@article{ref1,
title="Children in difficulties",
journal="Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand",
year="2012",
author="Pairojkul, Srivieng and Limratana, Napa",
volume="95 Suppl 7",
number="",
pages="S59-73",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Children in difficulties are characterized by: chronic neglect; disability; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; HIV or one/both parents with HIV and/or limited socio-economic opportunities. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To review the current situation by reviewing the incidence of problems affecting children and exploring both potential short-/long-term strategies, including the role of pediatricians. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors reviewed the incidence and situations of children in difficulties, did a synthesis of guidelines and made recommendations. <br><br>RESULTS: The fundamental causes of difficulties include: failed macro-economic policies; inadequate and inaccessible education system; and weakness of the family unit, which is associated with: separation and divorce; violence between partners and/or toward their children; neglect and abandonment; inappropriate child-rearing; and child exploitation, including trafficking. <br><br>CONCLUSION: GOs and NGOs need to work collaboratively for child protection. Pediatricians can play a vital role in strengthening the family (a) by providing timely strategic, informal education for parents on healthy child-rearing (b) by being attuned to signs, symptoms and attitudes of children in difficulties from childhood through adolescence and (c) by working interactively with children/teens, their families, teachers and communities. Medical schools need to revise the curricula to include these crucial roles for pediatricians in child and family advocacy.<p />",
language="",
issn="0125-2208",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}