Timor Leste Project Update August 2009

The project is now complete - here are some of the project outcomes:

Establishment of Framework for Child Protection

A participatory situation analysis of Child and Family Welfare concerns was undertaken in the early stages of the project. The analysis was intended to support the drafting of recommendations and strategies for strengthening the protective environment for children, which will enable the Government of Timor Leste to meet its commitment to protect children as guaranteed by the Constitution of Timor Leste and Article 19 of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child signed by the Government of Timor Leste in 2003.

Successful advocacy efforts resulted in the recruitment of 13 Child Protection Officers, positions funded by the Government of Timor Leste. These Child Protection Officers are working under the framework of the first-ever National Child Protection Policy, endorsed by the Council of Ministers. The Officers are contributing to the development of effective preventative systems by monitoring, reporting and managing cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation and working together to advocate about children’s rights to protection in communities.

Capacity Building

UNICEF developed professional training packages (which have been endorsed by the Government of Timor-Leste) including modules on Child Rights, the National Child Protection Policy, Case Management, Effective Communication, Positive Behaviour Management Methodology and Advocacy. These were used, and will be used in future, to train the Child Protection Officers.

District-level Child Protection Networks set up

Child Protection Officers have been supported to enhance their management and coordination capacity through their instrumental role in the recruitment and training of Child Protection Networks, which have been established to enhance cooperation and coordination between community stakeholders, and allow for information-sharing and case referral at district and sub-district level. Child Protection Networks are made up of community leaders, representatives from non-government organizations, community radio, youth groups, the church and institution-based child protection focal points from the education, health, security, administration and police sectors at district and sub-district level.

Designated institution-based child protection focal points within the health, education, security and police services were established. These focal points have also been included in the Child Protection Networks resulting in enhanced institutional focus on child protection concerns. This also allows for the coordination of referral and monitoring through the focal point to Child Protection Officers. For example the case of a child receiving treatment at a health care centre for injuries possibly associated with abuse, is now referred to the district Child Protection Officer for appropriate investigation, reporting and response. Network members, including institution-based focal points and sub-district Social Animators, have been trained on appropriate procedures for interacting with child victims of violence, abuse and exploitation.

Increased awareness at community level

Widespread communication efforts have been undertaken to increase awareness of child protection concerns in the community. Partnerships have been established with community radio stations in eight districts, where radio volunteers have received orientations on child rights and protection, as well as training in production skills relevant to the programme. Regular children’s programs are produced and edited by children themselves, addressing child-specific concerns and issues.