In Costa Rica, 470 thousand children and adolescents live below the poverty line, representing 34% of the total minor population (14% more than the country’s average), while 12% live in extreme poverty.
In addition, multiple studies reveal the backwardness and exclusion experienced by minors from particular populations, such as indigenous peoples, migrants and refugees, Afro-descendants, people with disabilities, and rural and marginal urban communities, as they face more significant difficulties in accessing services essential, alternatives for special protection, and opportunities for their development.
As for the various forms of violence, the view is not at all hopeful. The ministry of children called the National Children’s Trust (PANI) indicates that in 2019 it processed a total of 2,340 formal complaints, affecting 3,610 minors. Likewise, more than 88 thousand reports of violations against minors were attended, the main causes being negligence (19%), family conflicts (18%), physical aggression (15%) and psychological aggression (11%).
hese conditions of vulnerability have been increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, as it has alienated children and adolescents from institutional care, they are in a state of greater isolation, they are at greater risk of experiencing economic deprivation, and of living with adult’s subject to social stressors, which increases the risk of violence.
Community Centre (CAFI)
The creation of a Community Centre (CC), which can mitigate the impact of the pandemic, from its initial stage to the medium term to provide long-term opportunities. This CC is designed so that families who have been unemployed can meet the needs of children and adolescents and meet their needs at home at an early stage and in the short and medium term find a way to join the working market.
Objective
As a Network we contribute to the care of families affected by emergencies and their effects, with a comprehensive approach.
Outcomes
