Listening to children to build trusted protection
When children face a problem, knowing whom they trust is an important starting point for community protection. CADEF’s Rescue Our Children from Harmful Practices programme brings children and community members into discussions about safety, rights and access to support.
Through community child protection committees and links with service providers, the programme aims to strengthen local responsibility for children’s safety. Children’s participation helps shape those community structures.
From children’s nominations to community committees
CADEF held discussions with primary-school-aged children and with younger and older adolescents. Girls and boys identified trusted people they approached when they faced problems, giving children a direct role in identifying potential committee members.
CADEF cross-checked nominations with community chiefs and the nominated individuals. Nominees were then presented at a community assembly where committee roles and their voluntary nature were explained.
Service-provider representatives participated to establish links with the committees. In communities hosting displaced families, the process included representation of internally displaced people.
Turning trust into clear responsibilities
- Recognise protection concerns and connect children with qualified child protection organisations for appropriate assessment and support.
- Raise community awareness of children’s rights and protection.
- Mobilise community activities that support children’s wellbeing and participation.
Why participation and referral links matter
The process brought together children’s input, community validation and links with service providers. Committees support awareness, participation and referral; confidential case information remains with authorised services. Including displaced families helps ensure their perspectives are represented in local structures.
Supporting locally rooted protection
Partnerships can help sustain committee training, community awareness and links with qualified services. Explore the programme results and photographs to see how the work was organised.
Explore community protection results and learning · View the project gallery