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This article explores mental health related issues in children and adolescents in childcare institutions in Sri Lanka.
Abstract
Deinstitutionalisation and quality alternative care is a topic that is widely discussed in search of policies, strategies and good practices. This issue affects all children directly or indirectly. It is very pertinent to the South Asia region. Children who are in institutional care require deinstitutionalisation process that involves both prevention and a range of alternative care options that are community-based, family-based or family-like care. The Local Process Initiative (LPI), which was implemented in the Devinuwara Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) in the Matara…
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…
Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of human rights of vulnerable children in Sri Lanka in the wake of the civil war, global climatic change and economic recession. The research is based on participatory action research and includes a survey on the policy environments and governance practices guiding the delivery of services in children’s homes. It makes a case in a two part paper that the rights of children have not, as yet, been implemented.
Abstract:
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe hitherto unexplored issues related to sexual abuse of left-behind children of migrant women in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
– This qualitative study was conducted in high labour-sending districts. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with school teachers, community youth groups and members of civil organisations, and semi-structured interviews (SSIs) were conducted with community leaders, religious leaders, social workers, and primary healthcare workers. Data were analysed using content analysis, and…
This report, requested by the Ministry of Child Development and Women Empowerment and Save the Children in Sri Lanka, is largely based on a literature review and a two week visit to Sri Lanka. Its task is to suggest strategies in place of institutionalisation for children in need of care and protection and for child offenders, through alternative care and diversion. This report is not about coming up with innovatory solutions but rather looking at practical strategies to achieve the above ends that are acceptable, achievable and affordable without requiring any major legal reforms.…