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Social Policies on Children to Be Reviewed

Social Policies on Children to Be Reviewed
Social Policies on Children to Be Reviewed

Social policies on children will be analyzed to assess their weaknesses and strengths and to streamline them on par with national objectives.

Social development of children to their full potential and the future prosperity of a nation are closely intertwined, said Hassan Mousavi Chalak, head of Iran Relief Workers Association.

There are different aspects to children’s development and one specific organization cannot shoulder the entire responsibility. All institutions should coordinate their policies so that children receive quality support and services to promote their physical and mental development in a holistic manner, he said, quoted by ISNA.

The social domain is influenced by national economic and political policies and despite the sufficient number of programs, resources and legislations, the infrastructural wherewithal to enforce them is lacking.

Following a directive issued by the Council of Ministers, a “National Convention on the Rights of Children” (NCRC) was recently established at the Ministry of Justice. While it has no executive responsibility, it is entrusted with the task of coordination, developing plans, programs and counseling in line with supporting, promoting and improving outcomes for children; assess action taken for them to learn, grow and lead productive lives as well as prepare relevant reports to meet the developmental goals. More than 16 organizations have been brought under the purview of the NCRC, he said.

The Ministry of Justice, as an important link between the Parliament and the Judiciary, can contribute to the social, emotional and behavioral health of children through strategies that promote awareness and take measures to identify and treat the needs of children.

 Intervention

It is important to consider the range of interventions, from promoting children’s healthy development to addressing serious child abuse and mental health disorders. A continuum of strategies should be adopted to promote social, emotional and mental health in children, early identification and intervention for those at risk and provision of long-term treatment for children with more serious conditions.

Mental distress can be identified in a child’s early years, and intervention can help children and youth overcome their problems and be successful at home, in schools and in their communities. An important aspect of supporting children’s mental health is ensuring culturally competent services that involve families in the treatment plans, Chalak said.

Whether a child is two or 15 years old, family involvement is imperative. By ensuring that families have access to quality care, policymakers can help children grow up with the support they need to be healthy and productive.

Investing in children yields positive benefits to economies and societies. As the foundation of an individual’s health and well-being is laid in early childhood, it is the most opportune period for their overall development.

Financialtribune.com