Child Development

Knowledge of child development is the foundation for work with children, and therefore is a requirement for all those seeking to protect children. It influences every aspect of a child from physical growth and mental abilities, to how they express emotions, think and behave.

Healthy development takes children through stages, whereby they obtain an increasing number of physical, mental, and emotional skills in order to become independent adults. These stages provide benchmarks for determining if a child is developing normally. Without knowledge of the normal developmental stages of a child, a worker cannot identify developmental delays, assess the impact of abuse, or make recommendations regarding the child’s physical, mental or emotional health. Understanding what a child is capable of allows adults to communicate on their level and provide age-appropriate responses and interventions.

Knowledge of early childhood development and attachment behaviour is particularly important for protection workers. The physical health and care a child experiences as an infant will affect their development into adulthood. A child needs to have experienced a positive attachment by the age of 3 in order to develop cognitively, physically, socially, and psychologically. Healthy attachments come from the close bond a child experiences when provided with the responsive and stable care of at least one adult. In a residential home, children are less likely to receive the amount of individual attention from a permanent caretaker that they require. Children under 12, in particular, benefit more from a kinship, foster or adoption placement where they can experience closer relationships.

Observation of a child’s attachment to caretakers will influence the type of care, permanency plan, and level of support services offered. It can also aid in the identification of abuse.

This section contains information on the importance of child development knowledge, guidance on the ages and stages of children, and attachment theory.

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Volunteering in a Children’s Home: How to do this Best?

Working Group ‘Quality of Care,’ of the Better Care Network Netherlands, 2014

This leaflet was developed by the Working Group ‘Quality of Care’ of Better Care Network. It is published by Better Care Network Netherlands. The leaflet provides useful information on child development and children’s care for those planning to volunteer at orphanages in developing countries.

Ending Legalised Violence Against Children (Global Report 2013)

Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children, 30 Dec 2013

This comprehensive report by the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children analyses data regarding progress toward eliminating corporal punishment amongst all states party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Early Childhood Intervention: The Power of Family

Open Society Foundations, 15 Dec 2013

The Open Society produced a short film discussing the importance and benefits of early childhood intervention in enhancing development opportunities for children.

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Philippines: Child Protection - Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset (Filipino)

Global Protection Cluster, 21 Nov 2013

Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset developed by the Global Child Protection Cluster in response to Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines

Philippines: Child Protection - Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset (Waray)

Global Protection Cluster, 21 Nov 2013

Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset developed by the Global Child Protection Cluster in response to Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines

Philippines: Child Protection - Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset (English)

Global Protection Cluster, 21 Nov 2013

Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset developed by the Global Child Protection Cluster in response to Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines

Philippines: Child Protection - Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset (Cebuano)

Global Protection Cluster, 21 Nov 2013

Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset developed by the Global Child Protection Cluster in response to Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines (Cebuano)

Republic of Serbia: Outcomes and Challenges Regarding the Rights of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Brankica Janković, State Secretary, Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Policy, 21 Nov 2013

This presentation to the 2012 Sofia Conference by Brankica Janković, State Secretary, Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Policy, introduces the achievements and challenges faced in altering the attitude of professionals working with children with disabilities from preferring institutions to family-based care systems.

Philippines: Child Protection - Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset (Ilongo)

Global Protection Cluster, 20 Nov 2013

Key Messages for Caregivers in a Sudden Onset developed by the Global Child Protection Cluster in response to Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines (Ilongo)

The Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children- Policy Brief

Save the Children , 01 Nov 2013

This policy brief by Save the Children introduces the background, goals, and guiding principles of the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children endorsed by the UN General Assembly on the 20th of November 2009 while also explaining why family-based care is a preferred care arrangement over institutions. Furthermore, it suggests policy and practice recommendations to further protect children without appropriate care and strengthen families and communities.