Training concludes: Child protection staff imparted skills and knowledge

PESHAWAR: A 10-day training in child protection case management for merged districts staff concluded here on Monday.The training was organized as a mandatory course for all the staff of nine newly established Child Protection Units (CPUs) in merged districts with support from UNICEF, said a communication.

Directorate of Social Welfare Merged Districts has established nine CPUs in all the merged districts including the sub-division Peshawar and sub-division Lakki Marwat. These units are staffed with child protection officers, psychologists and social workers.

The organisers said the 10-day training programme was aimed at equipping the staff of CPUs with essential skills and knowledge necessary for the proper assessment of child protection concerns of children reported to the CPU.

It is expected to ensure comprehensive case management and referral services including legal protection through the judicial system.Sohail Ahmad from UNICEF highlighted the objectives and significance of this mandatory foundational course to the staff of CPUs.

He said the UNICEF provided technical support to the KP Child Protection and Welfare Commission and Social Welfare Department of merged districts for developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ensuring highly quality case management services to children at risk or survivors of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and harmful practices.

It was added that these SOPs have been developed by international social work experts and are fully aligned with international standards. Dr Wisam Hazeem, Programme Manager from UNICEF extended appreciation to the government of KP for establishing and sustaining the District CPUs in the merged districts.

He said children and communities in merged districts had long survived hardships and instances of violence and abuse. KP Social Welfare Department Additional Secretary Muhammad Farooq expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment of all participants to the cause of child protection in merged districts, including addressing the unique needs of children on the move and Afghan refugees.

The official asked them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during this 10-day training in their respective roles to safeguard the rights of all children and actively engage with parents and communities in their efforts.He urged all relevant line departments to collaborate with the CPUs in merged districts and stressed the significance of building strong partnerships with parents and communities to create a protective environment for children.