Introduction
As professionals dedicated to the welfare of children, understanding the environments that best support their development is crucial. The recent study titled Prevalence and Incidence of Traumatic Experiences Among Orphans in Institutional and Family-Based Settings in 5 Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Longitudinal Study provides critical insights into the experiences of orphaned and separated children (OSC) in various care settings. This blog aims to highlight the key findings and implications of this study for practitioners in the field of child welfare and therapy.
Key Findings
The study, conducted across five low- and middle-income countries, challenges the conventional wisdom that institutional care is inherently more harmful than family-based care. Here are some of the pivotal findings:
- The lifetime prevalence of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) was similar in both institutional and family-based settings, with over 90% of children experiencing at least one PTE by age 13.
- Contrary to expectations, the incidence of physical or sexual abuse was statistically lower in institutional settings compared to family-based care.
- Annual incidence of any trauma was lower in institution-dwelling OSC (23.6%) than in family-dwelling OSC (30.0%).
Implications for Practice
These findings suggest that the type of care setting alone does not determine the risk of traumatic experiences for OSC. Practitioners should consider the following when working with children in these settings:
- Comprehensive Assessments: Regular assessments should be conducted to identify and address trauma in children, regardless of their care setting.
- Tailored Interventions: Interventions should be customized to the specific needs of children, taking into account their personal histories and current environments.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with communities to provide support and education can help mitigate the risk of trauma in family-based settings.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research to explore the nuances of care settings and their impact on children's well-being. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of knowledge by conducting studies that consider cultural, economic, and social factors influencing child welfare.
Conclusion
The protection of children from potentially traumatic events should be a primary consideration in all care settings. By leveraging data-driven insights and evidence-based practices, we can create better outcomes for orphaned and separated children worldwide.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Prevalence and Incidence of Traumatic Experiences Among Orphans in Institutional and Family-Based Settings in 5 Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Longitudinal Study.
