Challenges of Religious and Cultural Diversity in the Child Protection System with Children Migrating "Alone" in Catalonia and Melilla

Bibliographic Data

ID3493350
AuthorsMontserrat Freixa Niella (0000-0001-9119-9868, Universitat de Barcelona), Francisca Ruiz Garzón (0000-0003-1994-6501, Universidad de Granada), Angelina Sánchez-Martí (0000-0002-4719-4688, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, corresponding author), Ruth Vilà-Baños (0000-0003-3768-1105, Universitat de Barcelona)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue2
Pages109
Publication date2025-01-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16020109
OpenAlexW4406707081
LanguageEN
References cited19

Cultural and religious diversity in Spain, driven by recent decades of migratory flows, has not been exempt from generating social tensions and, unfortunately, an increasing stigmatization of migrant children. This article examines how power dynamics and exclusion impact the identity construction of these young people, particularly within the child protection system. Through interviews and focus groups with young people and professionals in Barcelona and Melilla, this study highlights the resistance strategies these young individuals employ to counteract stigmatizing narratives. The findings indicate that, despite inclusion policies, imposed labels reinforce their vulnerability and limit their social and community participation. Although interfaith dialogue is proposed as a tool to mitigate these tensions, professionals working with these children emphasize the lack of institutional support and insufficient training in socio-cultural diversity, which hinders their efforts. The study underscores the importance of developing interfaith competencies that foster mutual respect and recognition, concluding with a critique of the current protection system. It advocates for a comprehensive approach to addressing these young people's emotional, social, and spiritual needs beyond solely legal and educational aspects

Cultural diversity · Geography · Sociology · Anthropology · Child Welfare and Adoption · Medicine · Migration and Exile Studies · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access