On the Front Line of Child Protection: Collaborative Research Fellows in Focus

April 10, 2024

On the Front Line of Child Protection: Collaborative Research Fellows in Focus

Silhouettes of children running outside during sunset

Join us as we delve into the critical importance of conducting child-centered research, along with best practices in the field. In today's rapidly evolving world, it is imperative that we prioritize the voices and experiences of children in research methodologies and approaches.

This webinar will bring together experts and practitioners who are dedicated to advancing child protection through ethical and inclusive research practices. We will explore the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in conducting research with children, as well as the impact of incorporating their perspectives into policymaking and programming. Through discussions and practical insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the need for child-centered research and learn strategies for ensuring that children are active participants in the research process.

Photo courtesy of Pexels user Hurrah suhail.

Participants

Stephen Hanmer D’Elía

With experience in over 20 countries, D’Elía has led impactful initiatives in child welfare and humanitarian aid. His experience includes leading work with governments and religious communities; directing education, youth, and parent support programs; conducting individual and group therapy; and overseeing child protection and refugee programs in Africa and the Middle East. Recognized for his contributions, including an Aspen Institute Fellowship, D’Elía holds degrees in law, social work, and history. As a Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children's Issues research fellow, he focuses on revolutionizing mental health support for globally mobile youth.

Vladyslav Havrylov

A Ukrainian historian and religious scholar, Havrylov specializes in Soviet-era mass deportations, Catholic Church policy in World War II, and clergy involvement in the Holocaust. He holds master's degrees in religious studies and history and is pursuing a doctoral degree on Vatican policy during WWII. As a researcher with Where Are Our People?, he tracks Ukrainians forcibly deported by Russia. Havrylov is a research fellow at Georgetown University's Collaborative on Global Children's Issues, investigating the forcible transfer, deportation, adoption, and reeducation of Ukrainian children by Russia, reflecting his commitment to child welfare amidst conflict.

Gabriella Sanchez

Sanchez is a border control and migration enforcement scholar. Trained as a sociocultural anthropologist, she has written about migration-related crimes, particularly migrant smuggling and human trafficking, drawing from her work with migrant communities in the Americas, North Africa, and Europe. She lives on the U.S.-Mexico border and earned a Ph.D. from Arizona State University. At the Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children's Issues, Sanchez focuses on ethical engagement with vulnerable children and youth and ways to conduct field research that avoid the reproduction of inequality and the reinforcement of discriminatory practices.

Mara Tissera Luna

At the Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children's Issues, Tissera Luna leads the Breakthrough Series Collaborative on Promoting Early Childhood Development for Young Children on the Move in Northern Central America, identifying and learning from community-based organizations promoting early childhood development for displaced children in Northern Central America. With 12 years of expertise in child protection and migration across 10 countries, she consults for organizations including UNICEF and Refugees International. Her research has informed reports on child welfare and gender-based violence and holds degrees in anthropology and public administration.

Gillian Huebner (moderator)

Gillian Huebner (moderator) directs the Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues at Georgetown University. A global child rights and protection specialist, her background includes a focus on child-family separation and children living outside of family care. Gillian has worked with the UN, the U.S. government, private foundations, multiple non-governmental organizations, and as an independent consultant.