Coordinated and Evidence-Based Policy and Practice for Protecting Children Outside of Family Care

• NCJ Number: 240328
• Journal: Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 36 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2012 Pages: 743-751
• Author(s): Neil Boothby; Robert L. Balster; Philip Goldman; Michael C. Wessells; Charles H. Zeanah; Gillian Huebner; James Garbarino
• Date Published: October 2012
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis; Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After portraying the circumstances of maltreated children who do not receive the services extended to children linked to a family, this article proposes steps that should be taken in order to identify these children, assess their needs, and provide coordinated national and international responses to meet those needs.

Abstract

Globally, 17.8 million children have lost both parents; between 2 and 8 million children are in institutional care; 1.8 million children are victims of sex trafficking or are exploited for pornography; and 1.1 million children are trafficked for forced labor. This article discusses what is known and not known about these children, and it discusses the development of an appropriate research framework. This is followed by a discussion of the importance and logistics of connecting research, practice, and policy. This is followed by the identification of ethical considerations in this endeavor. Issues discussed are the principle of doing no harm, the inclusion of low- and middle-income countries in setting research agendas, and the importance of proceeding with caution and guidance in conducting research that involves these children. Capacity development and knowledge transfer are then discussed. Four recommendations are offered. First, define an interagency research agenda on these children as a first step toward defining a broader research on children in adversity and child protection in low- and middle-income countries. Elements of this agenda are suggested. Second, monitor interagency funding for research on these children so as to ensure the defined priority research areas are adequately funded. Third, adhere to clear ethical guidelines for research to ensure the physical and psychological safety of study participants. Fourth, establish a long-term effort to develop integrated knowledge transfer mechanisms in developing and middle/higher income countries; and promote partnerships between universities, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and civil society. 65 references