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Objective A growing number of children in the United States are from immigrant families. We conducted a national survey to examine pediatricians’ self-rated preparedness to care for children in immigrant families. Methods A 2017 survey of American Academy of Pediatrics members assessed respondent characteristics, formal training in and experience with global, public, or immigrant health, and preparedness to care for children in immigrant families. Descriptive statistics and a multivariable logistic regression model examined associations between characteristics, formal training, experience, and preparedness. Results The survey response rate was 47% (n = 758/1628). One third of respondents (33.6%) reported being unprepared to care for children in immigrant families. In bivariate analyses, respondents who had graduated from medical school outside of the United States, had previous education on immigrant health care, or had recent international global health experience were most likely to report feeling prepared to care for children in immigrant families. Multivariable regression model results indicated that prior education on immigrant health (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.68, 6.32), graduation from medical school outside the United States (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 1.22, 4.67), and proficiency in a language other than English (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.14, 2.80) were independently associated with preparedness. Conclusions One in 3 US pediatricians report being unprepared to care for children in immigrant families. Wider implementation of graduate and continuing medical education on immigrant child health is needed to ensure that practicing pediatricians have the appropriate skills and knowledge to care for this patient population.

Purpose We explored attitudes and beliefs pertaining to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among unmarried, female, resettled Bhutanese refugees 16–20 years. Methods Fourteen interviews were analyzed using the constant comparison method, and major themes were identified. Results SRH was stigmatized for unmarried youth, making seeking information about SRH or accessing family planning difficult. There were many misconceptions about access to SRH. Conclusions Universal, culturally, and linguistically appropriate comprehensive SRH education is recommended for female Bhutanese refugee youth. Terminology used should take into account differences in conceptualization of concepts like dating. Educators and health care providers should clearly describe consent and confidentiality laws regarding adolescent SRH services.

Objectives This article reviews the available evidence regarding the efficacy, effectiveness, ethics, and sustainability of approaches to strengthen systems to care for and protect children living outside family care in low- and middle-income countries. Method For trafficked children, children of and on the street, children of conflict/disaster, and institutionalized children, a systems framework approach was used to organize the topic of sustainable approaches in low- and middle-income countries and addresses the following: legislation, policies, and regulations; system structures and functions (formal and informal); and continuum of care and services. The article draws on the findings of a focal group convened by the U.S. Government Evidence Summit: Protecting Children Outside of Family Care (December 12–13, 2011, Washington, DC), tasked with reviewing the literature on systems, strategies, and interventions for sustainable long-term care and protection of children with a history of living outside of family care in low- and middle-income country contexts. The specific methodology for the review is described in the commentary paper ( Higgs, Zlidar, & Balster, 2012 ) that accompanies these papers. Results For the most part, the evidence base in support of sustainable long-term care for the populations of interest is relatively weak, with some stronger but unreplicated studies. Some populations have been studied more thoroughly than others, and there are many gaps. Most of the existing studies identify population characteristics, needs, and consequences of a lack of systemic services to promote family-like care. There is some evidence of the effectiveness of laws and policies, as well as some evidence of service effectiveness, in improving outcomes for children outside of family care. Conclusions Despite the weaknesses and gaps of the existing research, there is a foundation of research for going forward, which should focus on developing and implementing systems for these most vulnerable children. The evidence reviewed indicates that child protection systems should aim for appropriate, permanent family care (including reunification, adoption, kinship care, or kafalah ) for children in order to secure the best environment for a child's developmental prospects. Evidence also suggests that the quality and duration of care, including both permanent family care and alternative care, are important regardless of setting. The diversity of political, socioeconomic, historical, regional, community, and cultural contexts in which child protection systems operate need to be taken into account during programming and research design.