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This is a series of written interviews conducted with care-experienced persons from Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka who have had experience with alternative care.
These interviews were published in the September 2023 issue of the Institutionalised Children Explorations and Beyond journal.
Abstract:
Reflecting on the last decade, a promising trend is emerging in the promotion of family-based alternatives for children in Sri Lanka. Despite some plateauing due to certain humanitarian, environmental, financial and political issues, there is a move to reduce the number of children in residential care. The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has a history of institutionalised care dating back to the nineteenth century and formalised care starting in the mid-twentieth century. Back then, the country faced many challenges including economic crises, a brutal war and a…
This report provides a summary of the learning exchange that took place between the Sri Lankan government and the Indian State of Rajasthan's government around family-strengthening, foster care, and group foster care models implemented by Foster Care Society and the Department of Child Rights in Rajasthan, India.
The goal of this exchange was to allow child protection experts and stakeholders from different regions to interact with and learn from each other, allowing them to view…
Background
There is evidence that children in residential care institutions (RCI) have higher rates of psychological problems, suicide and criminal behaviour. There is only one study in Sri Lanka which has examined the psychological well-being of children in RCIs. Further evidence is needed to formulate policies related to the mental health of institutionalized children in the local context.
Methods
A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in a selected RCI, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. All children (> 4 years) and adolescents who have been in the institution for more than 3…
Tens of thousands of children in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other Asian countries are living as child Buddhist monks. Many are in temples and monasteries far from home and do not see their parents for months, even years. Some are as young as 6 years of age.
The aim of this article is to engage scholars, practitioners, child rights advocates, and others in a conversation around the rights and vulnerabilities of child Buddhist monks and children susceptible to being entrusted to monasteries to live as child monks. This group of children receives relatively little attention in…
Abstract
This year marks thirty years since the Convention on the Rights of the Child (the Convention) entered into force and ten years since the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children (the Guidelines) were adopted. The term ‘alternative care’ refers to the placing of children in the care of someone other than a parent. Although the seven South Asian countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – have ratified the Convention, each of the jurisdictions has reflected the Convention and Guidelines…
Abstract
Introduction: Emotional and behavioural conditions are common among inmates living in children’s homes due to the lack of love, affection and care compared to their counterparts living with parents, making them more vulnerable for above disorders.
Objectives: To describe the emotional and behavioural status and the associated factors among inmates aged 11-16 years of children’s homes in the Gampaha Probationary Division
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Sample size calculated was 294. Inclusion criteria was being conversant in Sinhala language. All…
Abstract
Background
Child care institutions (CCIs) in Sri Lanka (SL) provide residence to over 14,000 children. These children have a high risk of developing psychological problems. However, there has been no prior scientific inquiry into mental health issues of institutionalized children in SL.
Objective
To investigate the emotional and behavioral problems of children living in CCIs in Kandy District, and to explore associated factors.
Participants and setting
Ten CCIs in Kandy District were selected and all children aged 6–18 years were recruited.
Methods
Child…
Abstract
Once a young person who receives care in an alternative care facility reaches the age of 18, it is mandatory by the law in Sri Lanka that he/she should leave the care and start an independent living as an adult. Research has shown that young people who have been in such care are more likely to experience adverse outcomes when entering the society as they were not adequately prepared for life after care. It was observed that this context leads to the risk of discontinuation of education, unemployment, increased prevalence of abuse and psychological issues, which makes them…
Udayan Care launched an academic journal, Institutionalised Children Explorations and Beyond (ICEB), in 2014. This 10th issue of the journal, released in September 2018, is a Special Focus issue on ‘Aftercare.’ The issue includes research studies, legal and policy perspectives, case studies, desk reviews, opinion pieces, international perspectives, interviews with experts from the field, good models and best practices, and movie and book reviews.
The issue features an interview with a care-leaver from Sri Lanka who grew up in institutions…