Technical Lead - CPC Learning Network / Chairperson – IPID, Sri Lanka,

1. CHILD PROTECTION IN CRISIS –LEARNING NETWORK, SRI LANKA ByMallikaSamaranayakeTechnical Lead- CPC-LN, Sri Lanka / Chairperson – IPIDInformation Exchange session CPC – LN Bi-annual Meeting, New York8th October 2013

2. IntroductionCPC Learning Network in Sri LankaProgramme Learning Group (PLG)Hosted by the Institute for Participatory Interaction in Development (IPID) Technical Lead - CPC Learning Network /Chairperson – IPID, Sri Lanka, Coordinator – CPC Learning Network, Sri Lanka • Learning Network Members: 45 • (Organizational representatives as well as individuals) • Advisory Group Members: 13

3. Members • Sarvodaya • SOS Children’s Village Sri Lanka • Home-Start Lanka • Organization for Environment and Children Rights Protection( OECRP) • Policy in Action (Save a Child from Sexual Abuse) • Centre for Poverty Analysis • Foundation for Innovative Social Development • Good Practice Group • Institute of Human Rights • Kantha Shakthi Organisation – Civil Society Alliance for Child Rights in South Asia • Lawyers for Human Rights & Development • Plantation Human Development Trust • Individuals • Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs and related Government Agencies (Children’s Secretariat, National Child Protection Authority, Department of Probation and Child Care Services • Open University of Sri Lanka • Sri Lanka Foundation Institute • Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka • UNICEF • Canadian Red Cross • Save the Children, Sri Lanka • World Vision • ChildFund Sri Lanka • Room to Read • Terre des homes • Plan Sri Lanka

4. Collaboration • CPC Learning Network / PLG Secretariat – • Program on Forced Migration and Health(PFMH) - Columbia University - Mailman School of Public Health , New York • Dr. Lindsay Stark - Associate Professor & Director of PFMH - Columbia University Secretariat & Principal Investigator • Mr. Mark Canavera - Associate Director, Columbia University - Mailman School of Public Health , New York

5. One on-going Project Producing a national manual to guide good practice for Village Child Rights Monitoring Committees (VCRMC) • In collaboration with Terre des hommes (tdh), Save the Children in Sri Lanka (SCiSL) and the Department of Probation and Child Care Services (DPCCS) to produce a national manual to guide good consistent practice for Village Child Rights Monitoring Committees (VCRMCs) across all 9 provinces in Sri Lanka. • Role of CPC-LN, Sri Lanka: Consultancy in drafting the manual in English. • Technical and financial input: Jointly by Terre des hommes (tdh), Save the Children in Sri Lanka (SCiSL) Department of Probation and Child Care Services and the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs. • Challenge: DPCCS taking time in convening the National Forum

6. One on-going Project Contd. Background • Village Child Rights Monitoring Committees (VCRMCs) were created by the Department of Probation and Child Care Service (DPCCS) following the issuing of circular PCC/CRPO/11/3/4. The rationale for their creation is to develop a community based protection mechanism that would prevent child rights violations by raising awareness in the village and ensuring early intervention.

7. One on-going Project Contd. The Assignment • Review of research findings by Save the Children, Unicef, Plan International and Tdh. • Feedback from regional and national consultations scheduled in October 2013 led by Save the Children and DPCSS. • Review of the Draft VCRMC manual developed by Tdh. • Drafting the national Manual

8. Key Challenges • Increasing the interest in partners and other stakeholders • Mainstreaming CPC-Learning Network into the child protection activities in Sri Lanka

9. Key Policy Priorities • Working on child protection in Sri Lanka under the following 3 themes: • Research • capacity building • Knowledge sharing

10. Prospective Activities 1. Continuation of the Certificate Course in Child Protection at the Open University (RETHINKING) • In 2011, CPC – Learning Network, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) conducted a 3-month Certificate Course in Care and Protection of Children. • CPC - Learning Network has carried out several discussions with the OUSL in order to conduct the course for the second time. It was also discussed to develop this course to a Diploma level. However, significant funding is required from the CPC - LN. NCPA has also requested CPC- Learning Network for technical assistance in introducing a similar course for its new recruits to the service as CRPOs.

11. Prospective Activities contd. 2. Launching an online forum for CPC-Learning Network, Sri Lanka • Due to time restrictions and tight schedules, it is sometimes difficult for all partners of the CPC – Learning Network, Sri Lanka to physically gather to one platform. In this context, it is suggested that an online forum be launched in order to bring together all partners and other stakeholders virtually to one forum. • Suggestions: An interactive web portal; or Social media platform such as a Facebook page or Google+ • Funds: In case of a web portal, funds have to be raised for its launch and maintenance. • Benefit: Can be used to share knowledge among partners as well as conduct webinars/ meetings.

12. Prospective Activities contd. 3.Campaign on Child Sex Tourism with Friends International & NCPA • Discussed at the previous Network meeting. • Friends International, Cambodia is carrying out a campaign in Cambodia on child protection in general and against child sex tourism in particular. • The “7 Tips for travelers” campaign carried out by the Child Safe Network of Friends International is a good idea for Sri Lanka as well. • The NCPA has expressed its interest in this collaboration. CPC – Learning Network, Sri Lanka will collaborate with Friends International, Cambodia and NCPA in order to materialize this campaign.

13. Prospective Activities contd. 4.Printing and publication of the ECCD study • “Early Childhood Care and Development in Sri Lanka - Policy and Practice Review” was a study carried out by the CPC – Learning Network with the consultancy of an independent Consultant. The study was carried out as one of the activities in the agenda of the National Working Committee of the ECCD Network hosted by the Children’s Secretariat, Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs. • CPC financial & technical support was provided for the purpose. • Printing the Research findings is yet to be accomplished and will be undertaken during this period.

14. Prospective Activities contd. 5.Research on Corporal Punishment – Part II • The research study on "Parental disciplinary practices and advocacy/awareness to eliminate corporal punishment and other forms of negative parental practices" was conducted during last quarter of 2011 in a selected area of Colombo with the financial support of Save the Children and CPC – Learning Network. • The report is finalized and printed. However, as the research sample needed more ethnic and gender balance and inclusiveness, it was agreed with the Department of Probation and Child Care Services (DPCCS) to engage in a follow-up research in an area which is more representative. • Funding: CPC – Learning Network, Sri Lanka is to discuss with Save the Children & the National Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Development to raise funds for the purpose.

15. Thank you!