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F- Protecting Children Without Parental Care
Defining children without parental care
Millions of children around the world are deprived of their first line of protection – their parents. They are growing up without one or both of their parents. Many more are at risk of separation, due to the impact of poverty, disability and HIV/AIDS or such crises as natural disaster and armed conflict.
| -An estimated 143 million children are orphaned by one or both parents.
-Conflict has orphaned or separated 1 million children from their families in the 1990s.
-An estimated two to five per cent of the refugee population are unaccompanied children.
-The number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS is expected to jump to more than 25 million. In 12 African countries, projections show that orphans will comprise at least 15 per cent of all children under 15 years of age by 2010. |
Every child who is temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment is entitled to special protection and assistance provided by the state. Children may be placed in institutions such as orphanages, group homes, foster family homes, relative placements, hospitals or other institutions charged with their care. Through these alternative care settings, the government must ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child. Ironically, these placements are often harmful to children.
Reasons for being without parental care
Reasons for being without parental care include having temporarily or permanently:
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-Lost their caregivers or guardians (orphans).
-Lost contact with their caregivers. For example, street children, unaccompanied displaced or refugee children.
-Been kept in prolonged hospital care. For example, on grounds of health status, such as HIV status.
-Been placed in alternative care by their caregivers. For example, children with disabilities or children from poor families who are placed in institutions.
-Been separated from their parents. For example, where parents are detained or children are abducted.
-Been detained in educational, correctional or penal facilities as a result of an administrative or judicial decision. For example, suspected or convicted offenders or child asylum seekers. |
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