The role of paediatricians in implementing adequate social programs to assist children suffering parental loss

Parental loss in children describes several circumstances, which besides death, are related to a prolonged absence of one or both parents or caregivers. Separation from familiar figures due to divorce, incarceration, prolonged absence for work or removal to foster care, are only few of the several factors that have been identified to contribute establishing a condition of parental loss. During recent years the cases of parental loss have progressively grown among children living in the European area, likely reflecting substantial changes in the civil society, mainly related to several social, economic, cultural and technological trends that have impacted the traditional family structure, particularly during the last few decades. To this regard, factors like the recent 2008 economic turmoil and a progressive dissemination of undifferentiated and globalized social models have further favored the increasing negative impact of parental loss in children living in the European countries. In fact, the progressive homogenization of social and welfare programs, proposing generalized solutions to specific issues, seem to be often unable to effectively integrate at local level with the typical cultural diversities characterizing the various European social backgrounds. Social interventions applying the same operational models in different countries, appears in many circumstances insufficient to properly assist children coping with parental loss. Therefore, suggesting that the “one fits all” type of approach to deal with social challenges, may not provide efficient and long lasting solutions. The authors of this commentary are part of a social pediatrics working group supported by European national pediatric societies (Turkish Paediatric Association, Italian Federation of Paediatricians, Romanian Social Pediatrics Society, Italian Society of Paediatrics) member of the European Paediatric Association, the Union of National Pediatric Societies and Associations (EPA/UNEPSA). The commentary aims at further raising the attention of pediatricians on the increasing impact of parental loss on children’s life and in particular on their present and future health and wellbeing. To this regard, the working group emphasizes the importance of assisting children challenged by parental loss, with adequate social programs of prevention and support, as well as the role that paediatricians may play in implementing these interventions. Such programs should be designed to properly adapting to different local needs, taking in account the cultural diversity and social backgrounds characterizing the Nations of the European area, in which families differs from culture to culture and from one nation to the other.