In honor of Social Work Month, we had a conversation with Petra Melikantova, Case Manager with KIND in Europe, to learn more about the social services aspect of KIND’s work with unaccompanied in Europe. Petra is based in Slovakia and her role is to complement our legal services work, attending to the complexity of our clients’ situations and needs with an emphasis on their strengths and resilience.
How do the challenges faced by unaccompanied children in Europe compare to those in the United States, and how does KIND’s approach ensure dignity and self-determination in both regions?
Unaccompanied children in Europe and the United States face similar challenges and vulnerabilities, including risks of trafficking, exploitation, lack of protection, and psychological distress. These adversities often result in traumatic experiences, loneliness, mental health struggles, substance abuse, and, in some cases, radicalization or engagement with anti-system groups.
However, significant differences exist between regions due to variations in child protection systems, migration policies, and available support structures. In Europe, many children on the move arrive due to war. In Slovakia, for example, the majority of unaccompanied migrant children come from Ukraine, as Slovakia is primarily a transit country rather than a final destination for other nationalities. While Slovakia has a structured child protection system and has ratified key EU and international agreements on child protection, challenges persist in implementing these frameworks effectively. Trauma-informed care has only recently gained traction, and many child protection professionals lack access to specialized training. Additionally, the right to self-determination remains weaker in Central and Eastern European countries, as there is no clear procedural guidance on determining the best interests of the child.
KIND plays a crucial role in advocating for clearer self-determination practices, promoting trauma-informed care, and providing Know Your Rights (KYR) training to ensure that unaccompanied children receive the protection and support they need.
What does respecting a child’s right to self-determination look like in practice? Can you share a moment when a child made a decision that shaped their future?
In our work, we prioritize the child’s voice and vision for their future. We provide various options and empower the child to make informed decisions. For example, one child was studying at a Ukrainian university when we offered assistance in enrolling in a Slovak school. We outlined the advantages and disadvantages of both paths, and ultimately, the child chose to continue their studies in Ukraine. Rather than pressuring the child to change their decision, we focused on offering alternative solutions and support mechanisms that respected their autonomy and personal reasons for staying in the Ukrainian education system.
Social work is deeply rooted in protecting human dignity. Can you share a story of how KIND’s psychosocial model has helped a child regain a sense of stability and self-worth?
A 17-year-old boy, struggling with severe anxiety due to previous negative encounters with foreign police, sought support while applying for temporary protection status. Our case manager provided crisis intervention and taught him stress management techniques to help him regain control. To ensure he felt supported, the case manager remained in contact with him via phone while he waited for his appointment. Following the successful application process, the case manager reinforced the boy’s resilience by highlighting how he had navigated a highly stressful situation independently. By recognizing his strengths and reinforcing learned coping techniques, the child was able to gain confidence in handling future challenges.
What does trauma-informed care look like in KIND’s work in Europe? How does our psychosocial model help children regain a sense of safety and control?
In Slovakia and across Europe, we carefully assess what information is necessary to provide services for unaccompanied and separated children while minimizing the risk of retraumatization. We incorporate mindfulness techniques and encourage children to spend time outdoors, recognizing that physical activity can help regulate stress hormones. Instead of restricting movement, we allow children to express themselves physically, understanding that their bodies need to process stress. Additionally, we work closely with partner NGOs to ensure that child-centered trauma-informed approaches are consistently applied.
What are the biggest systemic differences in how social work is practiced in Europe versus the United States and how does KIND ensure that dignity and self-determination remain at the center?
The structure of social work varies significantly among regions. In Europe, some countries integrate social work within state-run institutions, while others rely more on NGOs. Licensing and certification processes differ as well—some countries require a university degree in social work, while others offer more flexible training pathways. Despite these differences, KIND ensures that dignity and self-determination remain central to its work by advocating for child-centered policies, promoting standardized best practices, and providing training for social workers and legal professionals.
How do you navigate the balance between guiding a child and ensuring they have full control over decisions about their future?
We provide children with comprehensive information about their options while ensuring that they remain the decision-makers in their own lives. This fosters resilience and self-sufficiency while ensuring they feel supported rather than pressured.
If you could share one message with the world about what children on the move truly need, what would it be?
Don’t let them feel completely alone. The deepest harm happens when a child feels like no one is there for them. Your presence alone, offered with kindness, can make all the difference.
