Childcare & Supervision

Funding

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) (2020-2025)

Co-researchers

Mónica Ruiz-Casares (PI), Maliphone Douangphachanh (National University of Laos), Magdalena Janus (McMaster University), Abdul-Rahim Mohammed (University of Development Studies), José Ignacio Nazif-Muñoz (Université de Sherbrooke), Youssef Oulhote (University of Massachusetts Amherst), Saithong Phommavong (National University of Laos), & Afua Twum-Danso Imoh (University of Bristol).

Summary

Adequate supervision is crucial to promoting healthy child development. However, in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) there is scarce empirical evidence on the relationship between family-support policies and child supervision practices, particularly in the absence of adults. Context-specific information is also `needed to help interpret population estimates and plan actions to promote child supervision in these settings. Consisting of two phases, the MTC project applies quantitative and qualitative methods to address this gap. 

Phase I (a) estimates the prevalence of and trends in non-adult supervision of children aged 0-5 years across and within LMIC; and (b) determines whether nationally implemented family-support policies are associated with non-adult supervision variations over time in those countries. This is done by analyzing Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) surveys from 87 LMIC, reviewing family-centred policies, and conducting key informant interviews/surveys with child development and protection experts.

Phase II builds on our previous research and on findings from Phase I to (c) create and test a research strategy and instruments to explore socio-ecological factors impinging on child supervision in rural and urban Ghana and Laos, two countries with similar prevalence of non-adult supervision of young children. This includes pilot-testing Visual Informed Consent (VIC) forms in Canada, Ghana, and Laos to be later used to obtain consent from child participants in those countries. In Laos and Ghana, data collection takes place through participatory workshops with children, focus group discussions with caregivers, and individual interviews with community and religious leaders, and professionals.

This project aims to enhance understanding of the role and influence of public policies in non-adult child supervision arrangements in LMIC and what constitutes 'adequate' supervision cross-culturally. This information is crucial to the development of new taxonomies of child supervision that respond to the specific needs and environmental, cultural, and social conditions of each LMIC.

Selected Publications

Sultana, T., Ruiz-Casares, M., Iwo, R., Janus, M., & Nazif-Muñoz, J. I. (2024). Maternal Education and Children Home Alone in 63 Low- and Middle-Income Countries (external link) . Global Pediatric Health. 11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X241258179

Iwo, R., Ruiz-Casares, M., & Nazif-Muñoz, J. I. (2023). The increasing prevalence of children home alone in Ghana: The importance of considering regional inequalities (external link) . Child Indicators Research, 16(5), 2013-2032. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-023-10038-w

Funding

Centre de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Montagne (2012-2015)

Co-researchers

Mónica Ruiz-Casares (PI), Youssef Oulhote (Harvard University), José Ignacio Nazif-Muñoz (McGill University)

Summary

This mixed-methods study aims to explore how public policies and socio-ecological factors influence child supervision in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The research has four main goals: (1) assess the prevalence and trends of non-adult supervision for children aged 0-5 in selected LMICs from 2006 to 2019; (2) analyze how national family-support policies impact variations in non-adult supervision over time in these countries; (3) identify socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors that either support or hinder child supervision; and (4) design, develop, and evaluate qualitative research strategies to collect culturally relevant information factors impacting child supervision.

To meet these objectives, a secondary analysis of data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) is conducted, examining key indicators related to child development, self-care, and supervision across over 80 countries. Additionally, interviews with child protection professionals, local experts, and individuals involved in developing the MICS and DHS surveys are carried out to uncover explanatory factors providing further insight into the survey findings.

Analysis of interviews and secondary analysis of MICS and DHS data yields important information on the prevalence and factors contributing to inadequate child supervision, thereby informing the development of targeted programs and policies aimed at enhancing family support systems and improving childcare practices.

Selected Publications

Ruiz-Casares, M., Nazif-Muñoz, J. I., Iwo, R., & Oulhote, Y. (2018). Nonadult supervision of children in low-and middle-income countries: results from 61 national population-based surveys (external link) . International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(8), 1564. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15081564

Ruiz-Casares, M., & Nazif-Munoz, J. I. (2018). Non-adult child supervision practices in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (external link) . Child Abuse & Neglect, 84, 217-228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.08.001

Funding

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) (2015-2019)

Co-researchers

Mónica Ruiz-Casares (PI, McGill University), Nico Trocmé (McGill University), Carl Lacharité (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières), Vanda Sinha (McGill University), Patricia Li (McGill University Health Centre), Ellen Moss (Université du Québec à Montréal), Tristan Milot (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières), Vicky Lafantaisie (Université du Québec en Outaouais)

Summary

Adequate supervision is crucial for healthy child development. In Canada, lack of supervision is the most frequent type of child neglect. There is however confusion about what constitutes Child supervision, particularly in the context of growing cultural diversity. The Geographies of Care project aims to gather information on caregivers, young people and professionals' perspectives on child supervision across diverse cultural and socioeconomic groups in Quebec, as well as, enhance cultural sensitivity and appropriateness of services to families in Quebec by giving insight into the extent to which professionals’ assessment of lack of supervision reflects diverse cultural norms.

This qualitative study involves 23 focus group discussions with 170 people, including (a) immigrant (Latin-American, Afro-Caribbean, South Asian), Aboriginal, and mainstream francophone Quebecer caregivers and children in family-based care and (b) community leaders and service providers in education, health, youth protection and the police working with ethno-culturally diverse families.

Findings indicate that immigrant caregivers and some children perceived neighbours as unfriendly, with caregivers noting a lack of community support, such as assistance with child supervision or school drop-offs. Additionally, immigrant families felt misunderstood about their child supervision practices, particularly when older children cared for younger siblings, fearing they might be misjudged as irresponsible or reported to Youth Protection services by neighbours.

Caregivers believe that children demonstrate agency by actively contributing to their families and ensuring their own safety. Furthermore, child supervision is shaped by a range of social, cultural, and economic factors, which service providers need to consider in order to foster trust and strengthen community ties. Creating a safe environment for open discussions about parenting practices is essential to this process.

Selected Publications

Gonzalez, E., & Ruiz-Casares, M. (2021).  Negotiating child agency in childcare practices among immigrant families (external link) . Child & Family Social Work, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12869

Grégoire-Labrecque, G., Lafantaisie, V., Trocmé, N., Lacharité, C., Li, P., Audet, G., Sullivan, R., & Ruiz-Casares, M. (2020). ‘Are We Talking as Professionals or as Parents?’ Complementary views on supervisory neglect among professionals working with families in Quebec, Canada (external link) . Children and Youth Services Review, 118, 105407. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105407 

Klassen, C. L., Gonzalez, E., Sullivan, R., & Ruiz-Casares, M. (2020). ‘I’m just asking you to keep an ear out’: parents’ and children’s perspectives on caregiving and community support in the context of migration to Canada (external link) . Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 1-19. doi:10.1080/1369183X.2019.1707647

Ruiz-Casares M, Sullivan R, Gonzalez E, Li P, Lacharité C. (2023). Cross-Cultural Mobility and Agency in Assessing the Appropriateness of Child Supervision in the Context of Cultural Diversity and Migration in Quebec (external link) . Social Sciences,12(9):515. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12090515

Ruiz-Casares, M., Lacharité, C., & Martin, F. (2020). Child Neglect Indicators: a Field in Critical Need of Development Globally (external link) . Child Indicators Research, 13(2), 363-367. doi:10.1007/s12187-019-09712-9

Funding

Internal Social Sciences and Humanities Development Grant, McGill University (2016-2017)

Co-researchers

Mónica Ruiz-Casares (PI), Saithong Phommavong (National University of Laos), Maliphone Douangphachanh (National University of Laos)

Summary

​​​​Understanding child supervision within a specific socio-cultural context is essential. This research seeks to explore the factors contributing to inadequate supervision, as well as the core components of effective family-based child care and supervision in Laos. Employing qualitative methods, the study investigates (a) the beliefs, practices, and living conditions within families and communities regarding child care and supervision in the Saravane and Borikhamxay provinces; and (b) the perceived impacts of inadequate adult supervision on children, as viewed by both adults and children in these areas.

The study gathers data through focus group discussions with adults and children (ages 12–17) in family-based care, along with interviews with key stakeholders including government officials, village leaders, educators, healthcare workers, social service providers, and representatives from community organizations and NGOs supporting families and children. The research sheds light on several key questions: how are children cared for and supervised in Saravane and Borikhamxay? What decision-making processes guide child supervision? How do adults and children define adequate or inadequate supervision in family-based care? And what are the perceived consequences of insufficient adult supervision on child well-being? Furthermore, this study incorporates direct observations, community mapping, and reviews of secondary sources including reports, statistical data, and relevant policies to offer additional insight into the topic.

The findings indicate that mothers serve as the primary caregivers for young children, although literate fathers also participate in supervising school-aged children. Grandparents, older siblings, extended family members, teachers, and village authorities also play significant roles. The study highlights that supervision is primarily aimed at ensuring child safety, appropriate socialization, and moral development. However, barriers to adequate supervision include parental unavailability due to employment, agricultural work, or migration, as well as limited infrastructure and material resources. These challenges may lead to negative outcomes such as injuries, school dropout, teenage pregnancy, and illicit drug use. Findings underscore the importance of culturally-informed services that can meet the needs of caregivers and children.

Selected Publications

Ruiz‐Casares, M., Phommavong, S., Park, S., & Douangphachanh, M. (2024). ‘Supervising children to be good people’: Parents and children's views of child supervision in Laos (external link) . Child & Family Social Work. 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.13140

Funding

Tomlinson Scholars (McGill University); Fonds de Recherche du Québec-Santé; Centre de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Montagne; Sherpa University Institute

Co-researchers

Monica Ruiz-Casares (PI); Janice L Currie (Kids Help Phone); Barbara Fallon (University of Toronto); Jody Heymann (McGill University); Deniz Kilinc (Queen's University); Ivana Radic; Cécile Rousseau (McGill University); Nico Trocmé (McGill University).

Summary

In a series of studies, we explore the experiences of a diverse range of children home alone in Quebec and across Canada. 

One study involving 42 middle-school, first- and second-generation immigrant students in Montreal explores their views on self-care and involvement in household responsibilities. Group discussions with the students shed light on how they evaluate the advantages and challenges of being home alone, as well as the approaches they utilize to manage childcare practices. The time children spend alone at home varies, with reported positive outcomes, such as developing independence and responsibility, as well as negative effects, including feelings of fear and concerns about safety. Social workers, school counselors, and clinicians should carefully consider cultural influences, migration backgrounds, and differences in household responsibilities or time spent alone, tailoring their approach to the unique circumstances of each individual within this population.

Another study investigates how adolescents perceive loneliness and solitude. Through an online survey on self-care, participants share both quantitative and qualitative insights into their feelings when spending time alone at home. The findings show that adolescents view aloneness both positively, as a form of solitude, and negatively, as an experience of loneliness. Adolescents who report feelings of loneliness are significantly less likely to enjoy being home alone, whether during the day or at night. Moreover, factors such as gender, age, as well as emotions including fear, boredom, and separation anxiety are linked to loneliness. Findings highlight the importance of implementing interventions aimed at fostering social connections and reducing loneliness during out-of-school hours.

A separate quantitative study examines the prevalence and characteristics of supervisory neglect and physical harm in children within the child welfare system. The study seeks to explore vatious forms of maltreatment and make comparisons between instances of supervisory neglect with and without accompanying physical harm. Findings illusterate that supervisory neglect cases tend to occur more frequently in overcrowded housing and involve younger children who are less likely to have any functional impairments. Only 2% of the cases involve injuries, with half of them being minor and not requiring medical attention. Other physical health issues appear in 2% of supervisory neglect cases. Physical harm is most common among toddlers (ages 1–2) and adolescents (ages 12–15). Additionally, there is no clear link between household or caregiver characteristics and higher rates of physical harm. Physical harm resulting from supervisory neglect is often associated with factors such as substance abuse, self-harming behavior, and repeated instances of running away from care. These findings highlight the need for improved guidelines in assessing supervisory neglect.

Two reviews, one from 2015 and an updated version in 2021, examine 1) Canadian legal standards and jurisprudence indicating the appropriate age for leaving children unsupervised, and 2) guidelines for safety, self-care, and babysitting programs. Based on the findings only three provinces establish a minimum age (either 12 or 16 years) at which children may be left alone or responsible for the care of other children. Quebec stands out as the only province setting an age limit of seven years for leaving children unsupervised in a vehicle. Canadian social service organizations advise against leaving children under 12 years old home alone. Policy evaluation and service implementation should prioritize providing accurate guidance and effective support for both caregivers and children.

Selected Publications

Ruiz-Casares, M., & Kilinc, D. (2021). Legal Age for Leaving Children Unsupervised Across Canada (external link) . CWRP Information Sheet #213E. Montreal, QC: Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal.

Ruiz-Casares, M., & Radic, I. (2015). Legal Age for Leaving Children Unsupervised Across Canada. CWRP Information Sheet #144E. Montreal, Quebec: Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal.

Ruiz-Casares, M. (2012). “When it’s just me at home, it hits me that i’m COMPLETELY ALONE”: An online survey of adolescents in self-care. Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 146(1 – 2), 135 – 153 (Loneliness Special Issue).

Ruiz-Casares, M., Rousseau, C., Currie, J., & Heymann, J. (2012). “I hold on to my teddy bear really tight”: Results from a Child Online Survey on Being Home Alone. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 82(1), 97 – 103.

Ruiz-Casares, M., Trocmé, N., & Fallon, B. (2012). Supervisory Neglect and Risk of Harm: Evidence from the Canadian Child Welfare system. Child Abuse & Neglect.36, 471 – 480.

Ruiz-Casares, M. & Rousseau, C. (2010). Between Freedom and Fear: Children’s Views on Home Alone. The British Journal of Social Work, 40(8), 2560 – 2577.