Child Protection: What Assessments Are Needed?

- The vulnerabilities and risks a child may be facing
- The child’s individual needs and wishes
- Understanding what is needed to meet the child’s best interests.
What assessments are needed?
1. An initial assessmentAn assessment should be carried out as soon as possible after a child has been identified as possibly being at risk. In the first instance it may only be possible to carry out an initial assessment. Some agencies call this a rapid assessment – a quick process concentrating on addressing immediate support.For example, the initial assessment might only address urgent concerns such as, immediate protection risks, medical attention, food, clothes etc. In circumstances where the child might be in danger – for example, from abusers, traffickers or other criminals – it is important to check these risks and that any necessary immediate protection measures are taken. The assessment should also consider if alternative care is urgently needed – whether with extended family or in a formal care setting. Note that in refugee settings an initial assessment may be referred to as a Short or Initial Best Interests Assessment.The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is a mechanism for inter-agency coordination of humanitarian assistance. Guidance taken from the Inter Agency Guidelines for Case Management and Child Protection – available in 6 languages – recommends this assessment should be done within 24 hours and certainly not longer than 48 hours after a child has been identified. Please think about how this might be possible taking into consideration the restrictions possibly being imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.2. A comprehensive assessmentIf it is not possible to fully assess the child’s circumstances in the first instance, then within the shortest possible time a second, more comprehensive, assessment should be conducted. Information taken from the same IASC Guidelines recommends this assessment should be carried out within one week of a child being identified as being at risk. The IASC also recommend the results of the assessment should be used to develop a plan for a child’s protection – and alternative care plan if necessary – no more than two weeks after the assessment is completed.This diagram has been adapted from the IASC Guidelines and illustrates an holistic approach to assessments.
- Trained in the clear roles and responsibilities they are assigned – including in child-sensitive approaches to assessments
- Using shared standardised assessment forms and information gathering protocols
- Identifying durable solutions and complementary pathways for unaccompanied children (and separated children where there is an additional significant risk factor or protection concern)
- Determining the most appropriate options for children at risk in exceptional circumstances including:
- family reunification for unaccompanied and separated children in exceptional situations
- temporary care for unaccompanied and separated children in exceptional situations
- other children at risk in exceptional situations on a case-by-case or context-specific basis
- Possible separation of a child from their parents against their will
Discussion
Are you currently involved in assessing the needs of a child for whom there are protection concerns? What are the challenges you are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? How are you overcoming these challenges?COVID-19: Adapting Child Protection Case Management

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