Some Observations for Discussion
Researchers and practitioners involved in child rights and protection issues are questioning the paradigms and strategies now dominating national and international efforts to protect children in various conditions of adversity. Their questions reflect concerns that while many of the current approaches to children needing special protection are effective, some are not. They wonder whether new ideas, and perhaps even reorientation of effort, might be needed. That observation has become commonplace regarding children confronted by adversities as diverse as HIV/AIDS epidemics, armed conflict and other forms of civil unrest, natural disasters, hazardous work, trafficking, street-living, and familial abuse and neglect, among others.
