Collaborative on Global Children's Issues

In various historical and regional contexts, Catholic faith communities have sometimes struggled to prevent the separation of children from their families, occasionally offering justifications aligned with their own interests, such as religious instruction. This has led to a shift in dynamics in which the prioritization of children's interests has not always been evident. However, it is encouraging to note that many contemporary initiatives and Catholic faith communities contest and question such positions. They now emphasize the importance of individual well-being, especially that of the child, guided by the principles of Christian anthropology. This perspective underscores the importance of redirecting the focus of risk assessment to the needs and perspectives of each child, and it contributes to the consideration of how Catholic faith communities can effectively assist in preventing unnecessary separations from families.

Theological Reflections

The following reflections are rooted in a theological perspective on humanity, with a particular emphasis on children. In the Christian creation narrative, Genesis 1:26-27, God creates humans in his own image and endows them with unlimited and divine dignity. Recognizing the divine in others and in ourselves is the foundation of Christian self-understanding and serves as the goal and measure of every Christianly motivated action. In the New Testament, Mark 9:36-37, Jesus places a child in the midst of the crowd to emphasize that the way to the kingdom of God must not overlook children, who in Jesus' day were often marginalized and powerless. On the contrary, serving them reveals the presence of God, since their vulnerability and dependence require unconditional trust and essential relationships. After all, the message of the birth of Christ also shows that God came into the world in this very way, in the form of a child. This Christian anthropological perspective, which focuses on the child and the reality of his or her life, is the basis for Christian action and can give us new impetus in assessing the separation of children and families. 

Human Rights Perspectives

Aside from theological perspectives, it's important to understand how various organizations, including the United Nations which in this context holds a global mandate on child rights, play a significant role in creating policies and principles that work alongside the efforts of Catholic faith communities when it comes to addressing the separation of children from their families. The 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) places the child at the center. For example, Article 2, Article 3 and Article 6 of the convention clearly state that the child must be at the center and that any harm to the child in any context must be avoided. The CRC provides international legal guidelines in this regard. At times, Article 5 has been misinterpreted in addressing children's rights, eliminating the role of parents in favor of a human rights approach. As our main theme is focusing on “putting children first,” it is important to emphasize that Article 5 is intended to work with parents and families based on the potential of the child and with an awareness that these potentials differ from child to child. While the child is a central focal point, the parents and the governments hold the responsibility of nurturing. 

The convention requires continuous cooperation and efforts to support the development of the child. Commitment to a child's education and development should go hand in hand with respect for his or her human rights. It is important to distinguish between avoidable separations of children and families, which can be addressed through family support, and exceptional, severe, and unavoidable cases. When faith communities such as the Catholic Church are actively involved in reuniting children with their families after separation, the CRC is crucial in addressing issues such as children's rights in the context of the nation-state and thus within the Church.

Recognizing the vital connection between human rights and theological reflection is key. This concept is reinforced by the extensive study report “Faith and Children's Rights,” which explores the profound implications of the CRC for different faiths. These aspects emphasize the central role of the family in a child's growth and development. In particular, Article 27 of the CRC directly underscores the importance of faith and the nurturing of a child's spiritual growth.

Rethinking Risk Assessment

Literature indicates that common risk assessment tools for families at risk are often based on the legal perspective. However, this approach does not comprehensively cover child-related risks in their entirety. Regrettably, it does not fully take into account children's perspectives and needs, although their experiences and emotions should play a crucial role in assessing potential family separation. 

Different sources of information play a role in risk assessment. In this context, the child as a vulnerable component of the complex family structure provides important insights. A child-centered, Christian-based risk assessment recognizes long-term developmental risks in assessing family separations. This comprehensive view combines culturally sensitive insights from fields such as child sociology and developmental psychology. It includes a thorough understanding of family dynamics, often deepened by in-depth interviews with children and other family members. This multifaceted strategy not only increases the accuracy of risk assessment but also emphasizes the child's perspective and well-being. This comprehensive approach respects children as active participants in their life stories and allows for a nuanced understanding of their complex realities.

Continuing to Put Children First: Catholic Faith Communities and the Child-centered Approach 

The review of the preceding considerations underscores the need to integrate theological and human rights perspectives into risk assessment. By recognizing the intrinsic dignity of each child from a theological perspective, and by respecting the rights of the child within the framework of human rights, Catholic faith communities can play a central role in protecting children and preventing unwarranted separations. 

Fostering collaboration among Catholic faith communities, governmental institutions, and other stakeholders is of paramount importance in providing comprehensive support to children and their families. Through such concerted efforts, the interests and well-being of children can be effectively promoted, thereby reducing the likelihood of unnecessary separation of children and families. To this end, the implementation of various measures, including family strengthening programs, educational initiatives, and the provision of resources, is essential in cultivating an environment conducive to the safe and holistic development of children.

Risk assessment should be understood as a dynamic process that ought to be adapted to new findings and advances. Continued improvement of interdisciplinary assessment methods that take into account cultural norms and sensitivities hold the potential for Catholic faith communities to provide more effective support to vulnerable children and their families.

Ultimately, a child-centered approach rooted in theological and human rights principles enables Catholic faith communities to be a constructive influence in preventing the separation of children from their families. Thoughtful risk assessment that includes children's perspectives and upholds their rights ensures that decisions are made in the best interests of children and fosters an environment in which they can feel safe and supported.

Laura Moessle and Anthony Ssembatya Both are working as research fellows at the Institute of Anthropology at Pontifical Gregorian University, with a specific focus on children in the care of women religious who are transitioning from institutional care to alternative-based family care. Moessle holds a doctorate in theology from the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Tübingen, Germany. Ssembatya holds a doctorate in sociology and international relations from the University of Potsdam, Germany. Their research is in cooperation with the International Union of Superiors General.