Based from recent studies, children with disabilities are said to be four times more likely to suffer from abuse and violence than their non-disabled counterparts.

 

Recognizing their vulnerability and susceptibility to child abuse, SIMON instituted a disability inclusive Child Protection Program to safeguard the rights of children with disabilities and protect them from all forms of harm, abuse and exploitation.

 

The program aims to strengthen the protective mechanisms for children and ensure that child protection services are responsive to the needs of children with disabilities at the community level.

 

Objectives:

 

• Foster a safe and happy environment for children.
• Reduce the number of child's rights violations and lessen the risk of abuse among children with disability.
• Develop disability inclusive programs and services for the Child Protection Program, together with the children
• Strengthen case management protocols and collaborative partnership with concerned government and non-government agencies in managing cases of child abuse.

 

Activities:

 

Prevention

 

• Formulate code of conduct and behavioural expectations for stakeholders and program implementers.
• Conduct public education campaign in communities on child protection and the rights of children with disabilities.
• Develop core competencies of Local Government Units (LGUs), Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), community leaders, health and social welfare workers, law enforcers and other stakeholders in providing assistance to abused children with disabilities through their participation in trainings on child protection, basic sign language and safeguarding the rights of children with disabilities

 

Reaction

 

• Develop an inclusive and multi-sectoral child protection system in responding to and managing cases of abuse among children with and without disabilities.
• Establishment of referral system down to the barangay level in coordination with concerned agencies such as the Philippine National Police, the Municipal/City Social Welfare Office, Rural Health Unit and Barangay Officials.

Rehabilitation

 

• Provide medical and psychosocial interventions and other support services to children who have been victims of abuse, disasters or traumatic and distressful experiences.
• Help victim-survivors to be reintegrated in the community.