The Systems Approach to Child Protection
This purpose of this review is to identify the outcomes of taking a systems approach to child protection
Abstract
This purpose of this review is to identify the outcomes of taking a systems approach to child protection by basing on six days of desk-based research. There are four basic principles of design reflectedin the system-based approaches to child protection services in a development context. First, organising all systems components around a common goal or vision in order to provide the strategic direction for system implementation (Delaney et al. 2014: 13; Wulczyn et al. 2010: 2, 11). Second, defining the activities of each system on the basis of a specific set of functions, structures and capacities that interact and influence each other (Wulczyn et al 2010: 2, 12-13; Delaney et al. 2014: 13), while also establishing clear systemic boundaries, roles and responsibilities in order to ensure accountability and good governance (Delaney et al. 2014: 14). Third, involving a wide range of different actors as part of the system, including across and within sectors in horizontal and vertical networks (Delaney et al. 2014: 13; Wulczyn et al. 2010: 10). And fourth, ensuring that the shape, functions and actions of the system should always be grounded in the context in which it operates, and make sense to the communities who are the end users (Wulczyn et al. 2010: 2, 11).
K4D helpdesk reports provide summaries of current research, evidence and lessons learned. This report was commissioned by the UK Department for International Development.
Citation
Joynes, C. & Mattingly, J. (2018). A systems approach to child protection. K4D Helpdesk Report. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies
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