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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Early Childhood Matters: Children Without Parental Care: Qualitative Alternatives

Teresa Moreno and Jan van Dongen (eds.), 2005

Collection of articles highlighting suggestions on how to improve existing mechanisms for providing adequate care. Major article on the current state of international thinking on children without parental care.

CSO Capacity Analysis: A Tool for Assessing Capacities for Quality OVC Response

CORE Initiative Uganda, 2005

This document provides a tool that was used to assess broad capacity areas for quality OVC response in Uganda.

Early Childhood Development Kit: Guidelines for Caregivers

UNICEF, 2005

Summary guidance on the use of therapeutic language and the role of play and art in helping children’s development, and in responding to children exposed to trauma.

A European survey of the number and characteristics of children less than three years old in residential care at risk of harm

Kevin Browne , 2005

This report presents the survey Kevin Browne and colleagues conducted in 33 European countries to identify the number and characteristics of children less than three placed in residential care without their parents for more than three months during the year ending December 31, 2003. The purpose was to assess the rate and cost of residential care as a response to children in adversity.

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Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know

Prevent Child Abuse - America, 2005

A three-page document outlining how to recognize signs of abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect.

Children in Islam

Al Azhar University and UNICEF, 2005

An overview of child rights and protection as it relates to the central tenets of Islam. Contains brief information on alternative care, children affected by HIV/AIDS, protection from abuse, and other issues.

Children and Disability in Transition CEE/CIS and Baltic States

UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, 2005

Report presents and analyzes new research and data around children with disabilities in the region, the effects of institutional care, and the need for family support services.

Working with Children and Families Vol 2., Children's Activities

Louise Melville, British Council, Jordan, 2005

Guidance and examples of group activities which promote development and self-esteem, and the role of the worker in providing activities on a regular basis.

Attachment in Institutionalized and Community Children in Romania

Charles H. Zeanah, Anna T. Smyke, Sebastian F. Koga, Elizabeth Carlson, 31 Dec 2004

This study examined attachment in institutionalized and community children 12 – 31 months of age in Bucharest, Romania.

Safety and Stability for Foster Children: A Developmental Perspective

Brenda Jones Harden - The Future of Children , 2004

This article discusses the importance of safety and stability to healthy child development and reviews the research on the risks associated with maltreatment and the foster care experience in the United States.