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Katz C, Attrash-Najjar A, Maguire-Jack K, Varela N, Priolo-Filho SR, Bérubé A, Chang OD, Collin-Vézina D, Fouché A, Jacobson M, Kaawa-Mafigiri D, Massarweh N, Munoz P, Tarabulsy GM, Tiwari A, Walker-Williams H, Werkele C. Experiences and responses of child protection professionals during COVID-19: Lessons learned from professionals around the globe. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024:106688. [PMID: 38355365 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 significantly worsened already challenging circumstances for children and their families and globally increased the likelihood of child maltreatment. This risk heightened the urgency of child protection professionals in preventing child maltreatment and defending children's rights. The vast and growing body of research on protecting children from child maltreatment during COVID-19 has emphasized practitioners' tremendous difficulty in this arena. OBJECTIVE The current international study sought to identify the experiences and responses of child protection professionals to child maltreatment during COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Five real-time, virtual focus groups were conducted among professionals who work with children from countries around the globe. METHOD Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyze the focus group transcripts. RESULTS The participants identified their experiences and challenges in performing their role of protecting children. Additionally, they shared context-adapted and innovative responses to child maltreatment, while emphasizing self-care and their mental health. CONCLUSIONS The results highlighted that child protection was significantly more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, they underlined the importance of establishing practices and policies for child protection in crisis times as well as ensuring both children's and professionals' well-being and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Afnan Attrash-Najjar
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Kathryn Maguire-Jack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Natalia Varela
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Externado University, Calle 12 No. 1-17 Este, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Sidnei Rinaldo Priolo-Filho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense - Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Brazil
| | - Annie Bérubé
- The Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada.
| | - Olivia D Chang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- The Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Suite 106, Wilson Hall, 3506 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.
| | - Ansie Fouché
- Department of Social Wellbeing, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus, COMPRES research entity, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Ma'ayan Jacobson
- Haruv Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - David Kaawa-Mafigiri
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Makerere University, Uganda
| | - Nadia Massarweh
- The Al-Qasemi Academic College of Education, P.O. Box 124, Baqa-El-Gharbia 3010000, Israel
| | - Pablo Munoz
- Departamento de Psicología, Nacional Universidad de Colombia, Building 205 - Of. 117, Bogota, DC, Colombia.
| | - George M Tarabulsy
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck 1030, Avenue des Sciences-Humaines Suite 3456, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Ashwini Tiwari
- The Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Hayley Walker-Williams
- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus, COMPRES research entity, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Christine Werkele
- The Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Katz C, Attrash-Najjar A, Cohen N, Glucklich T, Jacobson M, Varela N, Priolo-Filho SR, Bérubé A, Chang OD, Collin-Vézina D, Fouché A, Haffejee S, Katz I, Maguire-Jack K, Massarweh N, O'Reilly M, Tiwari A, Truter E, de Andrade Vieira RV, Walker-Williams H, Zibetti MR, Werkele C. Child protective services and out-of-home Care for Children during COVID-19: A scoping review and thematic analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023:106540. [PMID: 38008657 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic challenged child protection and posed new risks for child maltreatment (CM). Moreover, governmental efforts worldwide prioritized mitigating the spread of the virus over ensuring the welfare and protection of families and children. This neglect caused hardship for many vulnerable children, including those in out-of-home care (OOHC), and challenged the functionality of child protective services (CPS). However, only limited research has investigated the impact of COVID-19 on OOHC and CPS and explored how CPS overcame the challenges of helping children in OOHC. OBJECTIVE This review aims to address this gap in the research to unveil the 'positive legacy' left by CPS in their work with children in OOHC during COVID-19. METHOD This review utilized three stages of analysis, including a scoping review followed by two rounds of thematic analysis. The scoping review was carried out in six languages: English, Hebrew, Arabic, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. The first round of thematic analysis found eight relevant articles for this review. The second round of thematic analysis found three themes related to this paper's aim in the context of COVID-19. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: 1) decision-making and OOHC, 2) difficulties in procedures related to OOHC placement, and 3) handling challenges of OOHC. CONCLUSIONS The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of preserving children's rights, hearing their voices and needs, and considering their safety and well-being when planning policies and practices to protect them. It also emphasizes society's responsibility to acknowledge contextual factors in child protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Afnan Attrash-Najjar
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Talia Glucklich
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ma'ayan Jacobson
- Haruv Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Natalia Varela
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Externado University, Calle 12 No. 1-17 Este, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Sidnei Rinaldo Priolo-Filho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense - Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Brazil
| | - Annie Bérubé
- The Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada.
| | - Olivia D Chang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- The Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Suite 106, Wilson Hall, 3506 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.
| | - Ansie Fouché
- Department of Social Wellbeing, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus, COMPRES research entity, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Sadiyya Haffejee
- Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Ilan Katz
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Kathryn Maguire-Jack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Nadia Massarweh
- The Al-Qasemi Academic College of Education, P.O. Box 124, Baqa-El-Gharbia 3010000, Israel
| | - Michelle O'Reilly
- School of Media, Communication, and Sociology, University of Leicester and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK.
| | - Ashwini Tiwari
- The Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Elmien Truter
- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus, COMPRES research entity, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | | | - Hayley Walker-Williams
- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus, COMPRES research entity, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | | | - Christine Werkele
- The Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Marmor A, Cohen N, Katz C. Child Maltreatment During COVID-19: Key Conclusions and Future Directions Based on a Systematic Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:760-775. [PMID: 34488521 PMCID: PMC10011920 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211043818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a far-ranging impact. As societies struggled to minimize infection, questions arose regarding the consequences for children. Initial research reported the urgent need for child protective services worldwide to adapt existing policies and practices to protect children from maltreatment during this time, which is the rationale for the current systematic literature review. This review examined studies published in peer-reviewed journals from March 2020 to October 2020 on child maltreatment (CM) in the context of COVID-19. Twenty-five manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and were predominantly from the United States, with three international studies. The majority of the studies included CM reports during COVID-19 based on official data. The results clearly demonstrated an increased risk for children alongside a worrisome international decrease in CM reports. Only two studies addressed interventions during the pandemic. The current review highlights that, along with the obligation of scholars to advance the protection of children during COVID-19, there is much that is unknown. Future studies should examine the impact of the pandemic on children and their surrounding systems as well as child protective services' responses, which face enormous challenges during a pandemic. An additional conclusion is that, since children were not identified as a health risk group during the pandemic, their protection rights may have been jeopardized. Furthermore, the variance identified in the policies of different countries pinpoints the urgent need to establish an international protocol for protecting children from maltreatment during COVID-19, a protocol that will hopefully be a basis for policymakers worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitai Marmor
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
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Munongi L, Mawila D. Risk factors of orphan and vulnerable children in a children's home during the COVID-19 pandemic. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2023; 145:106801. [PMID: 36618565 PMCID: PMC9803368 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Orphans and vulnerable children in children's homes are exposed to multiple psychosocial risks. This study aimed to explore the risks facing orphans and vulnerable children in a children's home in a township setting during COVID-19. Qualitative data was thematically analysed for this study. Fifty-eight female Black African children (n = 58) in a children's home were individually interviewed to ascertain the psychosocial risks that they experienced during COVID-19. The participants were orphans and vulnerable children residing in a children's home located in Johannesburg in South Africa. All children were enrolled in either primary or secondary schools located nearby the children's home. Boys were not included because the children's home only caters for females. The study found that unhealthy coping mechanisms, non-compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols, disruptive behaviour, fear of being infected and abuse by caregivers emerged as risks. We recommend that children be offered life skills such as coping mechanisms when faced with adversity, be constantly monitored to ensure adherence to safety rules and be given therapeutic interventions to deal with their fears. Furthermore, caregivers need to be psycho-educated on the giving of care to orphans and vulnerable children. The physical environment of the children's homes should be made conducive to allow healthy interactions with factors that impact on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Munongi
- Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg (Soweto Campus), GNA 224, Robert Sobukwe Building, 326 Chris Hani Road, Pimville 1809, South Africa
| | - Daphney Mawila
- Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg (Soweto Campus), GNA 226, Robert Sobukwe Building, 326 Chris Hani Road, Pimville 1809, South Africa
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Noreña Herrera C, Muñoz Echeverri IF, Velásquez Quintero P, Monsalve López JG, Guerra Sierra BE, Sánchez Gómez IC. [Public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in institutions for the protection of children and adolescents in two departments in ColombiaMedidas de saúde pública em instituições de proteção de crianças e adolescentes em dois departamentos da Colômbia durante a pandemia de COVID-19]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e216. [PMID: 36582619 PMCID: PMC9791459 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Analyze facilitating processes, obstacles, and effects of the implementation of non-pharmacological public health measures for the prevention of COVID-19 in child and adolescent protection centers in two departments (Antioquia and La Guajira) in Colombia during the period 2020-2021. Methods Mixed methods study with a convergent parallel design in 13 residential child/adolescent protection facilities in Colombia (11 in Antioquia and two in La Guajira). A questionnaire was given to 145 children and adolescents, and 23 interviews were held with persons responsible for the implementation of measures in the national family welfare system. Results The implemented non-pharmacological public health measures did not differ by department; the most complex to implement were physical distancing and restriction of family visits. Conclusions In centers for the protection of children and adolescents in Antioquia and La Guajira, non-pharmacological public health measures helped mitigate the spread of the virus in environments considered at-risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Noreña Herrera
- Grupo de Gestión y políticas en SaludFacultad Nacional de Salud PúblicaUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombiaGrupo de Gestión y políticas en Salud, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.,Camilo Noreña Herrera,
| | - Iván Felipe Muñoz Echeverri
- Grupo de Gestión y políticas en SaludFacultad Nacional de Salud PúblicaUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombiaGrupo de Gestión y políticas en Salud, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Paola Velásquez Quintero
- Grupo de Gestión y políticas en SaludFacultad Nacional de Salud PúblicaUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombiaGrupo de Gestión y políticas en Salud, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Jose Guillermo Monsalve López
- Grupo de Gestión y políticas en SaludFacultad Nacional de Salud PúblicaUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombiaGrupo de Gestión y políticas en Salud, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Blanca Elena Guerra Sierra
- Grupo de Gestión y políticas en SaludFacultad Nacional de Salud PúblicaUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombiaGrupo de Gestión y políticas en Salud, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Isabel Cristina Sánchez Gómez
- Grupo de Gestión y políticas en SaludFacultad Nacional de Salud PúblicaUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombiaGrupo de Gestión y políticas en Salud, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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Hanlon R, Kim J, Woo C, Day A, Vanderwill L, Dallimore E. An exploratory study of the impact of COVID-19 on foster parenting. CHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK 2022; 27:371-380. [PMID: 35936834 PMCID: PMC9347573 DOI: 10.1111/cfs.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 virus began to spread in the United States of America, states' child welfare administrators and policymakers responded differently. Some states implemented more restrictive policies, some less or did not require many restrictions (i.e., stay at home orders or masking in public spaces). Video-based online focus groups with foster parents in four states utilized a consensual qualitative approach to identify themes relating to foster parenting during COVID-19 and understand how policies related to COVID-19 restrictions affected their caregiving decisions. Themes that emerged included pathways to foster parenting pre-pandemic, the impact of COVID-19 on both foster parents, children in care, and foster parents' ability to understand the broader importance of their caregiving. While participants in all of the states reported similar experiences relating to the need for resources and support and the challenge of managing both work and remote education for their children, those in states with restrictive policies were more likely to report pandemic-specific concerns including a lack of agency communication or case progress, the mental health toll on foster children in their care and their concerns about accepting new placements. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Hanlon
- National Council For AdoptionAlexandriaVirginiaUSA
| | - JaeRan Kim
- School of Social Work and Criminal JusticeUniversity of Washington‐TacomaTacomaWashingtonUSA
| | - Cossette Woo
- Partners for Our ChildrenUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Angelique Day
- School of Social WorkUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Lori Vanderwill
- School of Social WorkUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Elise Dallimore
- Communication StudiesNortheastern UniversitySeattleWashingtonUSA
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Katz I, Priolo-Filho S, Katz C, Andresen S, Bérubé A, Cohen N, Connell CM, Collin-Vézina D, Fallon B, Fouche A, Fujiwara T, Haffejee S, Korbin JE, Maguire-Jack K, Massarweh N, Munoz P, Tarabulsy GM, Tiwari A, Truter E, Varela N, Wekerle C, Yamaoka Y. One year into COVID-19: What have we learned about child maltreatment reports and child protective service responses? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105473. [PMID: 34996621 PMCID: PMC8760954 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A year has passed since COVID-19 began disrupting systems. Although children are not considered a risk population for the virus, there is accumulating knowledge regarding children's escalating risk for maltreatment during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE The current study is part of a larger initiative using an international platform to examine child maltreatment (CM) reports and child protective service (CPS) responses in various countries. The first data collection, which included a comparison between eight countries after the pandemic's first wave (March-June 2020), illustrated a worrisome picture regarding children's wellbeing. The current study presents the second wave of data across 12 regions via population data (Australia [New South Wales], Brazil, United States [California, Pennsylvania], Colombia, England, Germany, Israel, Japan, Canada [Ontario, Quebec], South Africa). METHOD Regional information was gathered, including demographics, economic situation, and CPS responses to COVID-19. A descriptive analysis was conducted to provide an overview of the phenomenon. RESULTS Across all of the countries, COVID-19 had a substantial negative impact on the operation of CPSs and the children and families they serve by disrupting in-person services. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, new reports of CM varied across the regions.1 In some, the impact of COVID-19 on CPS was low to moderate, while in others, more significant changes created multiple challenges for CPS services. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 created a barrier for CPS to access and protect children. The dramatic variance between the regions demonstrated how social, economic and structural contexts impact both CM reports and CPS responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Katz
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Sidnei Priolo-Filho
- The Graduate Program of Psychology, the Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Rua Sydnei Antonio Rangel Santos 238, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Sabine Andresen
- Social Pedagogy & Family Research Department, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Department of Education, Institute for Social Pedagogy and Adult Education, Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 6, D-60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Annie Bérubé
- The Department of Psycho-education and psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada.
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Christian M Connell
- Pennsylvania State University, 217 Health and Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- The Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Suite 106, Wilson Hall, 3506 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.
| | - Barbara Fallon
- The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, the University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ansie Fouche
- Department of Social Wellbeing, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates; Department of Child Protection Social Work, North-West University, South Africa.
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1 Chome-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Sadiyya Haffejee
- University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa.
| | - Jill E Korbin
- Department of anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, USA.
| | - Katie Maguire-Jack
- University of Michigan, School of Social Work, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Nadia Massarweh
- The Al-Qasemi Educational college of education, P.O.Box 124, Baqa-El-Gharbia 3010000, Israel
| | - Pablo Munoz
- Nacional Universidad de Colombia, Building 205 - Of. 117, Bogota, DC, Colombia.
| | - George M Tarabulsy
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Laval University, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck 1030, avenue des Sciences-Humaines Suite 3456, Quebec, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Ashwini Tiwari
- The Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Elmien Truter
- Child Protection Social Work, North-West University. Building 9A, Office G17.6, Vanderbijlpark Campus, South Africa.
| | - Natalia Varela
- Faculty of social and human sciences, Externado University, Calle 12 No. 1-17 Este, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Christine Wekerle
- The Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Yui Yamaoka
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1 Chome-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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Group Homes and COVID-19: Perspectives of Youth Residents, Staff, and Caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158978. [PMID: 35897348 PMCID: PMC9330444 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study explored the perspectives of being in a youth group home during the COVID-19 pandemic from youth residents, staff, and caregivers. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 9 youth residents, 8 group home staff members, and 13 caregivers of residents. All participants were connected to the group home before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to identify lived experience themes. Results: Two overarching themes were identified among the youth residents—Safety response to COVID-19 and Socialization changes due to COVID—along with three subthemes: Structure leading to separation, Support and belonging amid a pandemic, and Competency. Three overarching themes were identified among the group home staff: Safety response to COVID-19, Increased responsibility, and Mental health changes because of a pandemic. Finally, three overarching themes were identified among the guardians of youth residents: Safety response to COVID-19, Belief in a mental health impact on the child, and Communication during a pandemic. Conclusions: The findings provide the experiences among three group home stakeholders. Overall, they demonstrated resilience in a setting and time when resilience was essential. Finally, the findings offer insight on the basis of which group homes/organizations can prepare for crises of a great magnitude, including vital communication elements.
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9
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Whitt-Woosley A, Sprang G, Eslinger J. Foster care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis of caregiver and professional experiences. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 124:105444. [PMID: 34972016 PMCID: PMC8669913 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is needed to facilitate better understanding of how different groups have been impacted by COVID-19, especially those in already strained service systems such as foster care. These inquiries will support further response, recovery and preparedness efforts. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study addressed how professionals and caregivers in foster care described being affected by COVID-19 in order to support future research and planning for foster care systems in this pandemic context. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A sample of foster parents and foster care professionals (N = 357) from a mostly rural, southeastern state in the U.S. participated in the study. METHODS Qualitative analysis was conducted of 357 open-ended responses regarding the impact of COVID-19 from a survey distributed in August 2020. RESULTS The coding process resulted in the identification of 15 distinct themes: Isolation & Loss of Social Support, Work Changes/Stressors, School Issues, Childcare Issues, No Impact/Positive Changes, Financial Problems, Fear of Contagion, Negative Child Welfare Impacts, Mental Health Problems/Stress, Loss of Faith/Trust & Societal Frustrations, Health & Mental Healthcare Access Issues, PPE & Testing Issues, Grief & Loss, and Marital Problems. Secondary impacts rather than direct physiologic effects of the virus were primarily reported. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the various challenges facing foster care systems, and how the pandemic context is exacerbating many of these issues. Further research is needed to ensure the implementation of adequately complex and nuanced responses that target needs and avoid creating further problems for foster care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Whitt-Woosley
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America.
| | - Ginny Sprang
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| | - Jessica Eslinger
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
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The Subjective Well-Being of Children in Residential Care: Has It Changed in Recent Years? SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The subjective well-being of children in residential care is a relevant issue given the practical implications for improving the lives of these children who live in contexts of vulnerability. The question addressed in this respect was: “How does this well-being change over the years”? Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the subjective well-being displayed by adolescents aged 11–14 in residential care in Catalonia (north-eastern Spain) in 2014 to that displayed by adolescents in residential care in 2020. To this end, 572 responses to a questionnaire adapted from the Children’s Worlds project (364 from 2014 and 208 from 2020) were analysed with respect to the life satisfaction items. In both 2014 and 2020, the questionnaires had the same wording, and data were disaggregated by gender. No significant differences in means were observed between most of the life satisfaction items in 2014 and 2020, with the exception of satisfaction with friends and classmates and the area where you live, with lower means for these items in 2020. There is a discussion of the possible influence of COVID-19 on these results, while the overall stability of these children’s subjective well-being over the years is highlighted.
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Santos MRC, Laureano RMS. COVID-19-Related Studies of Nonprofit Management: A Critical Review and Research Agenda. VOLUNTAS : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF VOLUNTARY AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 2021; 33:936-951. [PMID: 34866809 PMCID: PMC8629598 DOI: 10.1007/s11266-021-00432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED During crises such as the present coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, nonprofits play a key role in ensuring support to improve the most vulnerable individuals' health, social, and economic conditions. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, an extensive automated literature analysis was conducted of 154 academic articles on nonprofit management during the pandemic-all of which were published in 2020. This study sought to identify and systematize academics' contributions to knowledge about the crisis's impact on the nonprofit sector and to ascertain the most urgent directions for future research. The results provide policymakers, nonprofit practitioners, and scholars an overview of the themes addressed and highlight the important assistance academic researchers provide to nonprofits dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11266-021-00432-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia R. C. Santos
- ESCE, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Setúbal, Portugal
- Information Sciences and Technologies and Architecture Research Center (ISTAR-IUL), Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raul M. S. Laureano
- Information Sciences and Technologies and Architecture Research Center (ISTAR-IUL), Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisboa, Portugal
- Business Research Unit (BRU-IUL), Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisboa, Portugal
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Montserrat C, Garcia-Molsosa M, Llosada-Gistau J, Sitjes-Figueras R. The views of children in residential care on the COVID-19 lockdown: Implications for and their well-being and psychosocial intervention. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 120:105182. [PMID: 34237634 PMCID: PMC8593835 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 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. OBJECTIVE 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. METHODS Cross-sectional study. Children responded to an on-line questionnaire administered between June and July 2020. Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression were used comparing the answers by sex. RESULTS Better relationships with caregivers (β = 9.156, [4.089-14.22], r2 = 0.244, p < .01) and having a person of trust (ß = 4.588, [2.041-7.134], r2 = 0.244, p < .01) were found to be relevant for children's subjective well-being. For girls, improving their grades (β = 14.86, [8.560-21.15], r2 = 0.234, p < .01) were relevant while boys' subjective well-being was significantly affected by an increase in use of social networks (β = 8.917, [2.733-15.10], r2 = 0.234, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS A gender perspective is needed to help girls in situations of vulnerability. We should continue to listen to children's opinions, giving them the opportunity to participate in improving the children's home and its immediate environment and ensuring they have access to stable adult role models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carme Montserrat
- Universitat de Girona, Plaça Sant Domènec 9, 17004 Girona, Spain.
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Bhatia A, Fabbri C, Cerna-Turoff I, Turner E, Lokot M, Warria A, Tuladhar S, Tanton C, Knight L, Lees S, Cislaghi B, Bhabha J, Peterman A, Guedes A, Devries K. Violence against children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bull World Health Organ 2021; 99:730-738. [PMID: 34621091 PMCID: PMC8477433 DOI: 10.2471/blt.20.283051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected children's risk of violence in their homes, communities and online, and has compromised the ability of child protection systems to promptly detect and respond to cases of violence. However, the need to strengthen violence prevention and response services has received insufficient attention in national and global pandemic response and mitigation strategies. In this paper, we summarize the growing body of evidence on the links between the pandemic and violence against children. Drawing on the World Health Organization's INSPIRE framework to end violence against children, we illustrate how the pandemic is affecting prevention and response efforts. For each of the seven INSPIRE strategies we identify how responses to the pandemic have changed children's risk of violence. We offer ideas for how governments, policy-makers, and international and civil society organizations can address violence in the context of a protracted COVID-19 crisis. We conclude by highlighting how the current pandemic offers opportunities to improve existing child protection systems to address violence against children. We suggest enhanced multisectoral coordination across the health, education, law enforcement, housing, child and social protection sectors. Actions need to prioritize the primary prevention of violence and promote the central role of children and adolescents in decision-making and programme design processes. Finally, we stress the continued need for better data and evidence to inform violence prevention and response strategies that can be effective during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amiya Bhatia
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Camilla Fabbri
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Ilan Cerna-Turoff
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Ellen Turner
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Michelle Lokot
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Ajwang Warria
- Department of Social Work, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Clare Tanton
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Louise Knight
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Shelley Lees
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Beniamino Cislaghi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Jaqueline Bhabha
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Cambridge, United States of America (USA)
| | - Amber Peterman
- Department of Public Policy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - Karen Devries
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, England
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Katz C, Fallon B. Protecting children from maltreatment during COVID-19: Struggling to see children and their families through the lockdowns. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 116:105084. [PMID: 33933291 PMCID: PMC8080166 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Tel Aviv University, Bob Shapell School of Social Work, 69978, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
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Katz C. What Happened to the Prevention of Child Maltreatment During COVID-19? A Yearlong into the Pandemic Reflection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON CHILD MALTREATMENT : RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRACTICE 2021; 4:137-144. [PMID: 33942029 PMCID: PMC8080487 DOI: 10.1007/s42448-021-00076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
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Katz C, Fallon B. Protecting children from maltreatment during COVID-19. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 110:104753. [PMID: 32981712 PMCID: PMC7500875 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
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