Child Care and Protection Policies

Child care and protection policies regulate the care of children, including the type of support and assistance to be offered, good practice guidelines for the implementation of services, standards for care, and adequate provisions for implementation. They relate to the care a child receives at and away from home.

States and all organisations with child care programmes should have child care policies which are in line with national legislation and international law, e.g. the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). In line with the CRC, emphasis should be placed on the child’s best interests, with support to families prioritised in order to prevent family separation. Good gatekeeping mechanisms are essential in ensuring families receive the services they need and are entitled to, and to guard against inappropriate placement into poor care arrangements.

Home-based care, day care, and other family support services are mechanisms for assisting families in providing for the child’s development and, when used appropriately, can prevent child separation. When a child is unable to remain at home, alternative forms of community based care should be prioritised, such as formal kinship care or foster care. The use of institutions should be highlighted as a last and temporary measure. All support and care provisions should outline the referral and admission process, the use of care plans, regular reviews, rehabilitation, and aftercare procedures.

Child protection legislation which recognises that abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect, and may be carried out by parents, caretakers, children and other adults is required. All agencies working with children should have written child protection policies which respect the rights of the child. Policies should outline behaviours and actions which are unacceptable, provide standards for the appropriate care of children, and clear guidelines on what procedures to follow and by whom, including reporting mechanisms for suspected abuse to an assigned authority for investigation.

Child care and protection policies require resources and monitoring of standards to ensure their appropriate implementation. Adequate provision and training of child care and social work staff is required to deliver family support services and alternatives forms of child care. All staff working with children should be trained and supervised in providing appropriate care for children, identifying abuse, and responding appropriately.

The literature in this section contains country reports and examples of national and organisational child care and protection policies.

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Japan Alternative Care Case Study

Martin James Foundation,

As part of phase one of the development of the Martin James Foundation's Asia Care Network, comprehensive studies of the care system in each country were conducted to highlight the need for developing alternative care systems across South-East Asia. This study highlights relevant data from Japan.

List of Care-Relevant Policies and Legislation in Armenia

This document provides a list of care-relevant literature related to Armenia. The list includes legislation and policies related to child rights, child protection, social protection, guardianship, family-based care, institutional care, adoption, and more.

Martin James Foundation's Asia Care Network Case Studies

Martin James Foundation,

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List of Care-Relevant Analyses, Evaluations, Studies, Policies, and Legislation in Moldova

This document provides a list of care-relevant literature related to Moldova. The list includes case studies, research, legislation, and policies related to child rights, child protection, social protection, guardianship, family-based care, institutional care, adoption, and more.

¿Conocés la Ley de Egreso?

Doncel,

Esta página de Doncel presenta una panorama general de la "Ley de Egreso" que establece nuevos derechos para jóvenes sin cuidados parentales en Argentina.

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Indonesia Alternative Care Case Study

Martin James Foundation,

Framing Child Development and Care in Australia: A Communications Toolkit

FrameWorks Institute,

This toolkit is designed to help communicators in the field to translate the science of early childhood development and mental health in the Australian context, in order to increase support for evidence-based programs and policies designed to improve child and social outcomes in Australia.

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Singapore Alternative Care Case Study

Martin James Foundation,

Malaysia Alternative Care Case Study

Martin James Foundation,