FIELD Report 2: Economic Strengthening for Vulnerable Children

The multi-faceted nature of child vulnerability–whether due to such epidemics as HIV/AIDS, conflict, natural disasters, extreme poverty, or a host of other contextual factors–is reflected in the wide spectrum of professional disciplines that have mobilized to address it. Among these, economic strengthening is gaining in importance and prominence, with few experts working to reduce child vulnerability in doubt that poverty is a major contributor to the challenges they face. Unfortunately, very few specialists feel comfortable working at the intersection of these disciplines, which have generally become more technical and specialized and often appear impenetrable to outsiders. So, on the one hand, economic development professionals rarely master the complexity of the political, social, and health issues at stake; on the other, their own efforts to make their discipline accessible to practitioners in other fields have been limited.

This FIELD Report illustrates the economic strengthening good practices that can be applied in the context of reaching vulnerable youth. In addition to the full report, a short summary of recommendations, a program design guide, and a glossary of terms are provided below.