoretical comparison of the items that reveal these ethical principles in the professional codes of doctors, social workers, educational psychologists and the Model Code of Professional Ethics of Pedagogical Workers showed that ethical regulation can become a useful resource for resolving moral conflicts that arise in pedagogical interaction. For this, it is necessary to indicate the principles of respect and competence regarding the conditions of an integrated and inclusive education, as well as to develop special content related to the principle of confidentiality. Discussion and Conclusion. The findings contribute to the development of pedagogical deontology and can be used to clarify ethical principles of interaction in ter ms of integration and inclusion in education.

PENERAPAN DIVERSI DALAM PENYELESAIAN PERKARA PIDANA ANAK YANG BERHADAPAN DENGAN HUKUM PADA TINGKAT PENUNTUTAN (Studi Pada Kejaksaan Negeri Payakumbuh)

Diversion according to Article 1 number 7 of Act Number 11 of 2012 concerning the ChildCriminal Justice System is the transfer of settlement of Child cases from criminal justiceprocesses to processes outside of criminal justice. Diversion is to settle criminal casesinvolving children as perpetrators and children as victims. The implementation ofdiversion is intended to avoid negative effects and stigmatization of children so thatchildren are expected to return to the social environment fairly. The Payakumbuh DistrictAttorney also conducted a diversion of cases of criminal acts of violence against childrenthrough a process that turned out to be not as simple as expected, so that it encounteredobstacles in resolving cases of children facing the law.

Stigmatization of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their Families: a Scoping Study

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families may experience high rates of stigmatization, including self-stigma, public stigma, stigma through association, and structural stigma. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications to identify, describe, and summarize existing literature related to stigma and ASD. Twenty-five articles met our inclusion criteria, including 14 qualitative, 9 quantitative, and 1 mixed method studies and 1 meta-synthesis. Four emergent themes include social perceptions of ASD, social isolation, well-being and responses to stigma, and stigma reduction. Knowledge generated from this scoping review provides an overview of the influence that stigma may have on individuals with ASD and their families. Further research directions are suggested to address structural stigma and community inclusion.

4.61 Self-Stigmatization in Children Receiving Mental Health Treatment in Lahore, Pakistan

Self-stigma has a negative impact on the lives of children with mental health illnesses. In Pakistan, this self-stigma manifests as a massive obstacle in the way of seeking professional help and poses a challenge to the clinician’s efforts to timely intervene and provide treatment to these children. Considering the scarcity of research on the stigmatization in children in Pakistan, the objective of our study was to measure the stigma associated with mental illness in children with a variety of diagnoses of mental illnesses.

Briefing Paper: The Impact of Maternal Imprisonment upon a Child's Wellbeing and Their Relationship with Their Mother: Findings from 'Who Cares? Analysing the Place of Children in Maternal Sentencing Decisions in England and Wales', Minson, S (2017), University of Oxford

It is my contention that all the harms suffered by a child whose parent is being punished through imprisonment have their origin in prison culture and stigmatisation relating to the parent’s imprisonment, and consequently these harms are different to those suffered due to parent and child separation experienced for any other reason, for example marital breakdown or bereavement. Drawing on Comfort’s work I suggest that the harms raise particular concerns and have ‘corrosive’ damaging impacts on children because their origin is in punishment within the criminal justice system: the criminal justice system is distinct… in that it is charged with exacting control and distributing punishment, and hence a spillover effect is inherently more corrosive to bystanders than that of an institutional process concerned with providing a social good, such as medical treatment or education. I offer the suggestion that harms which children of imprisoned mothers experience come from two different social acts and attach to children in two specific ways. Children experience the first group of harms because the prison’s reach extends into their lives through ‘secondary prisonisation’ and they attach to the children through the prison’s regulation of their relationship with their parent and the demands which the physical separation and limited contact place upon them. The second group of harms is attributable to the stigmatisation of children and their carers by society due to the mother’s imprisonment. Drawing on the work of a number of theorists I argue that in the same way that a prisoner is stigmatised and socially isolated, a label attaches by way of courtesy stigma to the children of prisoners and to those who care for them during the parents’ imprisonment. Such stigmatisation leads not only to isolation, but also to discrimination against that group of children. This briefing paper focuses on the way in which these harms affect children's wellbeing and their relationships with their mothers.

DIFICULTADES PARENTALES RELACIONADAS CON EL EFECTO DE ESTIGMA EN EL ÁMBITO DE LOS TRASTORNOS GENERALIZADOS DEL DESARROLLO Y ESTRATEGIAS DE INTERVENCIÓN EN FAMILIAS

Abstract.Introduction: When a child is diagnosed with ASD, his family undergoes a process of adaptation to the new situation that is faced. There are many cases of stigmatization inGeneralized Developmental Disorders (PDD) and the difficulties faced by families. For this reason, their difficulties must be addressed through useful intervention strategies.Objectives: The objective of this study is to study, through a systematic review of the scientific literature, parental difficulties and the effect of stigma in the field of disorders of development, as well as intervention strategies in autism.Methodology: A systematic review of scientific articles has been carried out consulting the databases. The materials have been restricted by publication date (2000/2017) and have been searched with the following descriptors in Spanish and English: stigma and autism, autism and families, therapies in families and autism / Stigma and autism, autism and families, family therapies and autism.Results: The results show that there are certain parental behaviors considered to be at risk for the development and promotion of the psychological difficulties of the children, as well such as difficulties in the family and school environment related to stigmatization of children diagnosed with PDD. Over the years there have been many intervention strategies used to reduce them, being those based on third generation therapies that have reported better results.Conclusion: There is a need to promote techniques of Acceptance Therapy and Commitment in schools of families, as well as further investigation.Keywords: Parental difficulties, stigma, TGD and intervention strategies.Resumen.Introducción: Cuando un niño o niña recibe el diagnóstico de TEA su familia sufre un proceso de adaptación a la nueva situación que se afronta. Son muchos los casos de estigmatización en los Trastornos Generalizados del Desarrollo (TGD) y las dificultades que se les plantean a las familias. Por ello se debe dar respuesta a sus dificultades mediante estrategias de intervención útiles.Objetivos: El objetivo del presente trabajo es estudiar, mediante una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica, las dificultades parentales y el efecto de estigma en el ámbito de los trastornos generalizados del desarrollo, así como las estrategias de intervención en familias de niños con autismo.Metodología: Se ha realizado una revisión sistemática de artículos científicos consultando las bases de datos. Los materiales han sido restringidos por fecha de publicación (2000/2017) y se han buscado con los siguientes descriptores en español e inglés: estigma y autismo, autismo y familias, terapias en familias y autismo/ Stigma and autism, autism and families, family therapies and autism. Resultados: Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que hay determinadas conductas parentales consideradas de riesgo para el desarrollo y fomento de las dificultades psicológicas de los hijos, así como las dificultades existentes en el ámbito familiar y escolar relacionado con la estigmatización de los niños diagnosticados de TGD. A lo largo de los años han sido muchas las estrategias de intervención empleadas para paliarlas, siendo las basadas en terapias de tercera generación las que han reportado mejores resultados.Conclusión: Surge la necesidad de fomentar técnicas propias de la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso en escuelas de familias, así como seguir investigando al respecto.Palabras clave: Dificultades parentales, estigma, TGD y estrategias de intervención.

Perspectives of elementary school educators in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the US on disability, stigmatization and children's developing self: Part 2: Solutions

The stigmatization of children with disabilities at school is a culturally widespread social justice challenge. The paper is the second of a two-part series. In the first paper (Haight, Kayama, Ku, Cho, & Lee, 2016), we described the problem of stigmatization from the perspectives of experienced elementary school educators in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the US. In this paper, we focus on the solutions provided by these same educators; specifically, their perspectives on socialization practices to minimize stigmatization and support the development of self for children with disabilities and their typically-developing peers. We conducted cross-cultural analyses of individual, semi-structured, audio recorded interviews with 26 Japanese, 43 South Korean, 16 Taiwanese and 18 US educators, including school social workers. Educators from all research sites described socialization practices to support children with disabilities and their typically-developing peers. For children with disabilities, US educators focused on individualized support provided in private to minimize stigmatization. East Asian educators intentionally involved peers in supporting children with disabilities. For typically-developing peers, educators described cultivating empathy (Japan), providing formal disability awareness programs (South Korea), teaching moral values (Taiwan) and respecting individual differences (US). We discuss these socialization practices within educators' sociocultural-historical contexts. Educators' perspectives can be used to develop culture- and stigma-sensitive intervention programs for children with disabilities and their peers.

Abstract: Age, Socioeconomic Status, Race, and Congenital Nevus Excision

BACKGROUND: Excision of congenital nevi is recommended for cosmetic1 benefit, as well as for malignancy prophylaxis.2,3,4 As the lesions grow with the children, excisions at a younger age may be technically easier. The authors examined patterns in congenital nevus excision. METHODS: HCUP-KID, the largest publicly-available pediatric inpatient all-payer database, was queried for patients with diagnoses of congenital nevi and procedure codes indicating excisions between 2000–2012. Regression models were used, with significance <0.05. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and six discharges were found, of patients of average age 5.2 ± 5.2 years. Six hundred seventy-seven patients (53.7%) were female; 54.9% were Caucasian. Using a linear model to predict age, controlling for gender, race, private insurance, high income quartile, and hospital region, white race (-1.53 years, p<0.0001) and median household income in the highest quartile (-0.96 years, p=0.044) were significant. In binary logistic regressions controlling for gender, race, private insurance, high-income quartile, and region, increasing age was associated with fewer local excisions (OR 0.97, 0.94–0.99) and less tissue expander use (OR 0.96, 0.92–0.99) and more radical excisions (OR 1.05, 1.02–1.08) and graft use (OR 1.07, 1.04–1.10). Forty-four patients had complications, including 29 infections and 12 hemorrhages/hematomas. In a binary logistic regression controlling for gender, race, private insurance, region, excision type, age, and zip-code income quartile, local and radical excision were less likely to be associated with complications versus tissue expanders, flaps, and grafts (OR 0.11, 0.03–0.45 and OR 0.19, 0.04–0.85, respectively). Southern location was associated with complications (OR 5.15, 1.23–20.69). There were zero complications in the northeastern region versus 27 in the south and 13 in the west. Patients with complications had longer hospital stays (6.18 ± 8.05 versus 1.88 ± 2.14, p <0.001) and higher hospital charges ($43,662.08 ± 61,214.37 versus $19,777.82 ± 16,516.34, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient age at presentation drives selection of excision type for congenital nevi. Certain excision types are higher risk. As patient age at presentation is associated with socioeconomic and demographic factors, non-white and poorer patients may be at increased risk for complications following excision of congenital nevi. This study was limited by the lack of lesion size information available in the database; however it is the first study to examine management of congenital melanocytic nevi on a national scale. REFERENCES: 1 Masnari O, Landolt MA, Roessler J et al. Self- and parent-perceived stigmatization in children and adolescents with congenital or acquired facial differences. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2012;65: 1664–70. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2012.06.004. 2 Arneja JS, Gosain AK. Giant congenital melanocytic nevi. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009; 124: 1-13e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181ab11be. 3 Marghoob AA, Schoenbach SP, Kopf AW, Orlow SJ, Nossa R, Bart RS. Large congenital melanocytic nevi and the risk for the development of malignant lemanoma: A prospective study. Arch Dermatol. 1996;132: 170–5. 4 Tannous ZS, Mihm MC, Sober AJ, Duncan LM. Congenital melanocytic nevi: Clinical and histopathologic features, risk of melanoma, and clinical management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;52: 197–203.

Understanding stigma from a sociocultural context: mothers’ experience of stigma directed towards children with special educational needs

ABSTRACTAlthough the need for a better understanding and deconstruction of the barriers that underpin and impede the realisation of inclusive education in many developing countries is acknowledged, few studies focus specifically on exploring how stigma affects the choices that parents in developing countries make on behalf of their children. This paper contributes to the understanding of the stigma experience of mothers of children with special educational needs (SEN) in a Nigerian context. The aim of the study was to explore how parents’ interpretation of stigma directed towards their children with SEN affects the educational decision they make on behalf of these children. The study consisted of eight interviews with mothers of children with SEN in Lagos, Nigeria. Specifically, stigmatisation of children with SEN was found to be underpinned by a ‘non-materialistic’ culture and worldviews that construct disability as ‘non-normal’. Findings also uncover a range of coping mechanisms adopted by mothers to deal with courtesy stigma and stigma stress. Theoretical and practical contributions to the literature on stigma and inclusive education are subsequently discussed. Theoretically, we introduce and discuss the import of ‘stigma transference’ (the different modes that stigma can be transferred from one individual to the other) and practically, we discuss implications of findings for anti-stigma intervention.

Treatment of Echolalia in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review

Echolalia can lead to communication breakdowns that increase the likelihood of social failure and stigmatization in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In an effort to facilitate evidenced-based intervention and inform future research, this systematic review analyzes peer-reviewed studies involving the treatment of echolalia in individuals with ASD. Using predetermined inclusion criteria, a total of 11 studies were identified, reviewed, and summarized in terms of the following: (a) participant characteristics (e.g., verbal and cognitive functioning), (b) type of echolalia (e.g., delayed or immediate), (c) intervention procedures, (d) intervention outcomes, (e) maintenance and generalization of outcomes, and (f) research design and other indicators of rigor (i.e., certainty of evidence). Nine studies successfully reduced echolalia in a total of 17 participants. However, only six of those nine studies met criteria to be classified as providing the highest level of certainty (i.e., conclusive). The findings of this review suggest that a number of treatment options can be considered promising practices for the treatment of echolalia in children with ASD. Although no single treatment package can be described as well-established evidence-based practice, all 11 studies involved behavior analytic intervention components, suggesting strong support for operant-based treatments. In particular, behavior analytic interventions demonstrating conclusive levels of evidence included cues-pause-point, differential reinforcement of lower rates of behavior, script training plus visual cues, and verbal modeling plus positive reinforcement for appropriate responses. Implications for practitioners and directions for future research are offered.

Multiple congenital deformity of the limbs – a better functional recovery with early physiotherapy

Congenital deformities continue to be one of the main causes of deformities and stigmatization in children. We report a case of a 3-day-old baby, referred C O fever. Neonatal history not available, except that it was a twin delivery, other baby died at birth. Her weight at birth is 1.4 kg with temperature on admission 38.50 °C. Unilateral club foot (left foot), hyperdorsiflexion and eversion of the right foot with a reverse longitudinal and transverse curve of the foot. Right hand - about 1400 elbow flexion, 900 wrist flexion, 150 MCP extension, and 800 PIP flexion. Left hand - about 1100 elbow flexion, 800 wrist flexion, Nil MCP, Nil PIP. Passive ROM of right hand - about 450 elbow flexion, 300 wrist flexion, 450 MCP flexion, 200 PIP flexion. Left hand - 300 elbow flexion, 150 wrist flexion, Nil MCP, Nil PIP. Primitive reflexes - poor. The impression after necessary findings was + early neonatal infection in premature associated with multiple congenital limb deformity. The baby was unable to extend elbow and dorsiflex wrist of both hands, flex MCP and extend PIP of right hand. Physiotherapy was incorporated on day 12 of hospitalization. We started with PROM of all joints of the limbs moving them through the available range. Later, gentle passive stretch of elbow and wrist flexors of both hands, MCP extensors and PIP flexors of right hand to get full passive range. Finally, splints were designed to correct these deformities in the functional range gained - worn for 30 min, then 2 h, then 6 h, then by night, then 24 h. The lower limbs are being corrected by the Ponseti method. Baby continues normal follow-up by the pediatrician. After two months of therapy, babies have good extension of elbows and wrist of both hands, flex MCP and extend PIP or right hand. The sad mother is already excited at the results we have so far. Some African cultures stigmatize children born with deformity. The good result of this unique case will prove to many that no blames should be attributed to the child, mother or family as a result of deformity that can be properly managed by early physiotherapy intervention. Early physiotherapy intervention will become the solution to congenital deformities preventing handicap.

Witchcraft stigmatization in Nigeria: Challenges and successes in the implementation of child rights

Witchcraft stigmatization is increasingly identified as a growing human rights concern. The stigmatization of children as witches and resultant child rights abuse is particularly prevalent in Nigeria, and has been recognized as a major barrier to the effective implementation of child rights in this state. Witchcraft-related abuse entails significant violations of a range of children’s rights, and is yet to receive adequate or effective policy responses from government. Whilst Civil Society Organizations have attempted to address this issue, significant practical and conceptual challenges to their work remain.

What strategies are appropriate for monitoring children outside of family care and evaluating the impact of the programs intended to serve them?

ObjectivesTo strengthen the evidence-base for policy and practice for support of children outside of family care requires effective, efficient and sustainable mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation. Toward that end, two core questions guided a systematic review of evidence: What strategies are appropriate for monitoring the needs and circumstances of children outside of family care? What strategies are suitable for evaluating the impact of the programs intended to serve such children? MethodsA structured document search and review process was implemented within the context of the U.S. Government Evidence Summit on Protecting Children Outside of Family Care of December 2011. Through successive review phases, initially using structured screening criteria, followed by thematic review by an expert panel, 73 documents were identified for analysis. ResultsAnalysis of models and strategies indicates that: (1) tools are available for assessment of children's needs, but require refining to accommodate contextual demands; (2) well-designed evaluations are able to identify the influence of assistance; (3) long-term follow-up is crucial to developing a strong evidence-base on effective strategies; and (4) insights into systems-wide monitoring mechanisms are emerging. In addition to describing key components of monitoring and evaluation strategies, findings draw attention to the evaluation of children's resiliency and protective factors, community based monitoring and the role of caregivers, as well as concerns over the stigmatization of children (through data collection methodologies encouraging the ‘labeling’ of children) and the importance of children's participation. ConclusionsFostering a stronger evidence-base to improve protection for vulnerable children requires evaluations that are integrated into program development, use context-appropriate methodologies able to assess intervention scalability and employ more longitudinal designs to explore children's trajectories. Further, future programming will benefit from systems-wide data coordination and international comparisons, research that emphasizes coping and resilience mechanisms, and children's participation in monitoring and evaluation.

Recognition of Same-Sex Parenting in Australia

Every state and territory in Australia has legislation the object of which is to provide legal certainty regarding the status of children and their parents. Such legislation was introduced in all jurisdictions in the 1970s to address the stigmatisation of children born to women who were not married and to remove notions of ‘illegitimacy’. There have been significant social changes since the inception of these Acts. Forty years later it is now common place that Australian families come in all shapes and sizes. Children may be parented by their biological parent(s) or they may have adoptive parents, foster parents, or live in blended families. The people who parent them may be heterosexual or gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (‘GLBT’). They may be single, married, in heterosexual de facto or same-sex relationships. While the law has been slow to recognise legal parentage in some of these circumstances it is now the case that changes to laws in federal and most state/territory jurisdictions recognise and in some instances facilitate same-sex parenting. This article compares the law in South Australia, which is the only jurisdiction yet to recognise and/or facilitate any form of same-sex parenting other than foster care, with those Australian jurisdictions that do. It is timely as there is currently a parliamentary inquiry into same-sex parenting in South Australia, and a private members bill tabled in parliament concerning the recognition of lesbian co-parents of children born as a result of assisted reproductive treatment (‘ART’).

Physical Disability, Stigma, and Physical Activity in Children

Using the stereotype content model as a guiding framework, this study explored whether the stigma that able‐bodied adults have towards children with a physical disability is reduced when the child is portrayed as being active. In a 2 (physical activity status) x 2 (ability status) study design, 178 university students rated a child described in one of four vignettes on 12 dimensions of perceived warmth and competence. Results revealed a main effect of ability status on warmth (p < 0.001) such that children with a physical disability were rated significantly higher in perceived warmth than able‐bodied children, regardless of activity status (d = 0.86). Also, there was a significant interaction (p = 0.02) of ability and activity status on perceived competence, indicating that ratings of perceived competence were significantly higher for active children with a physical disability than for all other children (d = 0.54–0.64). Results suggest that physical activity should be explored as a way to mitigate the stigmatisation of children with a physical disability.