 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Elvira Beracochea, MD MPH, Regional and Country Programs, BASICS II Project, 1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, 703-312-6896, eberacochea@basics.org and Peter C Evans, MBA, MA, DipSW, Fife Council Social Work Service, North Street, Glenrothes, KY6 3QE, United Kingdom.
Fourteen years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Children, millions of children throughout the world continue to suffer the consequences of poverty and discrimination based on race, nationality, religion, color, gender, HIV status and disability. Children without families to speak on their behalf suffer because their rights to survival and to participate in decisions that affect them are denied.
The impact on children unprotected by their parents and family is both complex and multi-faceted. This session will make the case that no matter where, why or how children's rights are denied, the devastating impact on the world's youngest and most vulnerable citizens is acute and often fatal, and action needs to be immediate. The session draws parallels between the experiences of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and children with disabilities, both in the developing world and in countries of the former Soviet Union. Community-based initiatives such as the volunteer program at orphanages, local fundraising to raise funds, supporters and awareness, lobbying and networking, search and rescue program, foster care are presented
This session will offer practical recommendations for policy makers, governments, NGOs/PVO and other international organizations to support the family as the natural environment for the growth and well being of children.
At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to identify and discuss the psychosocial distress and material hardship experienced by children unprotected by their family. Participants will be able to advocate for positive practical, community-based initiatives to ameliorate the suffering of orphans.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Child Care, Social Services
Related Web page: highriskkids.com
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.