Displaying 1 - 10 of 14
Abstract
The goal of this paper was to conduct a review of studies from 2008 to 2019 that evaluated community‐based caregiver or family interventions to support the mental health of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in sub‐Saharan Africa, across four domains: (a) study methodology, (b) cultural adaptation and community participation, (c) intervention strategies, and (d) effects on child mental health. Ten interventions were identified. Findings revealed that the majority of studies used a randomized controlled trial or quasi‐experimental design, but few conducted long‐term follow‐up;…
Ebola virus disease outbreaks have a significant impact on the wellbeing of those affected, their family, community members and the health workers treating people with Ebola.
This guide focuses on psychological first aid, which involves humane, supportive and practical help to fellow human beings suffering serious crisis events. It is written for people who can help others experiencing an extremely distressing event.
This guide is an adaptation of the Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers (World Health Organization, War Trauma Foundation, World Vision International, 2011). It…
Abstract
Each year, some young people leave children's homes or orphanages in Ghana to start life on their own. However, little is known about their challenges and the factors that influence their coping mechanisms. Data were collected through interviews with 23 care leavers and analysed using the framework analysis. The findings show that the care leavers were experiencing challenges with employment, housing, and social integration. Risk factors included having inadequate social and cultural skills and leaving care without employment. The protective factors that influenced the…
Thirteen agencies* working in Africa have issued a Joint Statement calling on African governments to strengthen their child protection systems to secure the right of children to a life free from violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect in both emergency and non-emergency settings. The agencies, which include UNICEF, as well as networks of NGOs, delivered their recommendations during the 22nd Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, on 6 November 2013, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Joint Statement draws on a…
Cette déclaration a été développée à partir d’un ensemble grandissant de pratiques et de faits probants sur le renforcement des systèmes de protection de l’enfance en Afrique subsaharienne1 et s’inspire du dialogue et des résultats d’une conférence interinstitutionnelle sur le sujet qui a eu lieu à Dakar au Sénégal en mai 2012.
Son objectif est (i) de présenter une vision commune des systèmes de protection de l’enfance en Afrique subsaharienne et d’expliquer pourquoi ils sont importants et méritent des investissements et (ii) lancer un appel à l’action auprès des…
The HIV epidemic and the international concern about orphans have contributed to exposing the plight of children in West and Central Africa who are living on the streets, who are trafficked and/ or exploited for child labour, or who are forced into combat in armed conflicts. The impact of these difficult life circumstances on the psychosocial well-being of children and the quality of existing services, however, have barely been investigated.
The overall aims of the study were to improve the offer of psychosocial support services for children in West and Central Africa and to stimulate the…
As a result of the rising number of children in need of care, Africa’s adolescents and young adults, ages 12-24, have emerged as the heads of their households and the caregivers of their siblings. This paper shares the philosophy and key components of the African development initiative Giving Hope that works with these youth caregivers. The Giving Hope initiative employs an asset-based empowerment methodology to facilitate the restoration of youth caregivers’ sense of self, belonging, power, and collective responsibility. Evidence of the power of this collective…
WHAT: A report that identifies gaps and provides recommendations for protecting and supporting girls living on the streets. It provides models of good practices from Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
WHO: Social and community workers involved in the protection and support of children living or working on the street, specifically girls ages 12 to 18.
WHERE: While this report is primarily based on work with girls in Zambia, its examples of good practices include lessons from worldwide programs and research, and thus…
This document begins by discussing the background for developing the psychosocial indicators that are used for measurement and the limitations of current indicators. The purpose was to create national level psychosocial indicators.
It goes on to provide an in depth review of the psychosocial impacts that HIV/AIDS have on children. Specifically it covers poverty, death, loss, grieving, stigma, discrimination, and increased risk of infection.
Finally, the author provides samples of surveys that can be used for measuring psychosocial indicators through caregiver and youth…
The new Building Block Africa-wide briefing note on ‘Young children and HIV’ provides practical guidance on meeting the developmental needs of young children affected by HIV and the care and treatment needs of young children living with HIV. Focusing on children under eight years of age, it aims to help local organisations and service providers to strengthen family and community support for these children.
‘Young children and HIV’ is structured in two sections:
The first section describes the impact of HIV on the intellectual, emotional, psychological and social development of all young…