Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission in its 33rd meeting on Tuesday approved first Child Protection policy of the province after discussing its various aspects.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister’s Adviser for Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment, Malak Liaqat Ali Khan attended by Secretary Social Welfare Sharif Hussain, MPAs and concerned officials.
The meeting discuss various aspects of the policy concerning child protection, rights and welfare besides reviewing role of the commission and matters relating to child protection.
It merits a mention that policy will include measures for the protection and welfare of vulnerable children, orphaned and destitute children, children with disabilities, homeless children, street connected children and those deprived of adequate parental care.
The policy would establish effective mechanisms for the prevention, early identification, reporting, protection, rehabilitation and monitoring of children facing abuse, physical and psychological violence, neglect, exploitation, child labor, begging, sexual exploitation, child marriage and other risks.
It would also cover mechanisms for the identification and registration of children, case assessment, protection planning, referral to relevant institutions and follow up monitoring.
The policy will also include procedures for assessing prospective guardians, reviewing the home environment, selecting guardians according to the child’s needs, judicial oversight and continuous monitoring after guardianship.
On the occasion, CM aide said that the protection of children is among the government’s fundamental priorities. He emphasized that orphaned, destitute and vulnerable children should be provided with a safe environment, adequate food, healthcare, education and other basic facilities with special attention to their physical, mental and emotional development.
He said relevant authorities to further strengthen the child protection system under Child Protection and Welfare Act, 2010, ensure timely prevention and action against all forms of abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation of children and further enhance the capacity of Child Protection Units.
