Training Course on Child Protection in Emergencies CPiE

Course Overview

Children are among the most vulnerable in emergency situations, whether due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or displacement. Emergencies disrupt their lives, leaving them exposed to risks such as violence, exploitation, separation from families, and emotional distress. Protecting children during these crises is not only a moral obligation but also a legal and humanitarian priority.

This Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) Training is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge, skills, and tools to respond effectively to the protection needs of children in emergencies. By focusing on global standards, practical interventions, and collaborative approaches, this training aims to empower you to make a tangible impact in safeguarding childrens rights and well-being.

Through a combination of interactive sessions, case studies, and hands-on activities, this course will prepare you to face real-world challenges in the field while working to create safer environments for children affected by crises.

Course Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Grasp the principles of child protection and their application in emergency contexts.
• Familiarize themselves with key global frameworks, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS).
• Identify risks and vulnerabilities faced by children in emergencies.
• Use tools to conduct rapid assessments and prioritize interventions.
• Develop and manage Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS).
• Apply strategies for family tracing and reunification (FTR).
• Provide basic psychosocial support to children and families.
• Work with governments, NGOs, and community actors to strengthen child protection systems.
• Integrate child protection with other sectors such as education, health, and shelter.
• Monitor and Evaluate CPiE Programs
• Empower local communities to prevent and respond to child protection issues.
• Advocate for policies and practices that uphold children’s rights in emergencies.

Course Duration: 5 days 

Course Outline 

Module 1: Introduction and Foundations of CPiE

• Understanding Child Protection
  - Definition and scope of child protection.
  - Overview of child rights in emergencies (UNCRC).
• Core Principles of CPiE
  - Best interests of the child.
  - Do no harm.
  - Child participation in emergencies.
• Global CPiE Frameworks
  - Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS).
  - Inter-agency collaboration: UNICEF, UNHCR, Save the Children, etc.

Module 2: Child Protection Risk Assessment and Preparedness

• Identifying Risks and Vulnerabilities
  - Risk factors for children during emergencies.
  - Needs of unaccompanied and separated children.
• Conducting Rapid Assessments
  - Tools and techniques for child protection assessments.
  - Practical session: Scenario-based risk mapping.
• Emergency Preparedness for Child Protection
  - Pre-crisis planning and capacity building.
  - Integrating child protection into disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies.

Module 3: Child Protection Interventions in Emergencies

• Setting Up Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS)
  - Principles, design, and activities for CFS.
  - Practical activity: Designing a model CFS.
• Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR)
  - Importance of family-based care.
  - Tools and methods for FTR.
• Psychosocial Support for Children and Families
  - Identifying trauma and providing basic support.
  - Referrals to specialized mental health services.
• Case Management in CPiE
  - Steps for effective case management.
  - Practical session: Developing a case management plan.

Module 4: Cross-Sectoral Coordination and Capacity Building

• Coordination in Humanitarian Responses
  - Collaborating with protection clusters and other sectors.
  - Linking CPiE with education, health, and shelter.
• Strengthening Community-Based Child Protection Systems
  - Engaging local leaders, caregivers, and youth groups.
  - Developing community action plans.
• Advocacy and Awareness
  - Campaigns to prevent child exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.
  - Advocacy tools and techniques.

Module 5: Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Child Protection Programs

• Monitoring and Reporting Child Protection Violations
  - Key indicators for CPiE interventions.
  - Reporting grave violations (e.g., child soldiers, trafficking).
• Ethics and Confidentiality
  - Handling sensitive information in emergencies.
  - Ensuring accountability to affected populations (AAP).
• Action Planning
  - Review of learning outcomes.
  - Group activity: Drafting CPiE action plans for deployment.
  
  Note: This outline provides a general structure for a 5-day training program on Child Protection in Emmergies. The specific content, activities, and duration of each session may be adjusted based on the target audience, learning objectives, and available time.