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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for street children
25 results foundAuthor: Hatley, Anne Title: Identification of Street Children: Characteristics of Street Children in Bamako and Accra Summary: This report presents the results of a quantitative study of the street children population in two West African cities: Bamako in Mali and Accra in Ghana. The main aim of the study was to develop methodologies for difficult to reach populations, with an additional aim of giving characteristics of the population group chosen. Details: Oslo: Fafo, 2005. 94p. Source: Fafo-report 174 Year: 2005 Country: Africa URL: Shelf Number: 116372 Keywords: Child LaborHuman TraffickingStreet Children |
Author: Smeaton, Emilie Title: Off the Radar: Children and Young People on the Streets in the UK Summary: ‘Off the Radar’ is a comprehensive qualitative research study and looks in detail at the lives, situations and experiences of more than one hundred of the most detached children and young people in the UK. The report is organised under the following headings: family and home; violence; the role of the streets; experiences of agencies; and behaviors, identities and states of being. Details: Sandbach, Cheshire, UK: Railway Children, 2010. 122p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 119284 Keywords: HomelessnessRunawaysStreet Children |
Author: Murtaza, Amir Title: Silent Shrieks: A Situational Analysis of Violence Against Street Children in Karachi Summary: Violence against children is certainly not a new phenomenon. Millions of children throughout the world, including Pakistan, are the victims of physical, sexual, emotional violence and discrimination. However, the definition of “violence” to children varies from country to country and culture to culture. Different countries have differing levels of “legal” violence to children, characterizing such violence as forms of allowable punishment. Negative impact of globalization, unplanned urbanization, increasing poverty, rural-urban migration and rising unemployment have devastating consequences for children. Under these adverse circumstances, poor families, especially in underdeveloped countries, abandon their children or they run away because of lack of parental care and concern. Poverty, neglect and mistreatment are the major factors compelling them to leave their homes and seek shelter in big cities, making streets, market places, bus stops and railway stations as their new homes. To make a living, they take petty jobs, indulge in immoral activities and often take drugs. In the process, they come across criminals who lure them to a similar life of crime. Children who leave, run away, or forced to take refuge in the streets are generally attracted to Karachi, the economic capital of the country. Therefore, street children are extremely visible in all 18 towns of the city. The exact numbers of street children in Karachi are unknown; a look of railway stations or bus stops strengthens the prevailing notion that the arrival of any train/bus from rural areas of the country increases the number of street children in Karachi. The working conditions of these children can be described as dirty and dangerous. They do all sorts of manual work and do not find any profession that could ultimately lead them to skilled profession. Children on the streets suffer both physically and psychologically. Their exposure to unhealthy living and working conditions, vulnerability to physical and sexual abuse, drugs and indulgence in criminal activities are some of the physical threats. Violence against street children in Karachi manifests itself in a number of forms. However, the exact scope of the problem is not known as it has been only in the last few years that the prevalence of deliberate physical and mental violence to street children by parents, peers, police and others has begun to be acknowledged however not documented. The purpose of this situational analysis is to document the patterns and magnitude of violence against street children in Karachi and provide groundwork for further researches. Details: Pakistan: Initiator Human Development Foundation, 2010. 65p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2011 at: http://www.crin.org/docs/SLIENT-SHRIEKS.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Pakistan URL: http://www.crin.org/docs/SLIENT-SHRIEKS.pdf Shelf Number: 121072 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentStreet ChildrenViolence Against Children |
Author: Berezina, Evgenia Title: Street Children: Victimization and Abuse of Street Children Worldwide Summary: This report examines the lives of nearly 150 million children worldwide who are living on the streets. These children are among the most vulnerable to neglect, abuse, exploitation, torture, and death... often at the hands of the very individuals and institutions that are supposed to protect them. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the worldwide problem of abuse and violence of children living on the streets. These children are exceptionally vulnerable and are often exploited and made outcasts of society. Details: Washington, DC: Youth Advocate Program International, 2004. 4 p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 19, 2011 at: http://www.yapi.org/rpstreetchildren.pdf Year: 2004 Country: International URL: http://www.yapi.org/rpstreetchildren.pdf Shelf Number: 121756 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionStreet Children |
Author: Invernizzi, Antonella Title: Vulnerability to Exploitation and Trafficking of Bulgarian Children and Adolescents in Greece: A Case Study of Street Based Survival Strategies in Thessaloniki Summary: Streets and public spaces in Greece are vibrant and lively spaces during the day as well as night for leisure and social life and also for a number of very diverse economic activities. One might mention artists such as musicians or actors, elderly people selling coffee or cigarettes, people selling snacks or lottery tickets, women near markets selling cloths and curtains, adults and children selling candles or other religious items, tissues, CDs and DVDs, fl owers, with beggars seemingly gaining the sympathy by showing disability or family responsibility, which usually means carrying a baby or a toddler in their arms, or being accompanied by a disabled child. We also observed an adult with an adolescent seemingly in need of care, with a sign explaining about the surgery she needs. At the traffic lights, young people might hand out advertising material or leaflets to drivers whilst adolescents and adults clean windscreens. This is the scenario in which this research took place. Such a broad range of economic activities are carried out in the streets by a very heterogeneous population: old and young, of Greek as well as foreign nationality, of Roma origins as well as belonging to what it is usually considered as Greek mainstream society. Streets in the cities are often fast changing and some of the street work observed during this research might be the survival strategies of particularly vulnerable individuals facing hardship as a result of the economic turmoil. This might include internal or international migrants looking for income in very difficult circumstances. For others, such as students and young artists, the street is a space for generating income as well as having an audience for performances, thus incorporating a dimension of rehearsal and training. For those who beg or sell services or goods of limited use, the need is to generate compassion and empathy in order to gain some kind of income. Where this entail situations of authentic distress and extreme uncertainty, begging equally involves a display of the suffering and powerlessness to persuade the potential benefactor to support the beggar. In some cases, the display might be quite aggressive, as in the case of a woman with a baby showing her breast to drivers to bluntly point to the fact she was breastfeeding. Some beggars might act out fake disabilities, for instance a young woman who cleverly hid her arm in the sleeve of her coat whilst begging or pretend to have family responsibilities by carrying a child in her arms who might be that of a friend. Begging might also be a sort of cover for other activities such as picking pockets and for spotting potential victims or distracting them. More worryingly, both begging and delinquency might be, as information on trafficking shows, for the benefit of others whereby individual children and adults might be working under the hidden control of more powerful and sometimes well organised adults who are forcing and exploiting them into these activities. It is in this complex, constantly changing and very diverse environment that street social workers act to support children and adolescents facing hardship and risks and attempt to protect children from the most negative aspects of the street life. This includes identifying abuse and exploitation as well as, when and wherever possible, potential patterns of trafficking. Professionals need to build at least an often implicit framework to distinguish fake needs from ‘real’ ones whilst accepting that display of misery is part of begging. They have to identify potential delinquent behaviour behind the ‘less unacceptable’ and often tolerated survival strategies and, when it comes to family survival strategies, make the part of that which is the outcome of poverty, instability or particular widespread practices of some categories of the population from what is abuse or exploitation of children and vulnerable adults. They also need to keep an open mind on the possibility of trafficking in human beings. This research was aimed at supporting policy making and programmes active in the field by contributing to a better knowledge of the situation of these populations. Whereas street economic activities, including the most marginal and problematic ones, are from far not a question of specific grouping or categorisation but by and large cover a broader number of national and foreign ethnic and age categories, the specific focus was on Bulgarian children in the streets of Thessaloniki as part of the activities of the MARIO project. It resulted out of a partnership between MARIO project, Terre des Hommes and ARSIS Thessaloniki. ARSIS has proven expertise in the area of child trafficking and has already implemented a number of programmes in Greece and Albania with children working in the street that include prevention and protection in relation to traffi cking as well as support fo families. Whilst the population of Bulgarian children in the streets of Thessaloniki was seemingly increasing, communication and intervention with this population was confronted with barriers in communication and lack of background information on these specific groups. MARIO project’s set up for the study thus included a research team made of ARSIS based social worker, Ms Valbona Hystuna; Bulgaria based social worker, Ms Ulyana Matveeva (Alliance for Children and Youth, Sofi a) and the research consultant who is author of this report. The research set out to examine the situation of Bulgarian children and adolescents living and/or carrying out economic activities in the streets of Thessaloniki with an examination of migration patterns, vulnerability to and experiences of exploitation and, in the event, of patterns of trafficking. Details: Budapest: MARIO Project,Budapest in collaboration with ARSIS Thessaloniki, 2011. 51p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 29, 2011 at: http://www.fitdh.org/pdf/pressreleases/bulgarian_children_in_greece_mario_report.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Greece URL: http://www.fitdh.org/pdf/pressreleases/bulgarian_children_in_greece_mario_report.pdf Shelf Number: 121894 Keywords: BeggingChild Sexual ExploitationChild Trafficking (Greece)PovertyStreet Children |
Author: Consortium for Street Children Title: STREET CHILDREN: A Mapping & Gapping Review of the Literature 2000 to 2010 Consortium for Street Children Summary: This paper presents a unique Literature Review of international research studies about street children published during the decade from 2000 to 2010. Studies have been collected and mapped into 12 thematic sections, drawing on more than 400 papers, chapters and books published around the world in the English language. Studies consulted were primarily academic, supplemented with key texts from the development literature on street children. Gaps between and within thematic sections have been identified and analyzed. The paper‘s dual purpose is: To improve understanding of street children by identifying recent advances in an academic scholarship which began in the 1970s To identify priority areas for academic research on street children, in order to build a stronger strategic base for the development of advocacy, policy and programme design initiatives. This Review divides into 4 Parts and a total of 12 sections, which reflect the most interesting advances in the academic research over the last 10 years as follows: 1. Street Children - Old Myths and New Realities: exploring their Numbers, Definitions, Characteristics and Voices from the Streets 2. Street Children – The Wider ‘Everyday’ Picture: exploring their Relationships, Migration and Mobility, Experiences on the Streets and Ageing into Youth 3. Policies and Interventions – as designed for or experienced by street children 4. The Policy Context – exploring Laws & Enforcement, plus Economics, Budgets & Funding. Details: London: Consortium for Street Children, 2011. 75p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 29, 2011 at: http://www.streetchildren.org.uk/_uploads/publications/Street_Children_Mapping__Gapping_Literature_Review_-_FINAL_VERSION_-_February_2011.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.streetchildren.org.uk/_uploads/publications/Street_Children_Mapping__Gapping_Literature_Review_-_FINAL_VERSION_-_February_2011.pdf Shelf Number: 122231 Keywords: Homeless ChildrenHomelessnessPovertyStreet Children |
Author: National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty Title: Alone Without A Home: A State-by-State Review of Laws Affecting Unaccompanied Youth Summary: Each year, an estimated 1.6 million children and youth (ages 12-17) experience homelessness without a parent or guardian. These youth leave home for a variety of reasons, including severe family conflict, parental abuse or neglect, parental mental health issues, or substance abuse. Whether runaway or throwaway, once on the street, unaccompanied homeless youth face numerous legal barriers that often complicate their attempts to meet the basic necessities of life on their own and prevent them from reaching out for assistance to state agencies and service providers that could otherwise help them. Further complicating matters is that many of these laws vary considerably from state to state, creating misinterpretations by service providers and mistaken avoidance of services on the part of homeless youth who may fear being taken into state custody or assume they will be turned away. This report reviews the state of current law in 12 key issue areas that affect the lives and future prospects of unaccompanied homeless youth in all 50 U.S. states and 6 territories. The report offers an overview of the range of approaches taken by states and their relative prevalence, and reveals significant differences in many cases. The report also provides recommendations for policy change in each of the areas, with a view towards strengthening the supports available to unaccompanied youth. While many issues surrounding unaccompanied youth remain controversial, the aim of this report is to recommend steps that can protect their safety, development, health and dignity, and thus increase their prospects for positive future outcomes. Details: Washington, DC: National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and The National Network for Youth, 2012. 251p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 15, 2012 at: http://www.nlchp.org/content/pubs/Alone%20Without%20a%20Home,%20FINAL1.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.nlchp.org/content/pubs/Alone%20Without%20a%20Home,%20FINAL1.pdf Shelf Number: 126728 Keywords: Juvenile RunawaysPovertyStatus OffensesStreet ChildrenYouth Homelessness (U.S.) |
Author: Matthews, Amie Title: Child Safe Tourism: The Tourist Perspective Summary: This report summarises findings from a recent online survey conducted with over 300 international travellers to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam (collectively referred to in this report as ‘the Region’). The survey was conducted to better grasp the sorts of interactions tourists have with children in these countries and to gauge their perceptions of these interactions and of child safe tourism in general. The survey findings show:1 Tourists frequently engage with local children when visiting the Region and are generally happy to do so. While such interactions may be positive experiences for tourists, they can also leave lasting negative impressions in travellers’ minds. For instance, meetings with local children were positively described by those travellers who indicated that they had gained a unique insight into the country or local culture through the children they encountered, who enjoyed talking and playing with local children, or who felt that local children were especially welcoming. On the other hand, when encounters with local children highlighted poverty, their vulnerability, or were perceived as existing within a broader context of abuse or exploitation they were generally described negatively by survey participants. Such experiences not only impacted tourists at an emotional level but in many cases they also appeared to impact their perception of the local culture and destination. Over half (57.1%) of the participants indicated that they had witnessed situations involving the exploitation or abuse of children while travelling in the Region. Respondents described situations where they had come across children selling goods or begging or where they were being used by adults (in some cases their parents) to play on tourist sympathies. They also expressed concern over children not being in school, being forced to perform for tourists, and children being subject to sexual exploitation. 85% of survey participants reported being approached by young people selling souvenirs and 81.2% reported being approached by children or youth (under the age of 18) who were begging. Many survey participants also reported seeing children collecting rubbish (49%), working in a restaurant or hotel (48.5%) and street performing (38%). A significant number also claimed that they had seen children or youth working as tour guides (25.5%) and of most concern, in the sex industry (20.5%). Overwhelmingly all of the participants that discussed witnessing these types of exploitation stated that it made them feel disgusted, sad, concerned or worried, helpless, guilty, angry and/or frustrated. 28.8% of respondents indicated that they thought a combination of all of these exploitative behaviours was either deemed normal by locals, or that locals (including local authorities) turned a blind eye to them. This perception is worrying on multiple fronts. For one thing, it sets an extremely low standard of behaviour for tourists to ascribe to and would likely impact the willingness of travellers to get involved or intervene in suspected cases of child exploitation/abuse. On the other hand, the idea that a community condones or accepts child abuse and exploitation is an extremely negative image for a tourist destination to carry, one which can ultimately be quite damaging to the tourism industry. Abuse and/or exploitation of children in tourism is not tolerated by tourists and it can have significant impacts on the destination images that tourists (and potential tourists) develop. Many survey participants reported having shared their concerns about children in the Region being subjected to exploitation or abuse with friends, family and colleagues at home. A number of respondents also indicated that they had either cut their visit to specific localities short or would not return to some destinations as a result of their exposure to incidents which they believed involved the abuse of children and young people. Subsequently, it is in the best interests of the tourism industry for local and national governments, as well as tourism providers, to continue to address these issues and to ensure children are protected from all forms of abuse in tourism in the Region. 53.2% of participants stated they did not purchase goods/services from children and 78.7% stated that they did not give money to a begging child or youth. This shows that tourists who took part in the survey demonstrated reasonable levels of awareness with regards to the issues attached to children selling goods to tourists or begging. Most frequently the reasons given for avoiding these sorts of exchanges with young people were to discourage unsustainable socio-economic cultures from developing and/or to avoid placing children or young people in ‘at-risk’ situations. Many of the survey participants seemed well educated about the fact that if children are on the streets begging and/or selling they are not likely to go to school and may be left vulnerable to exploitation or abuse. Many also talked about begging as not being an empowering or even likely means for ending the poverty cycle. By way of comparison, a significant number also made reference to what they perceived as better alternatives such as giving money to a local charity or giving the children food instead. Almost half (49.5%) of the respondents felt they had some sort of responsibility for local children and youth when travelling. A number of participants seemed to have clear strategies for dealing with children who were begging or selling goods and services in the Region and many made real efforts to ensure their interactions with children were ethical. A number of participants reported taking very pro-active steps to assist children in need and many survey respondents indicated that they had felt a real desire to help while in the Region. However, even those participants who made clear efforts to help locals (and local children in particular) seemed unsure as to whether their actions had constituted best-practice. Frequently doubts and uncertainties about the best way to engage with children in the Region were expressed. Only 19.5% of survey respondents felt they had enough information to protect local children and youth encountered in public places. Overwhelmingly though, many participants indicated that they wanted to know more about the situation and how they could help. 84.8% of survey participants stated that they would like to know more about how to protect children and prevent exploitation in the Region. Almost the same number of participants said they’d like to know more about local customs, appropriate dress and behaviour (83.3%) and about ways in which tourists could support the local economy (83%). In a similar vein, when asked whether a business’ policy to protect children would influence their purchase habits 94.8% of participants said that it would. Details: Melbourne: World Vision Australia, 2012. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 29, 2012 at: http://beta.wvi.org/sites/default/files/Child_Safe_Tourism_eBook_Nov%202012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Cambodia URL: http://beta.wvi.org/sites/default/files/Child_Safe_Tourism_eBook_Nov%202012.pdf Shelf Number: 127036 Keywords: Child ProstitutionChild ProtectionChild Sexual ExploitationStreet BeggingStreet ChildrenTourism (Cambodia) |
Author: Wenke, Daja Title: Children Trafficked for Exploitation in Begging and Criminality: A challenge for law enforcement and child protection Summary: In 2002, the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) established an Expert Group for Cooperation on Children at Risk (EGCC), a group of representatives from the ministries responsible for child policy in the CBSS Member States. The Expert Group set up the Children’s Unit within the CBSS international secretariat and created a special regional framework for cooperation on child rights and child protection. Through its programmes, the EGCC has addressed the situation of unaccompanied and trafficked children in the region since 20031. In all CBSS Member States, children are known to be exposed to exploitation, including in the context of trafficking. The national governments have committed to address child trafficking, nationally as well as through the regional cooperation of the CBSS, within the European Union and the Council of Europe. Significant progress has been achieved in setting up structures and measures for the identification and referral of child victims, the investigation of cases and the prosecution of perpetrators. Yet, only few children are officially identified and registered as victims of trafficking each year. Service providers report higher numbers, based on their experience of working with child victims and children at risk. The experience with addressing child trafficking in the region is concentrated mainly on cases of sexual exploitation. There is, however, evidence and a growing awareness that children are exposed to many different and multiple forms of exploitation. An area that has thus far received limited attention is the exploitation of children in begging and criminal activities. With the adoption of the new EU Directive on human trafficking in 2011, governments have specifically committed to address these forms of exploitation. It is therefore timely to document and share the experience made with these types of cases as well as related good practice and challenges. In many European countries, children are known to be involved in begging and other street based activities or in criminal activities such as petty crime, burglary, stealing, and drug dealing. The children concerned include nationals and non-nationals from within the EU and from third countries. Although the authorities at the local and central levels of European States are aware of these cases, there is little evidence as to whether the children are exploited and if they are victims of trafficking. They are often looked at as ‘street children’, children in conflict with the law, or migrant and asylum seeking children. In the case of Roma children, their involvement in begging, other street based activities or petty crime is often perceived according to common stereotypes as a ‘cultural issue’ and a ‘personal choice’ that is not condoned but tolerated. The possible links to organised exploitation and trafficking are not necessarily recognised and investigated. Child protection services and law enforcement agencies are equally struggling to identify and understand these cases and to respond in an appropriate way that is child-centred and rights-based. Their attempts to safeguard the rights of the children and remove them from the risky or exploitative situations do not always succeed. Some children consent to cooperating with the police, to exit the exploitative situations and to accept the services they are being offered. Others refuse and their motivations are manifold. In order to investigate the challenges that child protection services and law enforcement agencies are confronted with when addressing these cases, the EGCC launched the programme ‘Children trafficked for exploitation in begging and criminality: A challenge for law enforcement and child protection’. The programme builds on the outcomes of a regional conference on child trafficking organised by the EGCC and the Norwegian Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion in June 20113. The conference identified concrete challenges and difficulties that law enforcement and child protection services are confronted with when investigating and responding to the cases of children involved in begging and criminal activities. Details: Stockholm: Council of the Baltic Sea States Child Centre, Expert Group for Cooperation on Children at Risk, 2013. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 26, 2013 at: http://www.childcentre.info/public/Childtrafficking_begging_crime.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Europe URL: http://www.childcentre.info/public/Childtrafficking_begging_crime.pdf Shelf Number: 128140 Keywords: Child BeggingChild ProtectionChild Sexual ExploitationChild Trafficking (Lithuana, Poland, Norway, SwedeStreet Children |
Author: Starks, Louise Title: Reach: A New Model of Intervention for Children Before, During and After They Run Away Summary: For the past 15 years, Railway Children have worked to support children around the world who live on the streets, or are at risk through running away from home or care. In the UK, they support local projects in England and Scotland and work to raise awareness and improve support among services in the community. They also play an important role in shaping policy and practice in the support of young runaways. The Reach model has been developed by Railway Children to provide services for young people before, during and after episodes of running away. The concept of the Reach model was developed from previous research funded by Railway Children that evidenced a lack of support for young people who run away from home or care. The Reach model includes awareness raising and preventative support, as well as more tailored, one-to-one support with young people and their families or carers. The Reach model has seven distinct elements that encompass both prevention and support: Preventative education: working in partnership with schools, youth clubs, social care residential homes and community centres to raise awareness of the risks of running away among young people. Detached street work: taking the service to the streets with dedicated detached street workers, delivering sessions to introduce their service to potentially vulnerable young people. Local helpline: providing information and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week through telephone, web access and text services. Refuge7/safe place: emergency, safe accommodation for young people unable to be accommodated elsewhere for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights. Missing person return interviews (MisPer): conducted by an independent agency with the young person who has run away to help identify the reasons why they ran away and prevent it happening again. One-to-one casework: support for the young person from a dedicated key worker who helps them identify the reasons why they run away and reduce the likelihood of repeat running. Family support: for the parents/carers of the young person who is running away to help address the issues and concerns within families that may be causing the young person to run away. Details: Sandbach, UK: Railway Children, 2012. 106p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 4, 2013 at: https://www.railwaychildren.org.uk/media/90291/reach_-_full_report.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.railwaychildren.org.uk/media/90291/reach_-_full_report.pdf Shelf Number: 128263 Keywords: RunawaysStreet Children |
Author: Feeny, Thomas Title: In Best or Vested Interests? An Exploration of the Concept and Practice of Family Reunification for Street Children Summary: As the movement advocating children’s participation in their own life decisions gathered pace in the late 1990s and early 21st century, governments were left with increasingly few options given their continued antipathy to the presence of these children on the streets. NGOs had begun to take the initiative by offering non-formal education opportunities and vocational training to try and give children the skills to get themselves off the streets, but these efforts continued to struggle in the wider context of a society still very much averse to the mere existence of these children. The response taken by many was therefore to move towards preventive or ‘early’ intervention, spurred on by better understandings of the multiple factors both pushing and pulling children onto the streets. It was into this arena that family reunification programmes emerged – the main characteristics being (a) recognition of the family as the most sustainable partner with regard to the children’s welfare; (b) an acknowledgement that the original causes of family separation need addressing and resolving; and (b) a belief that this can be achieved through procedural and participatory counseling of the child and/or the family members concerned. To suggest that these ideas were completely new would be wrong – as noted earlier, the importance of the family environment had already been emphasised in both religious ideals and the legal provisions of the CRC. Rather, it was that the context proved more fertile to such programmes, with the touted high-profile success of reunification strategies targeting children affected by war, such as Rwanda in the late 1990s. Family-partnered interventions were also in tune with contemporary donor demands for sustainability and participation, while also allowing NGOs to claim such programmes as morally and ethically ‘correct’ and in the ‘best interests’ of the child. Unfortunately, the most important question of methodology – how this reunification process should best be performed – remains unclear. Whatever the motivation behind them, family reunification programmes are now rapidly taking off in many countries around the world, in spite of the inherent methodological uncertainty. Already, organisations have begun to proudly proclaim 80-90% success rates for their reunification programmes, and more and more of their fellow agencies are showing signs of interest. This study sets out to go ‘behind the scenes’ of family reunification programmes from a number of perspectives. In Part One, it will look at the conceptual theory that underpins this intervention, and examine how constructions of the ‘family’ and the ‘child’ have influenced policy making in this field. It will then reconsider these in light of contemporary research material on the social realities of street children’s lives. Part Two will then explore the practical issues relating to the entire process of reunification itself, from the early stages of identifying children on the streets to monitoring their welfare in the weeks and months after reunification with their family. A final Conclusion will then discuss the findings of the study and its implications for organisations operating or considering starting family reunification programmes with street children. Areas for future research are also highlighted. Details: London: Consortium for Street Children, 2005. 65p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 3, 2013 at: http://www.streetchildren.org.uk/_uploads/Publications/In_Best_or_Vested_Interests.pdf Year: 2005 Country: International URL: http://www.streetchildren.org.uk/_uploads/Publications/In_Best_or_Vested_Interests.pdf Shelf Number: 128612 Keywords: Child ProtectionFamily Reunification ProgramsHomeless PersonsHomeless YouthRunawaysStreet Children |
Author: Joleby, Elin Title: The Perception of Children’s Rights in Paraguayan Press: A study of how Unicef communicates with journalists concerning child street-workers Summary: This study focused on the level of success Unicef in Paraguay had in communicating its message concerning child street-workers to the press in Asunción. We also examined how the communication works between Unicef and the journalists, and how child street-workers appear in the press according to our sources. We based our study on the theoretical understanding of media logic and planned communication. These theories were useful to explain the possibilities and obstacles Unicef faces in its communication with the press. Our study builds on qualitative research interviews with journalists, communication staff at Unicef and the coordinator of the Global Agency of News, an organization that monitors how children appear in the Paraguayan press. We found that the communication between Unicef and the journalists is very important and highly valued by both Unicef and the Paraguayan newspapers. The relationship builds on constant trade, where both parts depend on each other. Unicef needs attention from the press in order to spread its message to the general public. The journalists need Unicef because the organization works as a trustable information source to back-up their articles regarding childhood. No one in our study was satisfied with the way child street-workers appear in the press. The children are often showed as victims or criminals and children’s rights are not always considered. A central problem is that awareness about children’s rights is low, both in the Paraguayan society and among many journalists. Unicef succeeds quite well in their communication with the journalists that are already aware of children’s rights. But the organization does not succeed in communicating with a big part of the press, as a lot of articles are still discriminative towards child street-workers. Details: University of Kalmar, School of Communication and Design, 2009. 56p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 15, 2013 at: umu.diva-portal.org Year: 2009 Country: Paraguay URL: Shelf Number: 128743 Keywords: Child Street Workers (Paraguay)JournalistsMediaStreet Children |
Author: Ray, Patricia Title: Still On The Street - Still Short Of Rights. Analysis of policy and programmes related to street involved children Summary: This report provides an analysis of the situation of street involved children and highlights programmatic initiatives being implemented by international and local non-governmental organisations. The report begins with an explanation of why this research on street involved children was conducted and continues with main chapters 2 to 8, each of which end with a concluding section that pulls together the main points of the chapter.• Chapters 2, 3 and 4 discuss who street involved children are, how they come to be there and what they experience whilst involved with the street. • Chapter 5 analyses the legal frameworks which are pertinent to street involved children • Chapter 6 describes approaches to policy and programme work with street involved children.• Chapters 7 and 8 examine the prevention and response to street involvement by children, and in Chapter 8 the main conclusions and recommendations of the report are brought together Details: London: Consortium for Street Children; Geneva: Plan International, 2011. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 15, 2013 at: http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/sites/default/files/documents/3849.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/sites/default/files/documents/3849.pdf Shelf Number: 128745 Keywords: Child ProtectionStreet Children |
Author: Berkman, Heather Title: Social exclusion and violence in Latin America and the Caribbean Summary: This paper examines how social exclusion contributes to violence in communities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Residents in socially excluded communities cannot depend on those institutions designed to protect them, and violence becomes an instrument to achieve certain outcomes, such as justice, security, and economic gain. When conventional methods of obtaining and working for increased social status, higher income, and wider influence are limited, as they often are in marginalized areas, some feel compelled to resort to violent acts. This paper discusses how social exclusion and violence interact in a vicious circle that leaves the socially excluded in a very hostile social environment where the borders between legal and illegal, legitimate and illegitimate are often fuzzy and uncertain. In this environment violence is used by a minority to acquire justice, security, authority and economic gain. The use of violence by this minority, however, affect the lives of the majority of excluded people that do not resort to violence. As youths are particularly vulnerable to this issue, this paper also examines the relationship between violence and the plight of Latin American youth gangs and street children. Details: Washington, DC: Inter-American Development Bank, 2007. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Department Working paper series ; 613): Accessed June 21, 2013 at: http://www.iadb.org/res/publications/pubfiles/pubwp-613.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Central America URL: http://www.iadb.org/res/publications/pubfiles/pubwp-613.pdf Shelf Number: 129039 Keywords: Socio-Economic StatusStreet ChildrenViolence (Latin America and Caribbean)Violent CrimeYouth GangsYouth Violence |
Author: UN-Habitat Title: Strategy Paper on Urban Youth in Africa: A Focus on the most vulnerable groups Summary: This strategy paper has been developed in the context of UN-Habitat’s Safer Cities Programme, and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). It forms part of UN-Habitat’s work on urbanization, the inclusive city, the problems of urban youth, and issues of governance and youth participation. It is in keeping with the Millennium Development Goal of achieving a significant improvement in the lives of urban slum dwellers by 2020. Since the beginning of the 1990’s, the population of urban youth living in poverty, and youth crime and crime by minors in cities in the developing world have increased significantly. As part of the Safer Cities initiative, UN-Habitat has undertaken a number of exploratory surveys and studies in African cities which focus on the plight of youth in the correctional system, and those at risk of criminalization and victimization, such as street children. Through its Urban Management Programme, it has worked in collaboration with local partners on the development of youth junior councils and youth participatory mechanisms. In June 2002, in collaboration with the Government of South Africa, UN-Habitat initiated an international conference held in Nelson Mandela Metropole, on the development of citizenship among youth in conflict with the law in Africa. That conference brought together representatives of national governments, cities and municipalities, civil society organizations working with youth at risk, as well as youth leaders, criminal justice personnel, the research community and United Nations agencies. Its aim was to provide tools to support initiatives concerned with youth at risk, and young offenders, to elaborate a strategy on youth at risk, and to establish a network of cities and public and private organizations working with such youth. The conference resulted in a Declaration, and a Platform for Action, both of which focus both on the problems of the most vulnerable youth in African cities. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: UN-Habitat, 2012. 87p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 21, 2013 at: http://www.unhabitat.org/downloads/docs/5647_23903_2472_altedit.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Africa URL: http://www.unhabitat.org/downloads/docs/5647_23903_2472_altedit.pdf Shelf Number: 129124 Keywords: At-Risk Youth (Africa)Juvenile DelinquencyJuvenile OffendersStreet Children |
Author: Lynch, Tristam W. Title: The evolution of modern Central American street gangs and the political violence they present: Case studies of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras Summary: Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras have experienced a history immersed in political, economical and violent turmoil that has resulted in centuries of unsettled government, weak economies, alienation, and exploitation of the masses. This turmoil dates back to Spanish forms of dictatorial rule in the sixteenth century, and English and German control of commodities and land during the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Along with foreign influence, forms of dictatorial rule resulted in poor socioeconomic conditions, internal anarchy within Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras and the onset of civil wars. During the Reagan Administration, the United States used these countries in Central America for strategic military, agricultural and political purposes. The poor economic and politically violent conditions continued, resulting in the formation of dangerous street gangs, youth groups violently taking control of territories and later engaging in drug trafficking. Presence of the United States military operations, the civil wars, namely the Nicaraguan Contra War throughout the Central American region, resulted in a variety of opportunities for immigrants, to migrate into the United States. Other opportunities included left over weapons by the United States military, guerillas and contras, which were used by these violent youth to intimidate the local governments of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. However, after the Central American families migrated to avoid the poor conditions within these countries, some children became gang members due to lack of alternatives in the U.S. The U.S. authorities deported many of these youth back to their respective Central American countries because of the crimes they committed in the U.S. This deportation increased further political turmoil in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras such that these violent youth groups threaten procedural democracy from functioning. This thesis examines the historical evolution of first, second and third generation Central American street gangs, and the political violence they present in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Details: Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, 2008. 93p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed June 22, 2013 at: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1369&context=etd Year: 2008 Country: Central America URL: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1369&context=etd Shelf Number: 129132 Keywords: Political ViolenceStreet ChildrenYouth Gangs (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras) |
Author: Volpi, Elena Title: Street Children: Promising Practices and Approaches Summary: In many regions of the world, the phenomenon of street children is unabated, while it is emerging in others where it was unknown so far. Behind child disconnection lie highly vulnerable families and communities, many struggling to come to terms with economic liberalization and growing inequality. Disconnection can also be traced to a lack of communication in the family and the weakening of social capital. Street children are an alarm signaling the dire need for social development and poverty reduction policies to improve the situation in the community at large, and to prevent more young people from becoming marginalized. While preventive interventions are essential, those children already facing the hardships of street life need immediate opportunities for human development via special protection programs. This report distills the main lessons learned from a number of programs that have attempted to meet the special needs of street children worldwide. Its purpose is to help potential donors understand activities in this area and identify promising practices. Details: Washington, DC: World Bank, 2002. 41p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 22, 2013 at: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37196.pdf Year: 2002 Country: International URL: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37196.pdf Shelf Number: 129138 Keywords: Delinquency PreventionStreet Children |
Author: IRIN (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) Title: Youth in Crisis: Coming of Age in the 21st Century Summary: Across the globe, a generation of youth is rapidly reaching adulthood bearing the tragic consequences of their nations’ worst problems. In this ‘Youth in Crisis’ In-Depth, IRIN traces the impact of the events shaping their lives, from the illegal forced marriage of teenage girls in Afghanistan and Ethiopia, to the tripling of school fees and the deteriorating education system in Zimbabwe. Cultural conservatism, as well as fear of attacks on schools by Taliban insurgents, and poverty, mean half of all Afghan children do not go to school, and those who do often ‘graduate’ to unemployment. To be young in some nations is to be more disadvantaged than one’s parents were: the numbers of children attending school in the Republic of Congo has fallen from almost 100 per cent before the 1998-2002 civil war to below 75 percent now. The same is true in northern Uganda where high illiteracy rates are a consequence of two decades of war and insecurity, condemning Acholi youngsters brought up in displaced peoples’ camps to a life of far fewer opportunities than older siblings, parents and even grandparents. Educational and economic collapse is given as one reason for the ease with which militias in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo recruited teenagers into their ranks - demobilisation programmes struggle to convince many of them to resume civilian lives. Young Somalis, who escaped violence at home, face a different problem: as part of an ‘educated elite’ at schools in refugee camps in Kenya, they are unable to put their education to good use as long as Kenya’s government curtails their movement outside the camps. Life beyond school is equally challenging: some medical students in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, arrive hours before classes just to save a space close enough to a university lecturer to hear him speak. Classes often stretch to more than 1,200 students and lecturers demand financial rewards for granting students good marks. Young Guineans with degrees end up hawking goods on city streets - a factor influencing their decision to agitate for political change, which they say “is going to come with violence”. University campuses in Côte d’Ivoire have become a breeding ground for pro-government political militancy and extortion, while Nigeria is trying to curb the influence of predatory student cults that in the past few years have opened fire on students in examinations, and continue to intimidate or kill anti-cult activists. Gang culture dominates the lives of tens of thousands of South Africans in Cape Town. In addition, youngsters addicted to tik (crystal meth) land up in juvenile detention centres where conditions and counselling are inadequate. Street gangs are also common in N’Djamena, capital of Chad, a country where the role of the youth is said to have been crucial to every political transition since 1975. Emotionally bereft, many Rwandan teenagers are not rebelling but still recovering from the 1994 genocide that defined their lives. Loss and injustice also characterise the lives of an estimated 250,000-300,000 Kenyan street children, while three-quarters of Kenyan sex workers interviewed for a United Nations report said they felt commercial sex was an acceptable way to make money. In Pakistan, the wealth gap between rich and poor is blamed for a surge in petty crime, committed mostly by people aged 16-25 years. Drug addiction is also a problem among the young and privileged. Since the attacks of 11 September 2001 in the United States and the war in Afghanistan that followed, many middle-class boys in Pakistan have been turning away from Western lifestyles and identifying with extremist Islamic groups and the violence they promote. ‘Soul hunters’ from religious or criminal groups in the densely populated Ferghana Valley linking Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan prey on young people facing unemployment or migration to Russia or Kazakhstan - vocational training set up under the Soviet system to provide skills for the labour market has collapsed. In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, some young people take pride in joining groups involved in what they term resistance to Israel, while in Lebanon more teenagers have joined Lebanon’s Hezbollah political party since the 2006 war between Hezbollah militias and Israel’s largely conscripted army. In Iraq, some families say they would rather see their teenagers and children die fighting American soldiers than become victims of spiralling sectarian violence. These issues form part of IRIN’s In-Depth on ‘Youth in Crisis,’ which also contains features on the transition from childhood to adulthood, education, war, migration, HIV/AIDS, violence and urbanisation, as well as photos, links and references. Details: Nairobi: IRIN, 2007. 80p. Source: Internet Resource: IRIN In-Depth: Accessed June 25, 2013 at: http://www.irinnews.org/pdf/in-depth/youth-in-crisis-irin-in-depth.pdf Year: 2007 Country: International URL: http://www.irinnews.org/pdf/in-depth/youth-in-crisis-irin-in-depth.pdf Shelf Number: 129162 Keywords: Forced MarriageGangsStreet ChildrenYouth PovertyYouth Violence |
Author: Healy, Claire Title: Report for the Study on Typology and Policy Responses to Child Begging in the EU Summary: Child begging is a common sight in cities such as Budapest, Sofia, Paris or Warsaw. It is not so common, and in fact has all but disappeared, in Stockholm, Copenhagen or Vienna. One of the purposes of this report is to examine the reasons behind these differences, in relation to legislation, policy and responses, as well as the characteristics and causes of child begging across Europe. Begging children occupy a place at the lowest echelons of society, come from poor backgrounds, are often badly dressed and badly cared for, and mostly treated as a nuisance by the authorities, rather than as a child protection concern. Their visibility on the streets of European cities casts doubt upon the viability of child protection frameworks and reminds passers-by of the intolerable levels of poverty, inequality, exclusion and child abuse that exist in Europe today. During the last few years, there has been increasing attention in many EU Member States and other European countries on the phenomenon of child begging. Whilst a consensus exists among Member States that child begging needs to be addressed, there has been little evidence thus far on what is the best policy approach. In order to provide a comprehensive understanding and rigorous empirical research on child begging, it is necessary both to conduct research at a national level, and to bring the research down to a local level, to examine the reality of the phenomenon as it affects the children themselves and as it plays out in European localities. Therefore research was conducted first at a national level in 15 European countries – 13 EU Member States and 2 non-EU countries, as well as, in a second phase, in a total of thirty European cities, on the phenomenon of child begging. The Country Sections included in this Report present a complex phenomenon that is by no means homogenous in nature, and involves children of various backgrounds and in different situations. Nevertheless, there are some key features common to a number of cities, setting out the main scenarios that child begging represents. Details: Brussels: European Commission, 2012. 337p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 6, 2013 at: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/cybercrime/docs/child_begging_final_11jan2013_en.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Europe URL: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/cybercrime/docs/child_begging_final_11jan2013_en.pdf Shelf Number: 129259 Keywords: Child Begging (Europe)Child ExploitationChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionRunawaysStreet Children |
Author: Human Rights Watch Title: "Where Do You Want Us to Go?" Abuses against Street Children in Uganda Summary: Over half of all Ugandans are under the age of 15 and children are the single largest demographic group living in poverty. Street children in Uganda's urban centers face the risk of violence, abuse, and discrimination at the hands of the police and the population at large. They lack basic necessities, including access to clean water, food, medical attention, shelter, and education. Based on interviews with over 130 current and former street children, "Where Do You Want Us to Go?" documents human rights violations against street children by the police, local government officials, older street children and adults, and members of the community. Police and other officials, such as those from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), have beaten, extorted money, and arbitrarily detained street children often in roundups. Although Uganda has put in place a legal framework designed to protect child rights, including those of street children, key state child protection agencies are failing to respond adequately or effectively to the needs of these children. Human Rights Watch calls on the government of Uganda to end to the roundups and abuses against street children and implement its child protection system. Those responsible for abuse, including police and officials, should be investigated and prosecuted. International partners should consider supporting civil society organizations involved in child protection and activities directly targeting street children throughout the country. Details: New York: HRW, 2014. 83p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 17, 2014 at: http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/uganda0714_forinsert_ForUpload.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Uganda URL: http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/uganda0714_forinsert_ForUpload.pdf Shelf Number: 132705 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionHomeless YouthPovertyStreet Children |
Author: Friends International Title: Bangkok Street Children Profile Summary: Most beggars in Bangkok are not from Thailand. They are migrants from neighboring countries, such as Cambodia or Burma, who are drawn to the city's lucrative begging opportunities. These beggars must accept a high level of risk when they travel to Thailand; many are thrown in jail and then deported in a worse state than before. But the biggest issue arises when they bring their children to work on the streets with them. They are at risk of being abused and exploited, are often unhealthy and are in danger of being hit by cars or motorcycles. There are more than 20,000 street children in Thailand's major urban areas. In a single day, a child can earn 300 baht ($10) to 1,000 baht ($30) - much more than the amount a Cambodian or Burmese living in poverty makes back home. In Phnom Penh, for instance, scavenging rubbish all day will only earn a child 16 baht ($0.50). Cambodians make up around 80 percent of Thailand's child beggars. Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world and half of its population is children. Beggars who are from Thailand usually hail from the northeast Isan region, where 40 percent of the country's poor comes from. Their parents come to Bangkok to find work, usually as motorcycle taxi drivers or construction workers. When they have children, they realize they cannot afford to take care of them. Distrustful of the government-run orphanages, many simply abandon their children in the hands of babysitters, hoping they will find a home there. However, these children are often made to work on the streets to earn some money for their upkeep, according to chairwoman Darat Pitaksit of the Young Women's Christian Association (YMCA) in Bankok, an organization that works with underprivileged children. Because going to school is mandatory until the sixth grade, most Thai children manage to attend at least primary school. Secondary school attendance in Bangkok, however, drops by 20 percent. Despite it being the richest area of Thailand, rates of attendance are lower in Bangkok than anywhere else in the country because of the presence of migrant workers' children and the lifestyles they are made to lead. Contrary to common perception, these street children, both from Thailand and neighboring countries, do not fall into crime, drugs, or other illicit activity. "Thai children are raised to respect their elders," Pitaksit says. "In addition, the belief in karma helps them to be more accepting of their hardships in life." Similarly, Cambodian children would often rather beg on the streets than go to school, says Chantana Sueprom, a staff member of the UNICEF supported NGO Friends International. They feel it is their duty to help their parents earn money. Details: Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Friends-International, 2012. 27p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 13, 2016 at: http://www.admcf.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BangkokStreetChildrenProfile2012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Thailand URL: http://www.admcf.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BangkokStreetChildrenProfile2012.pdf Shelf Number: 139423 Keywords: BeggingHomelessnessPovertyStreet Children |
Author: Owasanoye, Bolaji, ed. Title: Street Children and the Juvenile Justice System in Lagos State Summary: The findings of research carried out between the la te eighties and early nineties indicate that three categories of Nigerian children spend m o re tim e on the streets than their peers. These are street working or working street children, that is, child ren who are on the streets to work and regularly return to their f a m ilies af ter work. These incl ude hawkers, scavengers, car-washers/watchers. Secondly, those who are in the streets only to play gam e s such as football. The dram atic success of young footballers in FIFA Under 17 W o rld Ch am pionship in China in 1985 and in Japan 1993 which were accom p anied by generous gifts by the Federal and State Governm e nts has led to an increase in the num bers of these children and in the intensity of street gam e s of ten resulting in inform al and partial street closure. Thirdly, st reet children defined as those who actually live on the streets and sleep under bridge s, and flyovers as well as in cul-de-sacs , uncom pleted/dilapidated buildings, abandoned vehicles and m a rket stalls. Although children who spend m u ch tim e on the street s are autom a tically exposed to various types of risks and hazards, depending on the socio-econom ic characteristics of neighbourhood in which streets are located, those who sleep on the streets have been identified as contending with grave problem s com p ared to the other two categories of children m e ntioned earlier. The physical, social and psychological problem s of street children are truly daunting. They lack basic resources with which to sustain healthy living. Consequently, they suffered from preventable skin and parasitic diseases. Moreover, the violent environm ent of the street in which they reside aid their adoption of self -protective m echanism s , which f u rther lead to their stigm a tization by the public. The findings of a survey of Area Boys and Girls in Lagos State in 1993 revealed that street children tend to be exploited by drug peddlers who insist that they m u st buy hard-drugs in order to rem a in in particular niches on the streets. Som e tim es th ey are required to pay dues to persons who claim to be their 'landlords'. Occasionally they ar e expected to render som e m e nial and indecent services to those violent 'landlords'. Street children have com e to know that there are no free spaces even on the streets. In spite of the m e ntioned problem s of street ch ildren, they have not received m u ch research let alone intervention attention. It is in view of th e relative neglect of street children that one is delighted that this book has been written. Details: Human Development Initiatives, 2004. 134p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 4, 2016 at: http://www.eldis.org/vfile/upload/1/document/0708/DOC16855.pdf Year: 2004 Country: Nigeria URL: http://www.eldis.org/vfile/upload/1/document/0708/DOC16855.pdf Shelf Number: 130045 Keywords: Homeless YouthJuvenile Justice SystemStreet Children |
Author: Mellish, Madison Title: Gender-Based Violence in Malawi: A Literature Review to Inform the National Response Summary: The government of Malawi has taken important actions to address gender-based violence (GBV), recognizing its detrimental impact on the people of Malawi and the progress of the country. The Department of Gender Affairs of the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW) coordinates the national GBV response and is working to strengthen GBV data systems and improve the use of data for GBV policy development and program implementation. In support of this effort, the USAID- and PEPFAR-funded Health Policy Project (HPP) conducted a literature review to identify and synthesize existing studies and key government documents on GBV in Malawi. The literature review focused on the following questions: • What are the various forms of GBV that exist in Malawi, and how prevalent are they? What are the trends? • What is known about GBV among specific populations or in specific settings? • What factors are associated with GBV? • What is the impact of GBV? • What interventions have been undertaken to address GBV and how effective have they been? • What key government documents on GBV exist and what do they say? This literature review provides answers to these questions by compiling information from available published and unpublished sources and presenting it in a succinct format so that researchers and policymakers can familiarize themselves with existing research and key documents, use it to inform policy and program decision making, and build a research agenda and portfolio that targets knowledge strengths and gaps. The review includes 74 documents related to GBV in Malawi. Most focus on various forms of violence experienced by women, including domestic or intimate partner violence (IPV). Several large nationally representative surveys have been conducted, notably the Malawi Demographic and Health Surveys 2004 and 2010, as well as a national GBV study that focused on IPV (Pelser et al., 2005). These provide prevalence estimates for GBV and a wealth of other information on factors associated with GBV experienced by women. Also, a large portion of the reviewed studies and policy documents examined GBV among children. One nationally representative study looked at the prevalence of several forms of violence experienced by school-aged children, both inside and outside the school environment (Burton, 2005). Another looked at experiences of GBV among girls and young women, and focused on educational impact (Bisika et al., 2009). A third nationally representative survey examined prevalence of coerced first sex in Malawi and three other African countries (Moore et al., 2007). About one-third of the reviewed research studies addressed GBV among specific populations, including people living in specific geographic locations, school children, employees, female domestic workers, female university students, prisoners, street children, people living with HIV, women with disabilities, and refugees. A slightly larger number of studies examined knowledge and attitudes related to GBV and other associated factors, including demographics, harmful traditional practices, the school environment, controlling behaviors, and substance use. Several of the reviewed studies examined the impact of GBV in Malawi, focusing on individuals’ health and education, as well as Malawi’s economy. Only a few studies were found that evaluated GBV interventions, despite the fact that many GBV interventions are occurring in Malawi. Summaries of findings from all reviewed studies are included in this report. Details: Washington, DC: Futures Group, Health Policy Project, 2015. 64p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 3, 2016 at: http://www.healthpolicyproject.com/pubs/436_FINALHPPMalawiGBVLiteratureReview.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Malawi URL: http://www.healthpolicyproject.com/pubs/436_FINALHPPMalawiGBVLiteratureReview.pdf Shelf Number: 144998 Keywords: Domestic WorkersFamily ViolenceGender-Based ViolenceIntimate Partner ViolenceStreet ChildrenViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Coren, Esther Title: Services for street-connected children and young people in low-and middle-income countries: A thematic synthesis Summary: The review did not find any studies that reported evaluations of programmes in low and middle income countries, even though many relevant programmes exist. The studies that were found from high income countries were of low to moderate quality and it was difficult to compare the studies as while many of them measured similar things (eg drug and alcohol use), they measured the outcomes in different ways that were not comparable. Each study compared a new therapeutic intervention with existing services offered in drop in or shelter service centres, so all the participants were using services. None of the studies compared young people who were using services with young people who were not using them. The interventions being evaluated consisted of time limited therapeutically based programmes which did not prove to overall be more effective than standard shelter or drop-in services for most outcomes and in most studies. Results were not consistent across the studies but the "new " programmes being evaluated did not prove to be better at helping the street connected children and young people than the usual services. There were favourable changes from baseline in outcomes for most particpants in therapy interventions and also in standard services. This may partly be because those young people using the services are already involved with the support on offer and want to change their lives. An important issue to understand therefore is how services promote themselves to young people and what factors make young people want to take up services that are available. The authors included 11 studies evaluating 12 interventions from high income countries. They did not find any sufficiently robust evaluations conducted in low and middle income countries (LMICs) despite the existence of many relevant programmes. Study quality overall was low to moderate and there was great variation in the measurement used by studies, making comparison difficult. Participants were drop-in and shelter based. There was considerable heterogeneity between studies and equity data were inconsistently reported. No study measured the primary outcome of reintegration or reported on adverse effects. The review discussion section included consideration of the relevance of the findings for LMIC settings. Details: London: London: International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), 64p. Source: Internet Resource: Systematic Review 12: http://www.3ieimpact.org/media/filer_public/2016/07/12/sr12-street-children-review.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.3ieimpact.org/media/filer_public/2016/07/12/sr12-street-children-review.pdf Shelf Number: 146476 Keywords: RunawaysStreet Children |
Author: Casa Alianza Nicaragua Title: Street Children and Juvenile Justice in Nicaragua Summary: This paper is part of a two-year research and advocacy project examining the situation of the human rights abuses of street children in juvenile justice systems in six countries: Kenya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Romania. The study used research and national, cross-sectoral workshops involving street children, civil society organisations, the police, judiciary, social and probation services and other stakeholders. This report provides a brief analysis of the situation of street children in Nicaragua, and the reasons for their arrival and prolonged existence on the streets. It examines the existing legal processes, terms and guarantees of national laws relating to juvenile justice in Nicaragua, primarily the Special Criminal Justice System for Adolescents, to identify the gaps and shortcomings that permit rights violations to occur. Street children and other actors from relevant institutions (police, judiciary, NGOs etc.) provide information on the actual experience of children in conflict with the law at all stages, from arrest through to trial, sentencing and detention. The report also details evidence of good practices regarding the treatment of street children subject to the justice system and suggests recommendations to improve the observance and respect of fundamental rights and national and international legislation. Recommendations to the government of the Republic of Nicaragua include: ensure the provision of humane treatment to children in provisional detention and that their innocence is continually presumed provide training for penitentiary staff on the correct and appropriate treatment of children the quality and quantity of food provided in both provisional and definite detention should be designed with children's particular needs in mind, and sufficient to ensure a basic, healthy diet and the preservation of good health Recommendations to the National Police include: all police personnel must be trained in human rights, the rights of children and adolescents, Special Criminal Justice for Adolescents and the Regulations for Administration of Justice for Adolescents Recommendations to the judiciary: necessary budget allocation should be made to the judiciary powers for creation of Adolescent Courts and their respective specialised teams that are still lacking in the rest of the country all judges should be trained on human rights and the rights of the child. Details: London: Consortium for Street Children, 2004. 53p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 3, 2017 at; http://www.streetchildrenresources.org/resources/street-children-and-juvenile-justice-in-nicaragua/ Year: 2004 Country: Nicaragua URL: http://www.streetchildrenresources.org/resources/street-children-and-juvenile-justice-in-nicaragua/ Shelf Number: 130122 Keywords: Human Rights AbusesJuvenile Justice SystemsRights of the ChildStreet Children |