Training on Child Protection in Humanitarian Action

Module 1: Child Protection in Emergencies

• The impact of emergencies on children: risks and vulnerabilities.

• The Child Protection Working Group and Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS).

• Key actors: UNICEF, Save the Children, IRC, and national child protection systems.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze a humanitarian emergency and identify the primary child protection risks (separation, recruitment, violence, exploitation, distress).

Module 2: Child Protection Risk Assessment and Analysis

• Rapid and detailed child protection assessments.

• Mapping existing child protection services and gaps.

• Community-based child protection mechanisms.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Conduct a child protection rapid assessment for a displacement setting, identifying risks, existing mechanisms, and priority interventions.

Module 3: Case Management for Child Protection

• Principles of child protection case management: best interests, confidentiality, and participation.

• Steps: identification, intake, assessment, case planning, referral, follow-up, and closure.

• Documentation and information management systems.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Complete a child protection case management intake and assessment form for a hypothetical case of an unaccompanied child, developing a case plan.

Module 4: Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR)

• The role of FTR in responding to separated and unaccompanied children.

• Tracing methodologies: registration, documentation, and family searches.

• Reunification: preparation, transport, and post-reunification support.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop an FTR plan for a group of separated children in a refugee camp, including documentation, tracing methods, and reunification procedures.

Module 5: Psychosocial Support for Children

• Impact of emergencies on child mental health and psychosocial well-being.

• Child-friendly spaces (CFS): design, activities, and management.

• Structured psychosocial activities for different age groups.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a child-friendly space program for a displacement setting, including daily activities, staffing, and referral pathways for children with high distress.

Module 6: Prevention of Recruitment and Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Groups

• The recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups.

• Prevention strategies: community awareness, education, and livelihoods.

• Reintegration programs: release, interim care, family reunification, and long-term support.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a reintegration program for children released from armed groups, including interim care, family tracing, psychosocial support, and education.

Module 7: Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children

• Types of violence: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.

• Prevention strategies: parenting programs, school-based prevention, and community mobilization.

• Response services: health, psychosocial, legal, and safe shelters.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a referral pathway for child survivors of violence, including health, psychosocial, and protection services.

Module 8: Child Protection in Education and Other Sectors

• Integrating child protection into education in emergencies: safe schools, psychosocial support, and violence prevention.

• Child protection in WASH, shelter, and food security programs.

• Coordinating with sector leads for child protection mainstreaming.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Integrate child protection considerations into an education in emergencies program design, including safe access, teacher training, and referral mechanisms.

Module 9: Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC)

• Distinguishing unaccompanied, separated, and orphaned children.

• Best interests determinations (BID) and best interests assessments (BIA).

• Alternative care arrangements: foster care, kinship care, and group care.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Conduct a best interests assessment for an unaccompanied child, considering family tracing results, safety, and care options.

Module 10: Child Protection Coordination, Advocacy, and Capacity Building

• The Child Protection Sub-Cluster and coordination mechanisms.

• Advocacy for child protection: messaging, evidence, and engagement with authorities.

• Training and capacity building for child protection staff and partners.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Simulate a Child Protection Sub-Cluster coordination meeting, presenting needs, gaps, and advocacy messages to partners.