EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive mapping and analysis of existing formal and informal child protection structures, systems, services, networks and resources in UNICEF‘s learning districts. The information obtained will be used by the Department of Social Welfare and UNICEF in the design, costing and operationalising of a child protection system model in their 7 learning Districts. In addition to district scope of work, information was requested on the general policy environment and the current child protection landscape in the country. This comprehensive mapping and analysis is part of UNICEF's regional programme to update information and assess regional child protection and welfare systems so as to enable them to be strengthened as called for in the new UNICEF Child Protection Strategy.
The 7 Learning Districts and NGOs that wish to address issues of child abuse, exploitation, neglect, and those in conflict with the law will be able to use the study. The study will inform, through the provision of the context and status of existing child protection systems, structures and services, the further development and implementation of the draft National Social Protection Framework (NSPF), the on going National Costed Plan of Action (NCPA) for the most vulnerable children (MVC) and contribute to the drafting of the Children‘s Bill.
During early 2009, national and international consultants visited the 7 learning districts. The district mapping is reported on according to an adapted child sensitive social protection framework,2 which includes systems to mitigate the effects of poverty on families, strengthen families in their child care role, and enhance access to basic services for the poorest and most marginalized. Since the most at-risk children live outside family care; child sensitive social protection systems must also be responsive to this vulnerable group, as well as to children facing abuse or discrimination at home. A comprehensive mapping of child care and protection systems includes examining the impact and availability of the following:
- Social transfers and prevention
- Social services and protection
- Impact of and capacity to implement policies, legislation and regulations within the district.
The main part of this study reviews the situation and findings in relation to the above three areas. Prior to focusing on these areas the report briefly details the constraints encountered. A review is made of the international and regional frameworks that have been evolving globally, in the African Union and regionally in particular the recent call for accelerated action on the AU Declaration and Plan of Action of Africa Fit for Children (2001) that commits States to protect children from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence.
The socio-economic context reviews briefly the situation of children in relation to poverty, HIV/AIDS, education, gender, birth registration, violence, abuse and exploitation, child labour and disability as these need to be understood alongside the most vulnerable child (MVC) definition and the focus of attention of the MVC Committees in assisting children with primary and secondary education costs.
