Children and Family Breakdown - The Tearfund International ...

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CHILDREN AT RISK GUIDELINES PRINCIPLE 6 CHILDREN IN CONTEXT 6.1 Children are considered in the social, political and historical context of their community. ■ This means family support projects will differ according to the context. The needs of families living in a heterogeneous inner city will be very different from those of a homogeneous rural community. ■ The needs of a refugee family or one torn apart by war or HIV/AIDS with mother-only and child-headed households will be different again. ■ How much time men (and women) need to work away from the home in order to support their families, and the amount of time they consequently have with their children, needs to be taken into consideration. ■ The economic role of women and children in the community and how they are valued and perceived by men is also an important factor, as well as the legal and economic rights of women in the event of separation or divorce. ■ Different political parties will have their own agenda for developing and implementing policies affecting families. Current law and policy and the underlying reasons behind it should be understood. ■ Historical inter-generational factors may also continue to play into ongoing family dysfunction, for example domestic violence, teenage pregnancy. 6.2 Parents, caregivers and families are involved and impacted. ■ This is likely to be the core of the programme. Involving people in a programme, so that they participate in shaping it, rather than imposing one upon them, is essential. Parents who have gone through situations that the programme is seeking to address such as domestic violence will have more credibility amongst fellow sufferers than many of the professionals. Their opinions and insight are invaluable. 6.3 The children’s community is involved and positively impacted. ■ Projects must be careful not to be seen to be taking children and families out of their communities but working with them in their community so that they can in turn benefit their community. 6.4 Links (networks) are developed with other local, national and international organisations, including those from other sectors. ■ There will be evidence of working with other churches, schools, health and social services and the voluntary sector involved in the support of families. VOLUME 1: CHILDREN AND FAMILY BREAKDOWN 26
CHILDREN AT RISK GUIDELINES 6.5 The cultural and religious context of the child, family and community is taken into consideration. PRINCIPLE 7 ADVOCACY ■ This includes caste, ethnicity and religious belief. Some cultural beliefs may be harmful, even evil (eg female genital mutilation) and in such cases Christians will need to challenge them. At the same time other cultural beliefs (eg resting after the birth of a baby) will be helpful and should be encouraged. Discernment is needed with beliefs that are not so clear cut. ■ Understanding of what family means will vary. This is not just a cross cultural matter – politicians, economists, theologians, feminists all have their own agendas. It is important to understand who is speaking, for whom, and why. 21 ■ Understanding a culture’s views on marriage and fertility is important. For example in some cultures, marriage is conducted at an early age but the children are kept apart until later. In others it is not seen to be fully consummated until a child is born. This can further exacerbate the stress and disappointment of infertility. ■ Child rearing practices will vary considerably even within one community but on close observation there may be patterns that emerge. ■ The nature and level of domestic violence needs to be assessed and appropriate strategies determined for who should challenge it and how. 7.1 Lobbying and interceding with or on behalf of children and their families takes place at local, national or international levels. ■ Organisations should identify key issues that affect families negatively, and develop advocacy strategies to influence the decision-makers. These can be at a local or national level. 7.2 The programme staff are aware of the importance of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other human rights issues and conventions. ■ This is a controversial area and needs careful consideration. Tearfund believes that the UN Convention must be interpreted in such a way that the guidance and responsibilities of parents are given priority. Children are entitled to choice, but choice carries with it responsibilities and full participation is something into which children grow. Whilst still young they need guidance, preferably from parents but otherwise a responsible guardian to support them in making decisions. As they get older they will need to be given more opportunity to make their own choices. 21 Barton, S (1993). VOLUME 1: CHILDREN AND FAMILY BREAKDOWN 27
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