GUIDELINES FORCHILD FRIENDLY SPACES

IN EMERGENCIESBy Kingsley Udo

TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE….

What are CFS’s

• Child Friendly Spaces (CFSs) are widely used inemergencies as a first response to children’sneeds and an entry point for working withaffected communities.

• Although different agencies call CFSs differentthings such as (safe spaces, child centeredspaces, child protection centers or emergencyspaces for children) the interventions are all partof a common family of supports for children andyoung people.

Rationale

• Because CFSs can be established quickly andrespond to children’s rights to protection,psychosocial well‐being, and non‐formaleducation, CFSs are typically used as temporarysupports that contribute to the care andprotection of children in emergencies.

• However, they are used also as transitionalstructures that serve as a bridge to early recoveryand long‐term supports for vulnerable children.

Rationale contd.

• Broadly, the purpose of CFSs is to support the resilience and well‐being of children and young people through community organized, structured activities conducted in a safe, child friendly, and stimulating environment

Beneficiaries of CFS’s

The primary participants in and beneficiariesof CFSs are children (people under 18 years ofage), although in some contexts, CFSs mayalso engage and benefit young people whoare beyond 18years of age.

Specific objectives of CFS’s

• To mobilize communities around the protection and wellbeing of all children, including highly vulnerable children.

• To provide opportunities for children to play, acquire contextually relevant skills, and receive social support.

• To offer inter‐sectoral support for all children in the realization of their rights.

Guiding principles to setting up CFS’s

• Take a coordinated, inter‐agency, and multi‐sectoral approach

• Use CFSs as a means of mobilizing the community

• Make CFSs highly inclusive and non‐discriminatory

• Ensure that CFSs are safe and secure

• Make CFSs stimulating, participatory, and supportive environments

Guiding Actions

• Conduct an assessment

• Organize integrated supports and services

• Provide ongoing training and follow‐up support for animators and staff

• Monitor and evaluate CFS programs

• Phase out or transition in a contextually appropriate manner