Orphan trains are back — this time in Ukraine, where children living in orphanages in the east this week were transported west to — hopefully — safer territory. But with a full-on invasion of a country the size of Ukraine, it is likely that children will be harmed both physically and psychologically during the coming months. This war will certainly cause violations of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Russia is a party and which requires governments to protect children’s rights to life, survival and development; to remain with their families; and to be free from violence. International Humanitarian Law also protects children in wartime. The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, among other organizations, will be especially monitoring for the “six grave violations” that often occur against children in times of war: (1) killing and maiming of children; (2) recruitment of those under 18 as soldiers; (3) abduction of children; (4) sexual violence against children; (5) attacks on schools and hospitals; and (6) denials of humanitarian aid.
Sadly, the Ukraine is just the latest place where children are threatened by armed conflict. Worldwide, 420 million children — 1 in 5 — live in conflict zones. We have become accustomed to hearing stories of terrorist groups such as ISIS, the Lord’s Resistance Army, and Boko Haram abusing, abducting, and traumatizing children. Today we get to witness an alleged first-world country and former member of the G8 trample on children in an egotistical bid to rebuild the Russian empire. I hope we’ll one day see these children get justice in the International Criminal Court or the European Court of Human Rights.
If you’d like to help children affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, NPR has a few good suggestions.
In less pressing news:
On February 3, North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services created a new Division of Child and Family Well-Being. According to the press release, programs moving under the new Division of Child and Family Well-Being include:
Nutrition programs for children, families and seniors (e.g., Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children/WIC; Food and Nutrition Services/SNAP; and the Child and Adult Care Food Program)
Health-related programs and services for children (e.g., school health promotion; home visiting services; and programs for children and youth with special health care needs)
School and community mental health services for children and youth (e.g., coordination with schools and services like System of Care that coordinate resources for children and families across multiple child service agencies)
The Early Intervention/Infant-Toddler Program, which provides supports and services to young children with developmental delays or established conditions
It’s an interesting concept and pretty much in line with the now-popular idea of focusing less on “child welfare” and more on “child well-being,” although some of you linguists out there might point out that the Old English root of welfare is well-being!
Call for changes in Florida’s child welfare system.
Kudos to New Mexico for creating a new Office of Family Representation and Advocacy, which will provide better pay for lawyers representing children and families in dependency cases.
West Virginia lawmakers want to give pay raises to their child protection/welfare workers. It’s part of a larger effort to improve a struggling system.
Last but not least, is it abusive for parents and doctors to prescribe puberty blockers or hormone therapy for children who are experiencing gender dysphoria? Texas says so. I’d like to hear opinions. If it is, then how should gender dysphoria among children be managed? If it’s not, then what if any limitations on the practice should be put in place, and why?
See y’all soon!