Psychosocial Support

The best form of psychosocial support is a healthy family and supportive environment, preferably in the child's community of origin, or one that is culturally similar. Psychosocial well-being is a product of multiple support, which is rooted in the ability to form healthy relationships and participate in community networks.

However, certain considerations may be required in order to help children and caretakers come to terms with life-changing events, such as the loss of a parent. Separation can be highly stressful for children, particularly if it is unexpected, or repeated. Some children may experience anxiety, attachment problems, sleep disturbances, dependency issues, regression, and a range of other behavioural issues which threaten their mental health and development.

Specific types of support may be required for children suffering from loss, severe or chronic ill health, abuse or exploitation. The child’s experience, age, resilience, and the level of support received from the family and community will determine if a child needs external services. A child is far less likely to experience psychosocial stress if they have good natural support mechanisms and therefore protection efforts should focus on supporting families and communities to help each other.

When psychosocial support is needed, an assessment is important in determining the scope and type of issues, the existing family and community resources, and analysis of how these can be strengthened. Clinical mental health interventions such as therapy, psychiatry or psychological counseling, should only be provided by trained professionals after a clinical assessment and, in all cases, should be culturally relevant.

Psychosocial activities must promote the children’s development and their relationships with others, re-establish routines, increase self confidence and sense of control over their lives. Children’s activities, such as the provision of safe places, group work or referrals to specialists, should be designed around the child’s individual needs, age, gender, and cultural identity. Interventions should be empowering, inclusive, and fully integrated with wider community efforts. Children’s participation is essential in psychosocial work; children should be encouraged to express their opinions, and to have these taken into account.

The literature found here describes the psychosocial effects of separation, and other threats to children such as HIV/AIDS, conflict, abuse and exploitation, and provides guidance and examples of psychosocial interventions.

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My Life Journey Book

Life Book for Youth, FICE Netherland, Het Begint Bij Mij, University of Groningen, 2022

Since the start of war in Ukraine, more than 4 million people have fled, half of whom are children. As of today there is the Mylifejourneybook for these children: an activity book in which children can write their experiences of the journey, but also their memories of Ukraine and their hopes for the future. The book can be downloaded free of charge for everyone at www.lifebookforyouth.com/mylifejourneybook

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The Mental Health of BC Youth With Government Care Experience: A Youth Research Academy Report

McCreary Centre Society Youth Research Academy, 2022

Background

WHO European Framework for Action on Mental Health 2021 - 2025

WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022

The WHO European Framework for Action on Mental Health (EFAMH), covering the period 2021–2025, sets out a response to current mental health challenges arising from the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on population mental health and well-being. The EFAMH provides a coherent basis for intensified efforts to mainstream, promote and safeguard mental well-being as an integral element of COVID-19 response and recovery; to counter the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions; and to advocate for and promote investment in accessible quality mental health services. Implementation and monitoring of this Framework for Action will be powered by the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition, a flagship initiative of the European Programme of Work 2020–2025. Draft of this document was tabled as a background document for the discussion on mental health during the 71st session of the Regional Committee for Europe, Virtual session, 13–15 September 2021.

Caring for LGBTQ Children & Youth

Human Rights Campaign, 31 Dec 2021

The resource provides information about the care and support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning children and youth.

Exploring the Impact of the Absence of Parents on the Left-Behind Children and Its Countermeasures

Yu Zhang, 31 Dec 2021

"Left-behind children" refer to children whose parents or one of them go out to work in the city all year round. Due to the education conditions in the city, they stay alone in the countryside. Because they are separated from their parents all the year round, the lack of good family education in their growth environment has brought many negative effects on their growth and also caused more serious social problems. It can be seen that the research on the family education of left-behind children in rural areas is very necessary. Therefore, this study takes G Village in Guizhou Province as an example. This study includes literature review and a interview of 40 left-behind children and 20 guardians in G Village, Guizhou Province. Also, the physical and mental health and safety hazards of left-behind children and their causes were analyzed.

Shifting Landscapes of Global Child Mental Health: Imperatives for transdisciplinary approaches

Sheila Ramaswamy, Shekhar Seshadri, Joske Bunders-Aelen, 31 Dec 2021

There are a multitude of stakeholders involved in the protection, education, mental health and psychosocial care of children for children in low- and middle-income countries. This article presents how the current medical and public health models for child mental healthcare, do not adequately address the complexities of child protection and mental health. It argues for mental health professionals to: (a) recognise the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in mental health morbidity; (b) adopt an alternative approach, namely that of transdisciplinarity, to enable more effective solutions to children’s psychosocial and mental health issues, through systemic reform and transformation.

The Views of Children in Residential Care on the COVID-19 Lockdown: Implications for and their well-being and psychosocial intervention

Carme Montserrat, Marta Garcia-Molsosa , Joan Llosada-Gistau and Rosa Sitjes-Figueras , 01 Dec 2021

Recent international research has warned of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on vulnerable children. However, little is known regarding the in-care population. The objective of this study was to find out how children in residential care perceived the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown in their everyday life, relationships and subjective well-being. Participants and setting: 856 children from 10 to 17 years old (Mage = 15.5, males = 71.2%, females = 28.8%) living in residential centres in Catalonia.

Screening for Trauma and Behavioral Health Needs in Child Welfare: Practice implications for promoting placement stability

Becci A. Akin, Crystal Collins-Camargo, Jessica Strolin-Goltzman, Becky Antle, A. Nathan Verbist, Ashley N. Palmer, Alison Krompf, 01 Dec 2021

Findings of this report suggest that early screenings for trauma and behavioral health needs may provide important information that could be used to identify children's needs, make appropriate service referrals, establish well-matched placements, and support resource parents and birth parents toward better permanency outcomes.

Webinar Recording: Transforming Children's Care Webinar #6 - Trauma-Informed Approaches to Care

Transforming Children's Care Global Collaborative Platform, 17 Nov 2021

This webinar, the sixth in the Transforming Children's Care Webinar Series, provided an introduction to trauma-informed care from various perspectives and vantage points.

Guidance for Mental Health Professionals Serving Unaccompanied Children Released from Government Custody

Stanford Early Life Stress and Resilience Program, National Center for Youth Law, Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice, 01 Nov 2021

Providing effective mental health services to unaccompanied children released from federal immigration custody is both critically important and incredibly challenging. Developed by children’s rights attorneys and mental health experts on trauma and immigration, this Guide is grounded in the voices and experiences of unaccompanied children.