CIESPI

The International Center for Research and Policy on Childhood at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (CIESPI at PUC-Rio), is dedicated to engaging in research studies on, and social projects for, children, young people and their families and communities. Its purpose is to support the development and implementation of policies and practices for children and young people that contribute to their full development and the promotion and defense of their rights. CIESPI is particularly concerned with children growing up in contexts of vulnerability including poverty.


WORK

While CIESPI is based in Brazil, it has active partnerships with colleagues in a number of countries. Since it was founded in 1984, has been involved in research, training, and technical assistance with government and non-government organizations and the private sector.


CIESPI | ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN RESEARCH WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS


The practice of research with children and adolescents requires that they be recognized as:

  • Agents: socially active and participating individuals.
  • Subjects: with rights to express themselves, above all in questions that affect them, respecting their point of view.
  • The practice of research involving children and adolescents should take into consideration: The research process should take into account the young people´s interests, ways of expression and the different phases or moments of each child or adolescent’s life cycle.
  • Babies and small children call for special consideration: their ways of expression require care in listening and paying attention.
  • Care is to be fully attentive to someone, and this act reaches the ethical dimension of commitment to their well-being.

Click here to see CIESPI’s Safeguarding Policy for Children.


CIESPI'S PRINCIPLE LINES OF WORK INCLUDE

  • Developing applied, interdisciplinary research projects that contribute to the debate about policies and practices in the areas of childhood, youth, family and community;
  • Promoting lectures, courses and seminars to insert the results of its work in local, national and international forums;
  • Disseminating data, research, and methodologies in its areas of expertise through Brazil and internationally:
  • Offering training to students and professionals in various areas of knowledge;
  • Advising on projects, programs and studies in its areas of expertise;
  • Participating in debates and discussions in public forums, government advisory councils, legislative bodies, and elsewhere to contribute to the defense and guarantee of the rights of children and youth.


MAIN ACTIVITIES

  • Developing applied, interdisciplinary research projects that contribute to the debate about policies and practices in the areas of childhood, youth, family and community;
  • Promoting lectures, courses and seminars to insert the results of its work in local, national and international forums;
  • Disseminating data, research, and methodologies in its areas of expertise through Brazil and internationally:
  • Offering training to students and professionals in various areas of knowledge;
  • Advising on projects, programs and studies in its areas of expertise;
  • Participating in debates and discussions in public forums, government advisory councils, legislative bodies, and elsewhere to contribute to the defense and guarantee of the rights of children and youth.