Summary

Child abuse is  a growing concern in Aruba since the death of two brothers because of maltreatment in 2017. Investigations following this critical incident revealed the absence of clear child protection policies and protocols as some of the contributing factors to the untimely death of the children. This paper presents the findings of a Human Development Capabilities-based analysis to rank policy aspirations based on professionals' perceptions. The Capability Approach (CA) was applied, focusing on Nussbaum's 10 central capabilities, which she argues are constitutional guaranties for a life of social justice and human dignity. The 10 human capabilities are (1) Life; (2) Bodily health; (3) Bodily integrity and safety; (4) Senses, imagination and thought; (5) Emotions; (6) Practical reason; (7) Affiliation; (8) Other species; (9) Play and (10) Control over one’s environment. The sample comprised 98 health, justice, education, and psychosocial service professionals. The results reveal that professionals perceive children to least enjoy the capabilities of 'Bodily integrity and safety' and 'Control over their environment'. The capabilities somewhat enjoyed were 'Bodily health' and 'Other species.'  The ranking of the indicators associated with these four capabilities presents a profile of the policy aspirational themes needed to guarantee children's right to a life worthy of human dignity and flourishing. The CA fills a theory gap in childhood studies that have been dominated by biopsychosocial theories.  It  provides a normative and evaluative framework for policy decision-making, given the multiple dimensions of human development. Recommendations are made to replicate this research amongst (i) the general population, (ii) children and (iii) families and service users within the four sectors. The purpose is to compare findings towards designing Aruba's population-informed capabilities-based child protection policy agenda.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Capability Approach, child protection policy, Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Approach 

Summary

The use of technology has become increasingly prevalent among children, including those in foster care. While concerns about technology use abound, emerging research suggests that technology can empower children, promote communication, and support their well-being. This abstract highlights the key findings from a study conducted in the United States that explored the use of technology by children in foster care, with a focus on how this model can inform international child welfare practices. \  The participants in the sample (N = 283) included foster parents (n=131) and kinship providers (n=152) who were over the age of 18, could understand written English, and were caring for a youth over the age of 12 in their role as a foster parent or kinship provider. Descriptive results suggest that youth in care utilize technology in both developmentally beneficial and harmful ways.\  Most caregivers endorse discussions of\  safe technology use with youth. Qualitative and descriptive findings indicate that caregivers are interested in additional resources to support youth’s healthy technology use. The use of technology by children in foster care in the United States provides valuable insights into the potential risks and benefits of digital engagement in child welfare. The findings of this study emphasize the significance of empowering children through technology, enhancing educational opportunities, promoting social connectivity, and informing policy and practice. By considering the implications of this U.S. model, child welfare systems internationally can harness the potential of technology to improve the well-being and outcomes of children in care.\ 

Keywords (separate with commas)

child welfare, technology, digital engagement

Summary

The mission of social work education emphasizes the promotion of social justice and respect for diversity and the practice of cultural humility.The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) calls for “social workers to recognize how cultural and ethnic histories are critical for shaping an individual’s identity and social workers understand that a consequence of an individual’s diversity and the differences in a person’s life experiences.”Marywood University’s MSW students participated in 4 weeks of international field experiences in Kenya, Romania and South Korea, 2017, 2019 and 2023 respectively. Due to active Covid-19, the international field experience trip was on hold from 2020 to 2022.\ The goals of Marywood University MSW students’ international field experience trip are: 1) to provide opportunities with diverse client systems to promote the intersectionality of cultures, 2) to provide opportunities to experience a variety of ways social work is performed outside the USA and compare USA Social work\  to other nation’s social work policy and practice, and 3)\ to increase student’s ability to think and to practice globally and to become more aware of global policies and practices.\ This presentation will focus on Marywood University MSW students’ transformative experience through engagement and participation in diverse settings, such as child and family welfare services, health care and understanding of the universal health care system in South Korea. In addition, students\ will present the differences in the ideology of Asian and Western cultures and the importance of integrating the culture, values, and belief systems into service provision and community development.Implications for social work education: participants will: 1) identify the possible challenges and benefits of the international social work field experience trip, 2) develop strategies to integrate international field experience with the social work curriculum, and 3) promote international social work professional identity.\ 

Keywords (separate with commas)

International Social Work Education, Respecting Diversity, Practicing Cultural Practice, Building Global Citizenship

Summary

This abstract explores play therapy\ as an intervention in response to child abuse and maltreatment in Jamaica. With a focus on children's unique emotional and psychological needs,\ this paper delves into the theoretical foundations and ethical principles of play therapy and its ability to help children reach their full potential highlighting its capacity to alleviate their emotional, behavioral, and mental health problems.\ Children between the ages of three to thirteen years are referred to the child protective system in Jamaica due to various reasons including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect, behavioral problems, bereavement, and attachment issues. However, due to their developmental age and the extent of abuse, they may not have the language to express themselves effectively. Play therapy provides the opportunity for children to ‘play out ‘ what may be too painful to say in words.Virgina Axline a pioneer in the field of play therapy in her book Dibs in Search of Self introduced eight basic principles that form the foundation of non-directive play therapy.\  These principles encompass the essence of creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space that allows children to freely express themselves, build resilience, and solve their problems.\ The child protection system in Jamaica is constantly evolving and play therapy has gained recognition as one of the latest strategies notable within the Child Protection and Family Services Agency.\ \ In conclusion, this abstract underscores the importance of a collaborative approach involving mental health professionals, policymakers, and societal stakeholders to further integrate play therapy into comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse consequences of child abuse and maltreatment in Jamaica.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Play therapyChild abuseMaltreatmentJamaicaEmotional and psychological needsTheoretical foundationsEthical principlesFull potentialEmotional problemsBehavioral problemsMental health problemsChild protective systemPhysical abuseSexual abuseEmotional abuseNeglectBereavementAttachment issuesDevelopmental ageLanguageExpress themselvesVirgina AxlineNon-directive play therapySafe space\ empatheticNon-judgmentalResilienceChild Protection and Family Services AgencyCollaborative approachMental health professionalsPolicymakersSocietal stakeholdersComprehensive strategies\