Reflects on various theories of childhood, examines the relationship between the philosophical concept of childhood held by relief agencies, and reports on the response of children to relief agency approaches using the Childrens Forum (CF) and Bhutanese refugee children as a case study. Divergent childhood development theories range from Piaget’s pre-determined path where culture and environment are insignificant versus Leo Vygotsky’s approach which emphasizes social relationships in cognitive development. Since the 1989 implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), relief agencies seek the participation, opinions, and views of the children they serve. The CF serves Bhutanese refugee camps in Nepal and developed a shared and democratic structure where all children can discuss concerns and take action; leadership is elected each year and an equal number of boys and girls hold leadership positions; and issues are coordinated with the Camp Management Committee and other administrative groups. The children link decreases in agency programs to increased alcohol abuse, smoking, drug abuse, and school drop-outs. They relate anxiety surrounding their refugee status and the impasse regarding resettlement or repatriation. Adults appear to respond positively to young people’s views through dramatic interpretations of camp situations. As the concepts of childhood and the competency of children evolve, additional research and implementation need to occur.
