Community Problems in Caring and Assisting Children with Adverse Childhood Experiences in Chanuman Subdistrict, Chanuman District, Amnat Charoen Province

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed at studying community problems in caring for and assisting children with adverse childhood experiences during one month of study period. Fifty-nine informants were selected by purposive sampling, consisting of 6 groups: family caregivers of children with adverse childhood experiences, primary health care units, local administrative organizations, primary school teachers, local territorial organizations, and community leaders. Data were collected through document and secondary data study, non-participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed with the content analyses.

The research results found 5 dimensions of problems as follows: 1) social dimension: children could not access basic rights or welfare, the community lacked a social support system, children lacked educational opportunities, social stigma and negative attitudes, and family vulnerability; 2) health dimension: the community lacked a child mental health care system, lacked a continuous screening and surveillance system, lacked specialized personnel, and children had inappropriate health behaviors; 3) economic dimension: families had poverty, had debt burdens, lacked occupational stability, and lacked funds for occupations; 4) environmental dimension: housing was crowded and unsuitable for raising children, lacked creative and safe spaces; and 5) politics and governance dimension: lacking clear policies and plans at the local level, lacked integration in working, had budget and legal limitations, and lacked monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. These findings reflect the necessity that the community must integrate cooperation, develop the capacity of local mechanisms, and sustainably establish a care and assistance system for children with adverse childhood experiences that aligns with the area context.