Stronger Child Protection Starts With Better Trained Social Workers
Social workers and child protection professionals from across Belize are receiving specialised training to improve how decisions are made for children facing abuse, neglect, exploitation, family separation or displacement.
The training focuses on helping social workers apply the Best Interest Procedure when handling cases involving children facing protection risks.
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The initiative builds on collaboration with the Department of Human Services within the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs to improve child protection mechanisms and equip frontline workers with the tools to support vulnerable children and families.
Through practical exercises, case studies and interactive sessions, participants are strengthening their skills in assessing individual situations, identifying protection needs and determining appropriate responses.
“Effective child protection depends on skilled professionals who can assess risks and make decisions that prioritise the rights and well-being of children,” says Mariya Voloshkevich, Officer-in-Charge for UNHCR in Belize.
Voloshkevich says the training will strengthen Belize’s ability to respond to the needs of vulnerable children and provide them with reliable protection and support.
Sajid Ali, Representative of UNICEF Belize, says stronger social work skills are key to ensuring decisions affecting children are made promptly and with their best interests in mind. “Every child has the right to protection, care, and support, regardless of their circumstances,” he says, adding that UNICEF is working with UNHCR and national partners to improve the outcomes for children across Belize.
Shawn Vargas, Director of the Department of Human Services, says family separation, family unity and custody require particular care when applying the Best Interest Procedure. “Children have a fundamental right to family life,” he says, adding that separation should only be considered when it is lawful, necessary and proportionate.
UNHCR and UNICEF say they will continue working with the Department of Human Services and other partners to advance child protection efforts and support the rights and well-being of children across Belize.