Barriers in Addressing and Preventing Child Involvement in Begging: Practice-Based Experiences

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a qualitative study based on the experiences of professionals working directly in practice on the prevention and addressing of child involvement in begging. The aim of the study was to identify and classify barriers that affect both addressing this problem and the im-plementation of preventive activities. The study sample included a total of 16 participants: eight members of mobile teams for the prevention of begging, four professionals from social welfare centres, three representatives of non-governmental organizations working directly or indirectly on this issue, and one university professor. The findings indicate that professionals encounter numerous barriers in addressing the problem and implementing preventive measures. The identified barriers include limited access to information, low levels of education and distrust among beneficiaries, a shortage of professional staff, material constraints, and the lack of adequate accommodation facilities. In addition, challenges such as the normalization of begging by the public, organized forms of exploitation, insufficient accommodation capacities, the absence of intersectoral cooperation, as well as security risks and lack of protection were identified. The results confirm the complexity and multidimensional nature of the problem and highlight the need for a systemic and intersectoral approach, strengthening institutional capacities, and developing integrated preventive strategies.