Introduction

In the chaos and disruption of humanitarian emergencies—whether from conflict, natural disaster, or public health crises—children are disproportionately vulnerable to violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Child Protection in Emergency Response is an urgent and specialized field dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, recognizing that crises heighten existing risks and create new threats to their physical and psychological safety. This critical area of humanitarian action involves not only immediate life-saving interventions but also the establishment of protective environments and systems that prevent harm and support children's recovery and long-term development. Without a robust and comprehensive approach to child protection in emergency response, the most vulnerable populations are left exposed to grave dangers, and the long-term impacts of crises can permanently scar an entire generation. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Child Protection in Emergency Response.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower humanitarian aid workers, program managers, field staff, M&E specialists, and all personnel operating in crisis contexts with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate child protection principles effectively throughout their emergency operations. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the heightened risks children face in emergencies, explore various child protection interventions, learn about establishing safe spaces and family tracing mechanisms, and acquire skills in responding to incidents with a survivor-centered approach. The course will delve into topics such as Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS), psychosocial support, unaccompanied and separated children, community-based protection, and ethical data management. By mastering the principles and practical application of Child Protection in Emergency Response, participants will be prepared to design, implement, and manage initiatives that actively protect children, mitigate harm, and contribute to their resilience and recovery in the most challenging environments.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Humanitarian Aid Workers and Field Staff
• Program Managers and Coordinators in emergency settings
• Protection Officers and Specialists
• Child Protection Specialists
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Responders
• Camp Managers and Site Coordinators
• Community Engagement Officers
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
• Human Resources Personnel in humanitarian organizations
• Local Government and Civil Society actors in emergency preparedness.

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of child protection and children's rights in emergency contexts.
• Learn about the increased risks and vulnerabilities children face during humanitarian crises.
• Acquire skills in conducting rapid child protection assessments in emergency settings.
• Comprehend techniques for designing and implementing key child protection interventions.
• Explore strategies for identifying, registering, and providing support to unaccompanied and separated children.
• Understand the importance of Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and child safeguarding.
• Gain insights into fostering community-based child protection mechanisms.
• Develop a practical understanding of ethical considerations and data management in child protection work.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE)

• Defining child protection in emergency settings and its core principles.
• Understanding children's rights in humanitarian law and international human rights law.
• How emergencies (conflict, disaster, displacement) exacerbate risks for children.
• Key CPiE actors and coordination mechanisms (e.g., Child Protection Area of Responsibility).
• The imperative of placing children's best interests at the center of all actions.

Module 2: Child Vulnerabilities and Risks in Emergency Contexts

• Identifying specific risks faced by children: violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect.
• Understanding the heightened risks of family separation, trafficking, and child labor.
• Risks related to recruitment into armed groups and forces.
• The specific vulnerabilities of adolescent girls, children with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
• The psychosocial impact of emergencies on children.

Module 3: Rapid Child Protection Assessment and Information Management

• Principles and methodologies for rapid child protection needs assessments in emergencies.
• Tools and techniques for safe and ethical data collection from children and caregivers.
• Identifying children most at risk and prioritizing interventions.
• Essential information management for child protection: data collection, analysis, sharing.
• Ethical considerations in collecting and storing sensitive child protection data.

Module 4: Key Child Protection Interventions: Individual Case Management & Family Tracing

• Introduction to child protection case management: identification, assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and review.
• Principles of family tracing and reunification (FTR) for unaccompanied and separated children.
• Best practices for alternative care arrangements for children without parental care.
• Inter-agency guidelines for FTR and case management.
• Practical exercises in case mapping and FTR scenarios.

Module 5: Key Child Protection Interventions: Safe Spaces & Psychosocial Support

• Designing and establishing Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS): principles, activities, management.
• Providing psychosocial support (PSS) for children and families affected by trauma.
• Different levels of PSS intervention: basic, focused, specialized.
• Integrating PSS into other sectoral responses (e.g., education, health).
• Practical tips for child-friendly communication and engagement.

Module 6: Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Child Safeguarding

• Deep dive into PSEA: understanding definitions, forms, and zero-tolerance policies.
• Organizational responsibilities for preventing and responding to PSEA.
• Developing and implementing robust child safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Safer recruitment practices and codes of conduct for all personnel.
• Establishing accessible, confidential, and safe reporting mechanisms.

Module 7: Community-Based Child Protection and Integration

• Engaging communities in identifying child protection risks and solutions.
• Supporting and strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms.
• The role of parents, caregivers, and community leaders in protecting children.
• Integrating child protection considerations into other humanitarian sectors (e.g., WASH, health, shelter, food security).
• Advocacy for child protection and influencing policy at local levels.

Module 8: Ethical Practice, Accountability, and CPiE Standards

• Ethical dilemmas in child protection work and decision-making frameworks.
• Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) in CPiE.
• The Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS): overview and application.
• Monitoring and evaluating CPiE programs for effectiveness and impact.
• Self-care and well-being for child protection practitioners.

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 5 working days before commencement of the training.