Citation

Boothby N. Peace Conflict J. Peace Psychol. 2017; 23(1): 31-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/pac0000201

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Millions of children globally live under conditions of serious deprivation or danger. Children who are exploited, abandoned, abused, or severely neglected also face significant threats to their survival and well-being as well as profound life cycle risks that have an impact on human, social, and economic development. U.S. foreign assistance to children in adversity, while substantial, is channeled through more than 30 offices in 7 U.S. Government departments and agencies. With its significant investments in international development, the technical expertise and research capabilities embedded within key agencies and diplomatic outreach, the U.S. Government is potentially well positioned to lead and mobilize a sensible and strategic global agenda for children in adversity. However, until recently, there has been no overarching policy or guidance for U.S. foreign assistance for children in adversity. This article describes the development of the U.S. Government's first whole-of-government foreign assistance policy for children growing up in conditions of severe deprivation and danger. It begins with an overview of the main challenges in pursuing a coordinated foreign assistance approach across multiple agencies, including the role of research and science. It then presents the core and supportive objectives in the U.S. Government's Action Plan for Children in Adversity, followed by a discussion on implementation challenges and recommended next steps to further invest in children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)

Language: en