By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chris Desmond, Researcher, SAMRC/Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science- PRICELESS SA, University of the Witwatersrand
Published on 2024-01-10 14:40:04
The most essential needs of children can vary based on the relationship one has with the child. Generally, when thinking about children outside of our immediate circle, basic needs like food, shelter, health, and education are seen as top priorities. However, for children we have a close relationship with, all their needs are considered important and interconnected, including the higher-order needs.
In low and middle-income countries, interventions often focus on meeting the basic needs of other people’s children, such as responding to refugee crises and providing alternative care. However, research in sociology and development economics suggests that children’s needs are not hierarchical and are best met within families. Supporting families to care for children is the most effective approach.
Family-centered interventions are often more successful in addressing the complex needs of individual children, taking into account the importance of connection, proximity, and responsiveness to children. Unfortunately, the social services workforce in many low- and middle-income countries is under-resourced, underqualified, and overburdened, making advocating for change and strengthening the workforce difficult.
Emphasizing the role of the family encourages discussion on how to best support families. This can include universal enabling interventions, targeted family strengthening, and critical family functioning interventions for the most vulnerable. Neglecting the social services workforce can have detrimental effects on the well-being of children from struggling families, as compromised family function can lead to long-term consequences for children and future generations.
To address these issues, governments must prioritize strengthening the social service workforce to support struggling families and protect children at risk. Failing to do so can have significant costs for individuals and society as a whole. It is essential to provide highly trained personnel with the necessary support and resources to effectively intervene and support families in need.
Read the original article on The Conversation
