Measures for mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the health of girls, boys, and adolescents in contexts of protection: A synthesis of policy recommendations in the Americas, 2020

Abstract

Introduction. This paper describes and analyses recommendations to protect and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents. Objective. To analyze recommendations to manage the COVID-19 pandemic of several restoring rights programs for children and adolescents in American protection systems. Methods. A literature review was done, using the form of rapid evidence syntheses, to provide information about social and health policies. Results. The results show that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a convergence of both the interest in promoting mental health in girls, boys, and adolescents and the interest to prevent COVID infection through the recommended biosecurity measures. Conclusions. Recommendations show the need for reviewing the internment treatment as a main caring program, considering the side effects of institutionalization on children and adolescents mental health.