Pilot implementation of child psychosocial framework in Kenya, Turkey and Brazil

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a child psychosocial framework among stakeholders in areas of disadvantage in three low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), i.e. Kenya, Turkey and Brazil, and to capture their proposed recommendations through action plans according to this framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Workshops were facilitated with a total of 54 participants from different disciplines. The framework addressed safety and child-centredness, quality of care, resilience-building in schools and communities, enhancing competencies within existing roles, counselling and psychological interventions, and access to mental health services. Stakeholders’ perspectives were captured through a participatory action procedure.

Findings

The emerging 33 categories across the framework dimensions and the three sites led to four overarching and inter-linked themes. These related to community awareness; empowerment and “mobilization” of children, young people and families; inter-agency policy and practice; and capacity-building on skills acquisition at different levels.

Research limitations/implications

The next stage in this service research should be full implementation and evaluation in different LMIC contexts.

Practical implications

It is feasible to implement such a child psychosocial framework in contexts of conflict and disadvantage, and in the absence of specialist mental health services. Active stakeholder engagement and co-production should be central to the next phase of service transformation in LMIC.

Originality/value

This study captured the views and experiences of stakeholders in LMIC areas of disadvantage, and demonstrated their readiness to establish interdisciplinary networks and re-focus existing services.

Citation

Vostanis, P., Eruyar, S., Smit, E. and O’Reilly, M. (2019), "Pilot implementation of child psychosocial framework in Kenya, Turkey and Brazil", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 303-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-02-2019-0008