War Child’s programming focuses on the psychosocial well-being of children and young people affected by conflict. Article 39 of the UNCRC mentions children’s right to appropriate measures that promote their psychological recovery and social reintegration as a result of their experiences in armed conflict.
Opinions differ on the most appropriate measures to achieve this.

Recent years have shown a dramatic growth in programmes designed to assist children’s recovery from traumatic events and experiences. Historically these programmes were therapeutic in their focus, addressing diagnosed psychological effects; others were preventative, seeking to prevent further psychosocial deterioration.

Developmental programmes have gained ground with their focus on promoting healthy psychosocial development. The reason for this shift is threefold: 

1. An increased belief that only a small portion of war affected communities have serious psychological problems requiring specialized care; 
2. The concern that culture and context specific disorders on which these curative approaches are based like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be unfamiliar to non-Western societies ;
3. The acceptance that children’s well-being largely depends on secure family relationships and a predictable (safe) environment.

War Child uses and advocates for community-based approaches which

• acknowledge and build on existing coping strategies and protection mechanisms within the community and which 
• seek to enhance the resilience of children and their families. Understanding and respecting the culture is fundamental in planning and implementing programmes. Existing practices and traditions can be of great importance in facilitating children’s recovery and future development.
  Not recognising and valuing what already exists within a culture will lead to a failed intervention. War Child also finds it essential that the community is actively involved in the programmes to ensure success.
  
  
   

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