European Integration Studies

Mental Health Challenges of Refugee Children

Silvia Majerčáková Albertová — 2024-12-19

Worldwide, the number of refugee children and youth is staggering. It is well-documented that refugee children face various types and varying extents of mental health challenges. Providing an overview of the mental health challenges that this population faces, this chapter discusses the current mental health status of refugee children through the lens of prominent psychological theories. A psychosocial approach to human development is introduced, moving beyond the traditional approach of diagnosis and treatment of mental health symptoms, adopting a holistic ecological approach targeting both risk and resilience factors that promote sustainable mental health and well-being in refugee children. Through the motivational theory of human needs, refugee children’s needs are outlined as their basic human rights, offering a rationale for comprehensive mental health services to be provided at the individual, family, and community levels. With the overarching aim of promoting complete mental health of refugee children towards a state of well-being, a system of interventions is outlined, which considers the complex needs of these children and their families. A family is a system of its own; however, it is also a subsystem within a larger societal system. A subsystem can thrive only if, at the societal level, an open-minded, prejudice-free, and tolerant approach is adopted towards refugee children and their families. Each child is primarily a child with human rights and deserves to thrive in a psychologically healthy environment to have a chance to achieve positive life outcomes.

Our right to life comes from being human: Perception of the child before birth

Edit Frivaldszky — 2024-12-19

More than 70 million abortions take place worldwide every year. There is no other topic so devisive today as the recognition of the human being as human while in the mother's womb. And there is no other issue where the world of law is so disconnected from biological reality as for the beginning of life.

Our times see a cultural dissonance where due to historical and technological developments men and women turn against each other at the expense of the conceived new life, where mothers and fathers become the number one enemy of their unborn children. Recognizing the importance of our genetic heritage might lead to the rearrangement of responsibilities for the sake of the next generation.

Althought on the surface, the cultural acceptance of the unborn is not widespread in the Western world, the roots of recognizing the human being as human can be found in international documents and national legislation. While the rights of the child before birth is under attack, mothers must also be strongly protected in the vulnerable period of pregnancy.

Child Poverty in the Member States of the European Union through the Lens of Hungary and the Romani Population

Virág Havasi — 2024-12-19

In this study, we examined the different measurement methods for poverty. Extreme poverty has decreased both in terms of actual number and overall proportion, but it is still present even in the developed European countries. Having assessed the situation of the Romani people and their children in the European member states, we found that their conditions were relatively better in three Central European countries. We provide a detailed picture about the Hungarian Roma and the state’s endeavours to integrate them into society. Hungary has high-quality institutions, including social innovations such as the Sure Start Children’s House and Study Hall, but their functioning is not without deficiencies.

Children and Poverty: Dynamics of Theology

Rastko Jović — 2024-12-19

Persistent poverty in Serbia is affecting everyone, particularly children. This article examines the complex issue of poverty through the lens of Orthodox theology. Historically, Orthodox theology has been criticised for its passivity in addressing social injustices, often promising salvation in an afterlife paradise. Despite critiques of inactivity, the Orthodox Church in Serbia has been actively engaged in humanitarian assistance, extending support through various channels, including dioceses and collaborative efforts with other humanitarian organisations. Yet, there remains a striking difference between the Church’s perceived role as a guardian of tradition and national identity and its potential to be socially active within the constraints of history. In that manner, this article advocates for comprehension of a theological framework that would be able to guide charitable efforts. Recognising the intrinsic value that children embody within Christian tradition highlights the imperative of special care for children. Acknowledging the importance of tradition and theology within the Orthodox context, we believe, can inspire a dialogue between the Church and broader society. That would eventually help to transcend social passivity, changing the image of the Church towards active and systemic work, and towards the dynamic of love, justice, and compassion. In other words, the Serbian Orthodox Church should align this presence with its prophetic role of addressing and changing unjust social relations that cause poverty. Therefore, alleviating poverty and increasing social engagement should be top priorities in the coming years.

The role of psychopedagogy – the development of understanding of the child

Błażej Kmieciak — 2024-12-19

The discussion on human rights always refers to the relationship between a person and a specific authority. The rights of a given person are the element that is supposed to allow them to effectively demand their own dignity, in particular in a situation in which they experience a specific injustice. The harm felt is most often caused by a clear disproportion between the rule of a specific institution or ruler and the capabilities of a person. That is why we talk, for example, about the need to guarantee the rights of a patient in a situation where a hospital or educated doctors make the patient feel aggrieved. A slightly different situation concerns the rights of the child. Here too, we have an element of power. We are talking here about parental authority. However, this is a different type of relationship. The authority mentioned here is presented by people who (most often) care for and love the child. At the same time, however, the child mentioned here is in the position of a person who in certain situations must adapt to the will of the parents. Is such a situation always necessary? Can children's rights introduce a specific democratic system in the family? What is the connection between children's rights and the obligations of the youngest? When speaking about children's rights, should we always remember the aforementioned obligations?

This article will attempt to answer these questions.

Role of the family in the socialisation of children: Relevant sociological research in Hungary

András Pári — 2024-12-19

The number of children in Hungary has been steadily decreasing in the recent decades, which poses serious demographic challenges for the country. According to the latest statistics, the decrease in the number of children is not only a consequence of the relatively low number of births, but is also related to the aging of the population and the changing values among young people.

The socialization and rights of children are closely related to the family environment, educational institutions and social interactions. The socialization of children begins in the family, where the parent-child relationship plays a fundamental role in the development of the personality. Family parenting styles, such as supportive or authoritarian approaches, have a significant impact on children's socialization processes and their later quality of life.

The protection of children's rights is also crucial during socialization processes. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasizes the rights of children, including the right to freedom of expression, the right to family life and the provision of an appropriate educational environment.

During the process of family socialization, children learn social behaviors not only from the close family environment, but also from broader family relationships, which are particularly emphasized in large families. In large families, children can see more examples, which enriches their socialization experiences and helps them develop social skills.

Family customs, patterns and norms, from religiosity to financial decision-making, also have a significant impact on children's future lives. In addition, family socialization affects not only children's development, but also interactions between families and social structures. During family life education, children learn how social relationships work and how to navigate different social situations. In large families, shared experiences and family traditions further strengthen family identity, which plays a decisive role in their later (adult) lives.

Life is a value – the situation of and opportunities for people with Down syndrome

Éva Steinbach — 2024-12-19

We consider life as a fundamental value and treat it as an axiom. Nevertheless, this critically important right is frequently attacked. The most dangerous of these attacks occur when we pass judgement on difficult issues without sufficient caution. This can determine when and where life can have opportunities, especially when it is fragile and small. The Fundamental Law of Hungary begins its enumeration of fundamental rights with the statement that ‘human dignity shall be inviolable’. It then goes on to say that ‘every human being shall have the right to life and human dignity; the life of the foetus shall be protected from the moment of conception’. It is clear from this wording that the law recognises the beginning of life at live birth but also protects the foetus from conception as part of the process leading to life. Unfortunately, this protection is not without discrimination. Families encountering Down syndrome face numerous challenges from the moment of diagnosis. It is apparent from judicial practice that some form of assistance is sought to be provided to families in difficult situations. The question is how effective this assistance is and how it affects the families and the attitude of health care providers. The aim of this study is to raise the issues that counteract life as a value, taking into account the perspectives of the very lovable individuals with Down syndrome.

The rights and well-being of children of incarcerated parents in Estonia

Judit Strömpl — 2024-12-19

This article provides an overview of the situation of children of incarcerated parents (IP) in Estonia compared to the international situation from the perspective of the rights and well-being of the child. Studies published in recent years focus on the negative impact of parental imprisonment on the well-being of their children and on child resilience (i.e. how children cope with this difficult situation). Legal regulation seeks to provide a framework to safeguard the child's well-being considering the child's rights. Drawing on relational-culture theory, this article addresses the issue of parental imprisonment from the perspective of the relationships between the different actors involved – the child, the IP, other carers outside the prison, the community, and society. Legal regulation seeks to standardise these relationships at international and national levels. The international legislation (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, Council of Europe on European Prison Rules) is designed to protect the rights and well-being of the child, and it must be considered in all situations worldwide, including when a parent is serving a prison sentence. The main question of this article is how does Estonian legislation, child protection policy, and practice meet international requirements for children of detained parents? Using a case-study method, the article introduces the current situation in the Estonian prison system in terms of conditions for communication between children with their IPs. The relevant Estonian laws (Constitution of the Estonian Republic, Family Law Act, Child Protection Act, Prison Act, Prison Rules) are analysed in the article in comparison to international legislation and their practical implementation.

Challenges of bilingual students from Polish diaspora schools – a therapeutic perspective

Anna Szkotak — 2024-12-19

This text presents the challenges faced by children from Polish-speaking families living abroad. The first part of the article describes the specificity of bilingualism along with a division and discussion of its various types. Next, it discusses the topics related to the Polish diaspora and the schools attended by children of Polish nationality. Subsequently, the difficulties of bilingual children for whom the language of the host country is the second language are discussed. Problems are mainly considered from the perspective of speech therapy and psychology. Then, the challenges that Polish diaspora schools are trying to meet are described. The text is supported by the authors’ many years of experience in working with bilingual students and cooperation with teachers from Polish diaspora schools. The conclusions formulated in the text are based on the experience of the “Flying Clinic” project, which was implemented by the Centre for the Development of Polish Education Abroad (ORPEG)

From them to us: How developmental trauma is significant in the life of children in asylums

Noémi Vigh — 2024-12-19

This study aims to enhance understanding of the trauma backgrounds of children in asylums and to offer possibilities for healing. Studying chronic or developmental trauma is a relatively new and growing field of psychology which offers important changes of perspective and possibilities of treatment. It is a valuable theoretical framework in the urgent global issue of refugees and asylum seekers. The concept explains how the inside scars of fleeing one’s home or of other harmful events, often determines children’s future. These scaring events can occur in these children’s home country, or during their trip, but even in the countries where they arrive, where we are in a way responsible for them. Beyond the moral obligation to help these vulnerable children, I argue that in the long term, it is in our best interests to offer them help by professionals trained in trauma consciousness in all the institutions or system where they are handled. Education systems for instance could be key to the acculturalisation and integration process. Schools provide the basis for the right to education, structure, and community to provide knowledge and healing through relationships for the benefit of future generations. Raising consciousness and leaving hostile attitudes and rhetoric behind can be beneficial to newcomers but also to natives. I argue that we should replace the concept of differentiating, and talking about several isolated groups like natives, refugees, migrants etc. and begin to accept that in the perspective of the future, we are parts of the same “group” as a society.