Title:
Safeguarding children in Bahia, Northeast Brazil
Authors:
Braha, N.H.
Year:
2010
PAGE:
v, 123
Language:
eng
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Keywords:
children
,
health
,
human rights
Abstract:
CONTEXT: In Brazil, poverty and inequality go hand-in-hand with violence1,2. Although Brazil is a middleincome country, over one in five Brazilians live in poverty4 and accidents and violence are the principal cause of child deaths (1-14y)5,6. Over the last two decades, Brazil has revolutionised safeguarding legislation and policymaking6- 11. The extent that this has altered the reality on the ground is unknown. Rural areas of poor north-eastern states like Bahia, where children are highly vulnerable and far from safeguarding services, have been much-neglected by researchers. AIMS: To explore the barriers to safeguarding in Bahia from the perspective of grass-roots professionals and, through discussion of ongoing challenges, to develop recommendations for improvements. METHODS: This study was based in Barra, Bahia. Focus groups were complemented by semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Professionals who work with children were recruited. Sessions were led by a trained moderator and tape-recorded. Transcripts and questionnaire data were analysed using a constant comparative framework. FINDINGS: Ten focus groups and eight semi-structured interviews were conducted. 55 questionnaires were completed. Ongoing challenges include the scarcity of trained professionals, the poorly-resourced and under-supported Conselho Tutelar, the lack of shelters and foster schemes and the absence of multidisciplinary teamwork. Acceptance of physical punishment, financial dependence on aggressors and fear of reprisals are additional barriers to safeguarding. CONCLUSIONS: Focus groups complemented by semi-structured interviews and questionnaires effectively promoted open discussion of this sensitive and complex topic. Although lack of resources inevitably hinders safeguarding in Barra, much could be achieved using those already available to make Barrense children’s rights a reality.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Training:
Master in International Health (MIH)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2010 Braha
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation