Social Protection And Child Protection Systems Integration Training Course

Introduction

Ensuring the holistic well-being of children, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, necessitates a cohesive approach that transcends traditional sectoral silos. Social Protection and Child Protection Systems Integration offers a vital pathway to achieve seamless coordination between social protection and child welfare, maximizing impact and preventing children from falling through the cracks. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip policymakers, social workers, child protection specialists, social protection practitioners, and development professionals with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to foster robust linkages between these critical sectors. Participants will gain a robust understanding of child vulnerability assessments, case management, referral pathways, integrated service delivery models, and data sharing protocols, enabling them to design programs that provide both economic security and protective environments for children. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, best practices, and real-world case studies pertinent to the child welfare and social development landscape in Nairobi, Kenya, and across the African continent, empowering you to safeguard children's futures.

This child welfare social protection course is crucial for individuals and organizations in Kenya striving to enhance the effectiveness of interventions for children and families, prevent child abuse and exploitation, and respond efficiently to crises affecting children. Mastering child-sensitive social safety nets, implementing integrated case management for vulnerable children, and understanding strategies for strengthening referral mechanisms are indispensable for addressing the multi-faceted risks faced by children, promoting their healthy development, and upholding their rights. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in child protection in social programs and cross-sectoral collaboration, positioning your organization at the forefront of holistic child well-being initiatives and driving significant human development outcomes across the region.

Target Audience

• Child Protection Policy Makers & Practitioners
• Social Protection Program Managers & Field Staff
• Social Workers & Case Managers
• Government Officials (Children's Services, Social Affairs)
• NGOs & CSOs working on child welfare
• Humanitarian Aid Workers specializing in child protection
• Researchers in Child Rights & Social Policy

Course Objectives

• Understand the distinct yet complementary mandates of social protection and child protection systems.
• Learn about the diverse vulnerabilities and risks faced by children in different contexts (poverty, abuse, neglect, exploitation).
• Master principles for conducting child vulnerability assessments that inform integrated interventions.
• Develop proficiency in designing child-sensitive social protection programs that contribute to child protection outcomes.
• Explore strategies for seamless information sharing and data interoperability between systems.
• Understand effective referral pathways and case management approaches for vulnerable children.
• Learn about the role of social workers and frontline staff in integrated service delivery.
• Identify legal and policy frameworks that enable coordination and integration.
• Develop effective multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms at national and sub-national levels.
• Understand the ethical considerations and safeguarding protocols in data management and program delivery.
• Explore financing mechanisms for integrated social protection and child protection services.
• Drive the implementation of truly integrated social protection and child protection systems.
• Position yourself as a key actor in building comprehensive and child-friendly social safety nets.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1. Understanding Social Protection and Child Protection

• Defining social protection and its various instruments (cash transfers, health insurance, etc.)
• Defining child protection systems: prevention, response, and legal frameworks
• The interconnectedness of economic deprivation and child protection risks
• Why integration is essential: avoiding fragmentation, maximizing impact, achieving SDGs
• Overview of social protection and child protection landscapes in Kenya

Module 2. Child Vulnerability Assessment and Identification module

• Tools and methodologies for assessing child vulnerability (economic, social, protection risks)
• Identifying children at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence
• Integrating child protection indicators into social protection assessments and targeting
• The role of social registries in identifying and tracking vulnerable children
• Community-based approaches to identifying children in need of support

Module 3. Child-Sensitive Social Protection Design module

• Adapting social protection programs to address specific child vulnerabilities
• Designing cash transfers with child protection conditionalities or linkages (e.g., school attendance, health visits)
• Complementary services: linking cash beneficiaries to health, education, and nutrition programs
• Promoting child-sensitive payment mechanisms and caregiver responsibilities
• Gender-transformative approaches in child-sensitive social protection

Module 4. Integrated Case Management and Referral Pathways module

• Principles of integrated case management for children and families
• Developing clear and accessible referral pathways between social protection and child protection services
• Roles and responsibilities of frontline workers in identifying, referring, and following up on cases
• Building inter-agency cooperation for seamless service delivery
• Case studies of integrated case management in action

Module 5. Information Sharing, Data, and Technology module

• Ethical considerations in sharing sensitive child data across systems
• Legal and policy frameworks for data exchange and confidentiality
• Developing interoperable information management systems for social protection and child protection
• Using technology to facilitate referrals and track child outcomes
• Ensuring data privacy and safeguarding children's information

Module 6. Governance, Policy, and Financing for Integration module

• Strengthening coordination mechanisms between ministries (e.g., Social Affairs, Health, Education, Children's Services)
• Developing joint policies and strategies for integrated programming
• Allocating resources for integrated social protection and child protection initiatives
• The role of decentralized governance in facilitating local-level integration
• Advocating for increased investment in child-sensitive social protection

Module 7. Community Engagement and Future Directions module

• Engaging communities and families in designing and implementing integrated programs
• Strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms
• The role of social workers and community development workers in bridging sectors
• Monitoring and evaluating integrated outcomes for children
• Exploring innovative approaches and technologies for future integration efforts in Africa

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.