The ‘Right to Child Protection’ conference, organized by the Üsküdar University Health Services Vocational School Social Services Department, was held online. Prof. Dr. İsmail Barış, Director of the Globalization and Youth Issues Application and Research Center, and Lawyer Seda Akço Bilen, Founder of the Humanist Bar Association, participated as speakers in the event held within the scope of the University Culture course. At the conference, which addressed topics such as state provisions for families in child care, child abuse, intervention processes, and the consequences of abuse, assessments were made on the penalties given to perpetrators as a result of abuse and the privatization of social services.
Prof. Dr. İsmail Barış; “Social services should not be privatized”
Expressing his views on the privatization of social services, Prof. Dr. İsmail Barış, Head of the Social Services Department at Üsküdar University Health Services Vocational School, said; “The issue of privatizing social services is a very important matter that requires attention. I believe social services should not be privatized. Perhaps some parts can be privatized, but its foundation should be entirely under state control. Because the child themselves is already special,” he stated.
Lawyer Seda Akço Bilen; “A great burden falls on families”
Emphasizing that the state should provide nutritional support for needy parents, Lawyer Seda Akço Bilen spoke about parents who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Lawyer Bilen said; “Baby formula needs to be purchased. A great burden also falls on families. The state should offer its resources to families at this point. Families may not always be able to fulfill their child's wishes and needs. At this point, the state needs to provide opportunities and support for needy parents for their children,” she stated.
Lawyer Seda Akço Bilen; “Evidence is required for the judge to impose the highest level of punishment”
Bilen, pointing out that in cases of child abuse, the amount of punishment can vary depending on the nature of the act, said; “Evidence is required for the judge to impose the highest level of punishment. We must discuss whether there is sufficient evidence here. In cases of child abuse, let's reveal the truth as it is so that we can improve the system,” she stated.
Lawyer Seda Akço Bilen; “A social worker must have the patience to try every path”
Bilen, offering advice to Üsküdar University Social Services department students based on her own observations and sharing her experiences, said; “My biggest advice to you is not to expect immediate results from what you do. Plant the seed and show patience. Don't let not seeing the result immediately deter you from your path. A social worker must have the patience to try every path. Therefore, don't let anything discourage you,” she stated.