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Using a systems perspective to examine child protection systems and practice: A scoping review on child abandonment and institutionalisation in the Maghreb
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Ann John ,
Ashra Khanom ,
S. El Mhamdi,
A. Soussi ,
Helen Snooks
Children and Youth Services Review, Volume: 157, Start page: 107382
Swansea University Authors:
Fadi Baghdadi, Ann John , Ashra Khanom , Helen Snooks
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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107382
Abstract
The Maghreb (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco (including Western Sahara), Tunisia) has high rates of child maltreatment and child abandonment, leading to high rates of child institutionalisation. This review aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of children in institutions in the countrie...
| Published in: | Children and Youth Services Review |
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| ISSN: | 0190-7409 |
| Published: |
Elsevier BV
2024
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65248 |
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| Abstract: |
The Maghreb (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco (including Western Sahara), Tunisia) has high rates of child maltreatment and child abandonment, leading to high rates of child institutionalisation. This review aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of children in institutions in the countries of the Maghreb and to compare and contrast the child protection systems in the region. Using a scoping review approach, we identified 45 relevant studies from databases including Africa-Wide Information, Academic Search Premiere, Policy file Index, Google Scholar, and Google. Estimated children in institutions were as follows: Algeria 550,000, Libya 80-145,000, Mauritania 45,850, Morocco 471,006, and Tunisia 140,000. Common elements included limited child protection resources, lack of transparent databases, limited separation between religion and state, Shariah's influence on social and cultural norms, and a kafala system, an Islamically prescribed from of permanent guardianship for abandoned children. Mauritania and Tunisia had dedicated child protection codes, and all countries except Libya reported to the CRC. The literature indicates that components of the child protection systems in the countries of the Maghreb are fragmented with competing purposes, prioritising existing communitarian cultural mores over child protection. High rates of child abandonment and institutionalisation in the region result from inadequate child safeguarding structures and the stigmatisation of unmarried mothers and their children. Kafala, is a common element of Maghrebian child protection systems, with little alternative care provision, such as foster care. The scoping review highlights the opportunity to develop and adapt existing child safeguarding and alternative care structures and practice between countries of the Maghreb. Intra-regional research is urgently needed to facilitate changes and reduce rates of child abandonment and institutionalisation. |
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| Keywords: |
Child protection system; Maghreb; Child institutionalisation; Scoping review; Child abandonment |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
This research was supported by the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) in conjunction with the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI). |
| Start Page: |
107382 |