In its Thematic Policy, Enhancing Child Protection Systems, Terre des hommes sets out its understanding of and investment in child protection systems and identifies the added value that the organisation brings. This new guide builds upon the thematic policy document and other related literature by giving additional guidance for applying a systems approach in practice. The guide is specifically aimed at programme staff, assisting them in the transition from programmes that focus on specific thematic issues or that target certain groups of children towards addressing child protection through a systems lens. For ease of reference the guide has been divided into three sections:
Section I: Understanding a systems approach to child protection This section explores the ‘theory’ of child protection systems, how they are defined, central features and components of a child protection system. This builds upon the Thematic Policy, Enhancing Child Protection Systems by referencing more recent thinking and experience from child protection and children’s rights agencies.
Section II: Putting Terre des hommes’ approach to systems into practice This section considers the implications of the shift towards systems strengthening and the consequences for child protection programming. This section provides four case studies that explore the experiences of Terre des hommes in practice.Section III: Learning more about a systems approach to child protection This section signposts suggested reading and resources to help programme staff develop their understanding of a system approach and its application in Terre des hommes’ child protection programmes. Throughout the guide, different concrete examples are provided in text boxes. Their aim is to assist the implementation of the theory into practice, and as such, reading the text boxes could be particular relevant for programme staff in the field.