Children represent the population needing continuous support from adults. Childhood can be defined as a period of development of various abilities and a time requiring guidance (Bruchhage et al., 2020; Roper, 2019). Challenges children face vary because childhood differs based on geography, culture, class, and several other factors (Roper, 2019). For instance, the status of children in Trinidad and Tobago can be characterized by disproportional deprivation, unequal access to social services, and exposure to abuse (Murray et al., 2020). Notably, several organizations provide treatment for children and can be listed as follows: Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation, and The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (“Partners,” n.d.). Childhood is based on the process of development, which includes cognitive and brain changes (Bruchhage et al., 2020). Aspects of childhood development are associated with visual, motor, and language skills alongside advancement toward adult-like networks (Bruchhage et al., 2020). Accordingly, because children are at the stage of exploring the world, they need adult assistance and support.
Furthermore, to conduct effective consultation, advocacy, and counseling sessions, one should utilize a philosophy that considers the cultural attributes of a child, with the approach based on findings from the most relevant practices. For example, some major theoretical approaches that can be employed in treating children are Jean Piaget’s study of cognitive development, John Bowlby’s theory of attachment, and Violet Oaklander’s model of using fantasy (Geldard et al., 2017). Therefore, counselors must determine methods that would help each unique child.
References
Bruchhage, M. M., Ngo, G. C., Schneider, N., D’Sa, V., & Deoni, S. C. (2020). Functional connectivity correlates of infant and early childhood cognitive development.Brain Structure and Function, 225(2), 669-681. Web.
Geldard, K., Geldard, D., & Yin Foo, R. (2017). Counselling children (5th ed.). Sage.
Murray, J., Swadener, B.B., & Smith, K. (Eds.). (2020). The Routledge international handbook of young children’s rights. Routledge.
Partners. (n.d.). United Way Trinidad & Tobago. Web.
Roper, S. (2019). Histories of childhood in the Caribbean: New perspectives and methodologies.Journal of Caribbean History, 53(2), 187-191. Web.