Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing
Children in Emergencies
Guidelines and Framework for Action
National Disaster Management Authority - NDMA
Islamabad, Pakistan
Gender and Child Cell
National Disaster Management Authority
Islamabad
October 2011
Pending final
endorsement
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 3
List of abbreviations ............................................................................................................ 4
Definitions ........................................................................................................................... 5
1. Introduction and Background ........................................................................................ 5
2. Overall Guiding Principles ............................................................................................ 8
3. Before the Emergency – Prevention and Preservation ................................................. 9
4. Identification of Separated and Unaccompanied Children .......................................... 10
5. Interim Care ................................................................................................................ 14
6. Family Tracing ............................................................................................................ 17
7. Family Reunification ................................................................................................... 18
8. Alternative Long-term Arrangements .......................................................................... 20
9. Summary - Case Management ................................................................................... 21
ANNEXES ......................................................................................................................... 22
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the support provided by the NDMA for the development of the
SOPs throughout the process. We would like to thank Ms. Nyghat Siddique Advisor Gender and
Cell (GCC) NDMA for her consistent support and valuable input during the development of the
process. We would also like to thank Mr. Kazim Shuaib, Program Officer Child Rights, GCC, for
coordinating and facilitating the whole process.
The expert inputs of Mr. Jawad Ullah from the Save the Children and Ms. Elizabeth Cossor from
UNICEF were of immense value as both of them not only reviewed the reports and SOPs but also
provided insights which helped in making the SOPs more relevant and appropriate.
Inputs, insights and information provided by all stakeholders including: DG PDMA Baluchistan Mr.
TahirMunir, DG PDMA Punjab Mr. Khalid Sherdil, DG SDMA AJK Mr. Sohail Akram, Director
Admin PDMA Sindh Ms. Iffat Malik, Donor Liaison Officer and Focal person for Gender PDMA
KPK Ms. Anika Khan, Child Protection Specialists from UNICEF in all places and the
representatives of civil society organizations during the provincial visits, helped in understanding
the context and on ground realities in a much better way and in contextualizing the SOPs.
Harun Rashid Chowdhury (Save the Children)
Aftab Ahmed Awan (Consultant, UNICEF)
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
List of Abbreviations
AJK
Azad Jamu and Kashmir
BR
Birth Registration
CCWD
Commission for Child Welfare and Development
CERD
Centre for Excellence in Resource Development (NGO)
CNIC
Computerized National Identity Cards
CM
Chief Minister
CPWB
Child Protection and Welfare Bureau
CPU
Child Protection Unit
CRC
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
IDPs
Internally Displaced Persons
IMS
Information Management System
GCC
Gender and Child Cell (NDMA)
KPK
Khyber Pakhtoonkwah
NDMA
National Disaster Management Authority
NGOs
Non-Governmental Organizations
PCPC
Police Centre for Protection of Children
PDMA
Provincial Disaster Management Authority
SDMA
State Disaster Management Authority
SOPs
Standard Operating Procedures
SOS Village
Save Our Souls Village
SWD
Social Welfare Department
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Definitions
Child: The UN Convention on the Child 1989 (Art1): ‘A child is anyone below the age of 18 years
unless, under the (national) law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.’ This refers to
both girls and boys.
Child Protection: Child Protection is the measures and structures to prevent and respond to
abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence affecting children and the promotion of their psychosocial
wellbeing. It requires a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach including governments,
multilateral agencies, donors, communities, care givers, and families as well as a close partnership
with children. Child protection also aims to strengthen the capacity of all these actors to protect
children and to develop effective and responsive systems and mechanisms.
Emergency Evacuation: The immediate and rapid movement of people away from the threat or
actual occurrence of a hazard.1
Separated Child: Separated children are those separated from both parents, or from their
previous legal or customary primary care-giver, but not necessarily from other relatives. These
may, therefore, include children accompanied by other adult family members.2
Unaccompanied Child: Unaccompanied children are those who are separated from both parents
and are not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible to do so.3
Orphan: Orphans are children, both of whose parents are known to be dead. In some countries,
however, a child who has lost one parent is called an orphan. 4
Missing child: A child registered as separated or unaccompanied but remains classified as
missing until identified and reunified by parents/kin. A list of missing children is generated from
reports by caregivers of their children whose whereabouts is unknown during a disaster. May have
died, have been abducted, or received by an agency/individual for temporary protection.
1. Introduction and Background
In all emergencies, children are at risk of being separated from their families. Having lost the
protection of parents or guardians at a time, these children are more likely to experience abuse,
neglect, exploitation and violence. Emergencies often cause breakdown in social structures and
protective mechanism normally provided by the state, community, and family. The state as main
duty-bearer has the overall responsibility to ensure a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to
protect and promote the best interest of the children during the emergencies.
The formulation of appropriate Standards/Guidelines is vital in order to carry out the plan of action
in a respectful and professional manner.
The overall response to emergencies in Pakistan does not have a child protection focus and
requires specialized inputs. This is essential in view of the fact that the complexity and magnitude
1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_evacuation
2http://www.unicef.org/protection/IAG_UASCs.pdf
3http://www.unicef.org/protection/IAG_UASCs.pdf
4
Where text is wrapped in a box such as this, please discuss this and related subjects in the workshop.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
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of child protection violations in Pakistan. Disasters not only increase the pre-existing vulnerability
of children but subject more children to possibly abusive and exploitative situations. Thus child
protection interventions are imperative in relief, recovery and rehabilitation phases.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the lead agency at the Federal level to
deal with whole spectrum of disaster management activities. It is the executive arm of the National
Disaster Management Commission (NDMC), which has been established under the Chairmanship
of the Prime Minister, as the apex policy making body in the field of Disaster. In the event of a
disaster all stakeholders, including Government Ministries, Institutions, Armed Forces, INGOs,
NGOs, and UN Agencies work through and from part of the NDMA to conduct one window
operation. NDMA was formed by the Government of Pakistan through an ordinance and has
provincial and district chapters. The mandate of the organization is to take measures for the
prevention of disasters, the mitigation, the preparedness and the capacity building for dealing with
disaster situations as necessary.
In 2010, during the wake of the devastating floods in Pakistan a Gender and Child Cell was
established in NDMA with technical assistance from UNICEF with a purpose to support NDMA in
response to gender and child specific impacts of the disaster. The Cell advises NDMA on both
policy and technical issues for minimum action on specific set of activities required to be taken up
for gender and child mainstreaming. The cell also advises on the rapid assessment of needs and
impacts for prioritizing actions and enhancing response. The cell facilitates the adoption on
international best standards on gender responses in humanitarian settings and is assisting NDMA
in forming a gender equality framework. It coordinates activities of UN agencies in gender and
child issues and liaises with interagency gender equality advisor based in OCHA.
Assisting NDMA to develop a gender equality framework supports NDMA in consistence and
coherence of activities with the government of Pakistan policies of women empowerment, NPA on
women development and NPA on child rights.
Save the Children raised the need for a child protection strategy for the emergencies in general
and for floods response in particular with the Government of Pakistan on various forums including
with the President of Pakistan. As a result, further discussions with NDMA resulted in agreeing on
the need for specialized support to NDMA on child protection. In order to guide sustainable
child protection activities in the field, to guide resources and to achieve systemic change, Save the
Children supported NDMA through the placement of its international CP specialist in NDMA.
At the same time UNICEF also supported the services of a national consultant for NDMA in
order to facilitate the process of provincial consultations and situational analysis and the
subsequent consultations at the national level. The national consultant was also required to
contribute in the process of development of the SOPs in this document.
Co-operation and coordination among all actors concerned is critical for the care and protection of
separated and unaccompanied children.
It is important that all action be coordinated with the relevant government authorities. Dialogue and
coordination mechanisms need to start in the early phases of the emergency, and be maintained
throughout the process. Even for the Army, responsible sometime for evacuation, a minimum CP
standard has to be maintained.
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Fig source: NDMA Online website - The present structure for Disaster Risk Management in Pakistan
The SOPs in this document have been developed by using the inputs from the provincial, regional
consultations organized and feedback received from various stakeholders.
The purpose of these SOPs is to establish a uniform minimum standards and guidelines, or
‘standard procedure’ for Governmental organizations, NGOs, institutions and supporting partners
(UN-Agencies) who will lead the humanitarian operations during the emergencies.
In effect, the purpose of the standards is:
a) to provide the most effective and compassionate standard operating guidelines for the
separated, unaccompanied and missing children in emergencies;
b) to develop and maintain professional, transparent and accountable guideline practices;
c) to help and support stakeholders in their indispensible task in emergencies; and
d) to protect the rights of the children and accelerate the reunification process in accordance to the
prescribed guidelines.
The existing available journal, reports and related literature have also been studied to feed into the
preparation of the SOPs. The SOPs are a first of its kind initiative by NDMA to address the child
protection issues for the separated, unaccompanied and missing children during the emergencies.
It is hoped that these SOPs will help in planning and taking into account the procedures at different
stages for the best interest of the children.
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
2. Overall Guiding Principles
According to the principle of Family Unity (or integrity of the family) all children have a right to a
family, and families have a right to care for their children. Unaccompanied and separated children
must be provided with services aimed at reuniting them with their parents or primary legal or
customary caregivers as quickly as possible. If large numbers of children are separated from their
parents or other relatives in an emergency, priority should be given to the most vulnerable,
whether accompanied or unaccompanied, taking into account that the latter are likely to be more
vulnerable.
The best interests of the child constitute the basic standard for guiding decisions and actions
taken to help children, whether by national or international organizations, courts of law,
administrative authorities, or legislative bodies. The Inter-agency Guiding Principles should be
taken into account when determining the best interests of the child in a given situation.
A child’s opinion should be listened to and given due weight in relation to the child’s age and
maturity. Children must be kept informed about plans being made for them.
This includes decisions about placement and care, tracing and reunification. Programs should
actively engage children in the prevention of and responses to separation.
Do-No-Harm: it has to be considered if any action could place a child on more protection danger
before proceeding e.g., who to share information with.
Non-discrimination: One of the basic tenets of international humanitarian law is that the
protection and guarantees it lays down must be granted to all without discrimination. Thus all four
Geneva conventions and both Additional Protocols provide that the “specific categories of person
they protect must be treated humanely (...) without adverse distinction founded on sex...” The
Convention of the Rights of the Child reinforces this key principle and states that girls have
additional, specific needs which have to be taken into account in programming for their care and
protection.
Psycho–social support: Psychosocial support is the process of meeting a person's emotional,
social, mental and spiritual needs. All of these are essential elements of positive human
development. Psychosocial support is needed by all children. It promotes their psychological and
emotional wellbeing, as well as their physical and mental development. Psychosocial support
helps to build resiliency in children. It also supports families to provide for the physical, economic,
educational, and social and health needs of children. Children are resilient, but when faced with
extreme adversity and trauma, they and their families can need extra support. Psychosocial
support builds internal and external resources for children and their families to be able to
understand and deal with adverse events.5
The special needs of girls must be taken into account throughout times of crises, may they be
armed conflict and their aftermath, man-made or natural disasters etc. They are more vulnerable to
sexual abuse and exploitation as well as facing a higher risk of neglect when it comes to protection
and aid. Appropriate responses must be developed at all stages of programming.
5http://www.ovcsupport.net/s/index.php?i=59
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As an example see the Security Council Resolution 1261 (1999) on children and armed conflict
which urges all parties to armed conflicts to take special measures to protect children, in particular
girls.6
3. Before the Emergency – Prevention and Preservation
There are a number of preventing activities that can be taken before an emergency strikes in order
to prevent/minimize separation of children from their families, even in extreme emergencies.
Approaches can be made to the relevant authorities and other parties so as to reduce the risk of
separation and to preserve the family unit under the difficult circumstances of i.e. displacement.
These contacts aimed at preventing accidental and deliberate separation and promoting
reunification must be based on an understanding of the causes of separation. Measures for the
prevention of separation include7:

Awareness raising amongst governments, staff of local and international NGOs, religious
groups and communities, especially women, since they are the primary care-givers in
emergencies to the importance of preserving the family unit for the child’s benefit;

Families in emergency prone areas need to be made aware of the importance of keeping the
family together during an emergency and to decide a meeting point in the case they would get
separated.

Parents and school teachers can teach children their name and place of origin as well as a
mobile number of a parents or relative.

Encourage the issuing of name tags with Date of Birth for small children. Ensure that parents
and community members realize the importance of the name tags and that the children carry
them.

Deliberate separations can be prevented by ensuring that all households have access to basic
relief supplies and other services, including education.

Organizations must ensure that their actions do not encourage family separations, when e.g.
parents entrust their children to institutions or organizations hoping they will be better cared for
with them. All sectoral services must ensure that their services do not cause family separation.

Support overall co-ordination and implementation of appropriate procedures and policies
6http://www.unicef.org/protection/IAG_UASCs.pdf
Inter-agency Guiding Principles on Unaccompanied and Separated Children; (Inter-agency Working Group on
Unaccompanied and Separated Children: ICRC, IRC, SCUK, UNICEF, UNHCR and WVI); Jan 2004.
7
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During Evacuation:
Children shall be evacuated from their place of residence together with adult family members.
Evacuating children without family members should be a last resort, carried out only after it has
been carefully determined that protection and assistance cannot be provided in place and that
evacuation of the entire family is not feasible.8
Encourage families to keep identification documentations with them. Families should be asked if
they are caring for children other than their own, have children from whom they are separated,
know of families who have missing children, or know of children who are separated from their
parents.
The authority of concern at the point of origin should have appropriate knowledge on child
protection issues and identification of the respective children for their special protection needs.
4. Identification of Separated and Unaccompanied Children
All SWD, NGO and other child protection actor staff working in displacement sites shall be involved
in a process of community mobilisation around child protection issues, and it can be anticipated
that community members themselves will identify separated and unaccompanied children and
other children in need of protection as particularly vulnerable and of concern within the community.
It is important that this comes from the community, and that momentum is built from this to work
with the community to identify these children. Children who should be considered are:
• Children separated before, by or since the emergency
• Children living in spontaneous care arrangements with unrelated adults
• Children living together with other related or unrelated children
• Children living on the streets
• Unaccompanied children living in hospitals who are ready to leave
Caseworkers and other mobilisation facilitators should help the community to identify appropriate
and feasible solutions for these children, such as identification and monitoring, support for family
tracing and reunification, and community support to address their care and protection needs. It
may then be possible to identify community members and networks who can identify these
children living amongst them, and who can identify and refer children who are newly separated.

Contact the Camp Manager and ensure that the camp management has registered the child in
line with camp management registration procedures

Organise emergency care in the community with a designated care provider if required

Contact the agency responsible for FTR who will make an evaluation of the child’s situation
and then start tracing/family mediation/referrals to different types of support as necessary.
8http://www.unicef.org/protection/IAG_UASCs.pdf
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
Contact the agency responsible for child care and protection to organise an assessment of the
child’s living situation and coping mechanisms as quickly as possible
Separated and unaccompanied children often know each other and should be asked whether they
know of other children who are in the same situation as they are.
Separated or Unaccompanied Children are not capable to identify themselves, since they hardly
ever carry their Birth Certificate with them. In emergencies, where time is of the essence,
identifying documents often get left behind, even for adults. Unfortunately it is not common practice
in Pakistan to provide children in areas prone to disaster with name tags.
As a first step children who have been separated from their families or other care-givers must be
identified. If a child’s identity is not known and an identifying adult (relative, fellow community
member), the relevant authorities should take appropriate measures to ascertain it. Steps for
establishing a child’s identity can be:

Capacity of staff at point of origin needs to be improved in order to be able to interview children
and members of the community appropriately and gather the relevant data needed to identify
the child.

Interview a separated child in a child-friendly, quiet place by trained staff. Make the child feel
as secure and safe as possible

Whenever possible, photos should be taken of the child and its belongings as part of the
registration and documentation process, as soon as possible after the child’s separation from
its family.

A standardized Reporting Format should be used.

Keep all information confidential.

A Central Data base should be used for verification of the child’s identity (through the birth
register) and must be updated regularly. The verification process needs to be fast in order to
shorten the time of the child being separated from it relatives.
Early assessment must be completed in order to establish the extent of family separation and the
situation.
Registration and documentation:
At the point of origin, i.e. first contact with the separated/unaccompanied child (NGO, Police,
Social Welfare Department staff, Dar-ul-Aman, etc.) a Separated/Unaccompanied Child Reporting
Form (SRF, find Annex I) should always be filled in with maximum possible details to facilitate
tracing of relatives or family reunification.
During the registration process, unaccompanied and separated children should be registered
individually, but cross-referenced to the family they are staying with. Local authorities and field
offices should keep a registry wherever a separated and unaccompanied child is identified.
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A very large number of children in Pakistan have no Birth Certificate or any other documentation.
In emergencies, it is very difficult to register those children and later on trace their families. It is
therefore recommended to register all relevant information in the Separated/Unaccompanied Child
Reporting Form (SRF) and later on to feed all information to a central data base accessible for all
stakeholders.
Registration: Each identified child should be registered with key personal data: full name, date
and place of birth, father and mother’s name, former address and present location. This
information is collected for the purpose of establishing the identity of the child, for protection and to
facilitate tracing. The child’s identity, including nationality as well as the identity of his or her family
must be recorded and preserved through uniform registration formats. Organizations caring for
separated children must seek to obtain the documentation needed to record children’s identity and
affiliation, if known.9
Verification of birth certificate and Emergency documentation: The Convention on the Rights
of the Child calls for all children to be registered “immediately after birth”. However, in Pakistan
majority of all births go unregistered. Many children are registered later in life, such as when they
enroll in school. This leaves many children without proper birth registration at the time they are
separated from their family. If a child’s identity is not known, the relevant authorities should take
appropriate measures to ascertain it. A new identity should be established only as a last resort.
Documentation and Data Management
A central database for uniformly recording the cases of separated and unaccompanied should be
established where all the cases can be recorded with all the background information and tracked.
It should have provision for updating data from the district level.
Beyond registration, a more thorough documentation and data management of each
unaccompanied child is required in order to establish the child's personal history and individual
needs, and to begin tracing for the family. Legal responsibility for unaccompanied children rests
with the government. An unaccompanied child should have a legal guardian with respect to
involvement in any legal proceedings and may need a legal guardian to advocate for the child's
interests or to make decisions on behalf of the child in other situations
The Reporting Form should be forwarded to following organizations:






NADRA or NDMA shall Register all information in the Central data base and share
information with other stakeholders.
A copy shall be forwarded to respective PDMA
A copy shall be forwarded to Social Welfare Department (SWD)
A copy should stay with District Coordination Officer (DCO)
If NGO fills out the form, it should also keep a copy
A copy to the institution where interim care is being provided
9http://www.unicef.org/protection/IAG_UASCs.pdf
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Responsible authorities to maintain data on line:
As mentioned earlier that there is no central database available in Pakistan for uniformly recording
cases of separated and unaccompanied children. There is an urgent need for establishing a
central database with a provision for uploading data from the district level. It is recommended that
NDMA should take a lead in this regard. The database established by Punjab PDMA can be a
good starting point for this.
Referral System: It can be defined as a network of all the public sector, private sector and
nonprofit organizations working for the protection and provision of the rights of the children
affected by the emergency and disaster to which the child can be referred for different services.
Currently, in most of provinces a sound referral system for referring the child for different services
does not exist due to lack of coordination among different stakeholders. This often results in
wastage of and duplication of resources. There are some NGOs working on the issues of missing
children have established resilient referral networks of service providers throughout the country.
These networks need to be studied and used for the case management of separated,
unaccompanied and missing children.






Establish Referral and Reporting System: A list of referral partners of different stakeholder
(SWD, NGOs and other community level services) should be in the hand of the Social Welfare
Department. An updated contact list and the MoUs are to be organized and made available on
line.
Ensure all duty bearers understand their responsibility and role. A clear MoU and guideline
should be developed and signed by all stakeholders.
All cases of reported abuse, neglect and violence against children must be referred
immediately to Social welfare Department for immediate action.
Disseminate the reporting system widely to the community, including children, to ensure that
the children are aware of their rights.
Remove the child from the unsafe places; all protection services shall collaborate and
coordinate with medical institutions, police and justice institutions and the child protection unit
of the Social Welfare Department.
Ensure referral meetings take place on a quarterly basis to discuss case load, reflect on
effectiveness of system and change where appropriate.
Follow up and monitoring: Follow-up refers to a range of activities for children and their families
to facilitate their reintegration. These activities may include social and economic support. Followup is usually required for family reunification. In the case of other forms of placement, such as a
foster family or adoption, follow-up is also necessary.
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Guidelines for care of separated children under the age of 5 years
All children are entitled to protection and care under a broad range of national, regional and
international instruments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Caring for separated children under the age of five is different from caring for older children since
they are even less able to express personal views and preferences than an older child who might
be able to read, write and be able to identify itself and relatives.
In an emergency the following steps should be activated at the point of origin.



Find families willing to care for babies and children who are separated from their own families.
The assistance of community leaders, religious leaders, women’s associations, community
health volunteers and others would be supportive.
Involve community members in decision making from the beginning. One way to do is to help
to create a Child Welfare Protection Committee, comprised of key community members,
religious leaders, teachers, social workers and parents.
Child Welfare Committees can develop the standards of care for separated children and the
criteria for foster families and then monitor the care of separated children in foster families.
Determine if there is any problem of abuse or neglect and the care arrangement is adequate
before deciding to move a baby child to the foster family. In all cases, special care needed and
must be monitored regularly.
5. Interim Care
In all arrangements for the care of children, the child’s opinions about its placement and care
should be listened to and given "due weight." (CRC, Art. 12).
Temporary Care Arrangements
Interim care: If it is not possible to immediately identify or reunite the child with the parents, it is
necessary to identify interim care measures. All efforts should be made to identify a family based
care option, such as relatives, foster care-givers, or other members of the community and should
be based on the child’s best interest. Only if it has not been possible to identify a family based
option should residential care such as an interim care centre be considered. Children who cannot
be reunited with their families within this time frame should have a 12 week placement review to
determine if they should continue to remain with their current care-givers or if they should be
moved to a more suitable placement. Care arrangements must leave open the possibility of family
reunion.
The number of institutions in the country with the capacity to provide interim care of separated and
unaccompanied children is very limited throughout the country. Most of the existing institutions are
permanent care institutions. Most of these institutions are not geared towards providing interim
care and do not have the protocols and guidelines available for this purpose. The complete list of
the institution in the country is attached as an Annex III.
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Selection of care givers




Family based Care center should be the priority in selecting the interim care facilities.
It should be culturally appropriate
It should be approved and certified by the Local Authority /Social Welfare Department
And should be organized around the needs of the children
Key principles in placement of unaccompanied children in interim care







Place children to live in small groups. This feels more secure for the child and is easier when it
comes to care.
Always place siblings together; also children who know each other, friends and children from
the same geographical should be put in the same group
Make sure each child is registered, with a separate file for each child; a copy of the
unaccompanied child's file should always travel with the child.
Immediately notify the local authorities and the community of the child and keep in touch for
follow-ups.
Try to prevention long-term institutionalization, the faster the child is reunited with its family, the
less traumatized it will be.
Ensure that child protection standards are met. Take specific care of the needs of girl children
and of those with disabilities.
All children have to be supervised by appropriate staff at all times, especially small ones. Make
sure that what happens in the care facility and is transparent and can be accounted for.
Alternative care: Alternative care is a form of care that involves a child living with a family other
than his/her parents is often a care placement lasting more than 12 weeks. Suitable longer term
care provision includes foster care, kinship care, small group home, supported child or peer
headed households or independent living.



Create and enforce national minimum quality standards through certification of the alternative
care facilities.
Regular inspection, monitoring and reporting should be mandatory.
Take legal actions against unregistered or unauthorized care providers.
Foster care
While tracing for the parents is going on, a child should be placed with a family which would ideally
be willing to take care in the event the parents are dead, and to give the child back to the parents
in the event they are located. Secure and organized fostering arrangements are necessary if the
family cannot be traced immediately. Close monitoring of the family based care facilities and
regular information on how family tracing efforts are proceeding should be carried out.
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


Any placement of children with families other than their own is consistent with traditional childcare practices (CRC, art. 20.3).
Make sure that each unaccompanied child has a continuous care-giver and who meets the
developmental needs of the child.
Children living with families other than their own, where an unaccompanied child is living with
someone other than a relative, the relationship should be respected if the child's needs are
being met.
As with all unaccompanied children, those living with other families should still be identified and
documented, and the quality of their care arrangements should be assessed and monitored. This
process must be done carefully so as not to disrupt the care relationship or encourage care-taker
families to abandon or hide the presence of such children.
Guidelines for group care
Where family placements are not possible, small group care within the community can be
arranged. This should normally be only an interim measure, especially for younger children. Social
Welfare Department has the responsibility to carry out a proper assessment before placing
children in group care.
Mature children supervised by adults from their own culture may be placed in group care facilities.
If an adolescent is taking responsibility for his or her younger siblings, group care may be an
alternative for a limited period of time. Regular monitoring should be done to identify any violation
of CRC and support should be given to the adolescent to be able to appropriately care for the
minors.
Institutional placements, such as orphanages, should be avoided. The creation of orphanages
should be discouraged.
Placement of Separated Children in family based care:
Guardianship should be used in administrative or judicial proceedings wherever the system exists
to support it, as it provides an important safeguard for ensuring that children’s rights and best
interests are upheld. In large-scale disasters, where it will be difficult to establish guardianship
arrangements, the rights and best interests of separated children must be safeguarded and
promoted by organizations working on behalf of these children (Inter-agency Guiding Principles on
unaccompanied and separated children).
Most separated children do have parents or other family members willing and able to care for
them, and with effective tracing they can be found. For the best interests of the separated child a
family based interim care would be the first priority until the tracing of the parents has been
completed.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 16 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Follow- up and Monitoring of Interim Care





Monitoring should be done regularly and reports must be submitted to SWD.
A special Reporting Form should be used.
The child should be referred to his/her wellbeing.
The trained social worker should be accountable for monitoring the overall situation and
services proved by the care givers.
Any kind of abuse, neglect or any kind of threat related to Child welfare observed during or
after monitoring must be reported and referred to relevant authorities to provide prompt
actions.
6. Family Tracing
Tracing is the process of searching for family members or primary legal or customary care-givers.
The term also refers to the search for children whose parents are looking for them. The objective
of tracing is reunification with parents or other close relatives.
Family tracing and reunification have been emphasized and promoted as the most important
durable solution for unaccompanied and separated children by all UN-agencies and the National
Government.
The process of tracing and reunification of the children identified as separated and unaccompanied
in different provinces in Pakistan has so far been carried out in an informal way and does not
follow uniform guidelines. NGOs tend to use informal means to trace families. In certain cases the
district administration was involved in the process but the tracing was mostly done through links to
the community. Similarly, there are no set guidelines available for NGOs and other stakeholders
for reunification and so NGOs follow their own procedures. These include: written statements by
parents, copy of ID cards and photos of the reunification.
Tracing families:






Verification must always be carried out. It is a built-in protection for the tracing system. It
checks that the person claiming the custody of child really is who they say they are.
It can also be used to confirm that the relatives are willing and able to take the child and that
the child wishes to be reunited with these relatives (ref. Tracing Manual, SC).
Mobilize the resources at the local Point of Origin: District Coordination Officer (DCO) should
coordinate the tracing process end ensure that involvement of NGOs and CBOs in tracing
follow a prescribed guideline and reporting system.
Social Welfare Department should be involved in the tracing and family reunification process.
After the reunification and closing of the case, the information must be fed into the data base.
Local Police should be involved in tracing families. Police networks throughout the country
should be able to easily facilitate the tracing process.
In emergency situations the Military can be involved in tracing and reunification.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 17 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action


Community leaders, local Mosques can also be instrumental in tracing process. But all tracing
initiative should be recorded and coordinated with the DCO and SWD.
Confidentiality of information strictly to be maintained.
Plan for and develop long-term solutions for children whose families will not be able to be traced.
Tracing a Missing Child:
One of the findings during the field was that the issue of missing children is of a large scale and
not just during times of emergency. In 2010, in Karachi alone 3029 cases of missing children were
reported to police. According to NGOs (ROSHNI) the number of missing children during the early
stages of the emergency was quite high due to the lack of coordination and capacity.
The issue of missing children finds little acknowledgement in Pakistan despite the fact that the
problem is a serious and growing one. This is partly because of the lack of understanding
regarding missing children and their documentation in the relevant departments, which leads to
little to no information flow on this issue.10
In case of children missing during the emergencies the following steps need to be taken:






FIR with the local police Station
Meeting of the coordination committee
Information to the police stations of the adjacent areas
Information to and activation of the network of partners
Information to the management of the camps
Printing of the leaflets containing of the information and if possible photographs of the child and
wide displays of the posters and leaflets in the camps, police stations and bus stations
7. Family Reunification
Reunification is the process of bringing together the child and family or previous care-provider for
the purpose of establishing or re-establishing long-term care11.
The separation of children from their families is often traumatic and can have long lasting
consequences in a child’s well-being. In order to minimize further distress resulting from a period
of prolonged separation, it is important that family reunification occurs with the least possible
delay. Expedited procedures are particularly necessary to reunify separated children with their
parents or surviving adult relatives to avoid emotional harm caused by separation.
Step 1: Proof of Claim: It should be mandatory to verify any kind of proof/evidence such as family
photographs or any other adequate documents (Birth Certificate or Identification document) of the
claimant.
10http://roshnihelpline.org/
11http://www.unicef.org/protection/IAG_UASCs.pdf
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 18 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Step 2: Photo identification by the Child: The child must be involved in the reunification process
and the best interest of the child principles must be the guideline for reunification. If any
photograph available the child be allowed to identify the family members and reconfirm the
relationships with the claimer.
Step 3: Community verification: verify the claimer’s relationships with the child. The local
community members, local police station should be associated before any reunification takes place
to ensure the security of the Child.
Step 4: The consent of the Child is of vital importance in preparation of family reunification.
Step 5: In some cases an assessment of the family situation should be mandatory before
reunification takes place.
Step 6: Upon positive verification of the claimant and consent of Child, handing over by the child
should be done in presence of DCO or Social Welfare officer or Police authority.
Step 7: A hand-over document should be signed on closure of the case.
Follow-up and Monitoring
Currently, in the provinces there is no established mechanism for the follow up and monitoring of
the cases where children were reunified with their parents. NGOs working in field indicated that
lack of human resources and capacities are the main reason for the irregularity of follow up and
monitoring of the cases. Since all reunifications are done in an informal way without legal and
proper involvement of SWD or any other government official in the districts, there is no follow up
and monitoring from the government side as well for these cases.
NGOs do follow up, but it is an informal process and there are no official formats available to
record the findings. Most follow up is carried out via phone and is limited to a few questions to the
child about his or her wellbeing.
Steps for follow-up after family reunification:
Once the child is reunified the responsibility returns to the family and to a certain extent to the
community to ensure the welfare of the child.




Almost all children after reunification need special psycho-social support (due to traumas,
distress of separation and other disorders).
They should be monitored by the Social Welfare or a community level mechanism (NGO may
be given approval on behalf of SWD to follow-up, monitor the case and report). The family
should report regularly to Social Welfare Officer in the local community.
A child with special need that were identified before the reunification needs special support due
to their disabilities and should be monitored and supported regularly. If necessary a referral to
other relevant service providers in consent with the parents is to be carried out.
All follow-up and monitoring should be done by trained social worker or NGO worker who has
comprehensive knowledge on CP, although regular visits as general support to the family
linking it with community support is helpful.
All monitoring should be recorded and fed onto data system.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 19 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action

If adequate, material support can be given to the family in order to avoid further separation or
traumatizing the child: through support with some basic needs like food support, school fees
and some economic assistance.
8. Alternative Long-term Arrangements
The best long-term solution for an unaccompanied child should be made based on best interest of
the individual child and depend on the specific merits of any particular case. The determination
should follow the procedure below:
 Assessments and decisions on a long-term solution for unaccompanied children must be taken
by Social Welfare Department (SWD) including experienced child welfare personnel. Cases
must be thoroughly assessed on an individual basis.
 The procedure should permit the effective participation of the child and, as with status
determination, arrangements be made for him or her to be represented.
 Where possible, the views of the parents or others who act instead of parents should be
obtained.
 Case histories and documentation on unaccompanied children are to be shared by
organizations assisting them. Ensure that as much information as possible is provided about
family, relatives and friends to enhance tracing efforts.
 In each case, a minor's evolving mental maturity must be determined in the light of the personal,
family and cultural background (CRC art. 12). Qualified child welfare workers should be involved
in the process of interviewing unaccompanied children.
Referral of children into residential care:
This should be done as a last resort, even as an interim care solution and should be done based
on the following criteria:

The child has a disability or health issue that requires specialised care that is not available in
the community, but is available in a centre

A child needs care on a temporary basis pending reunification or the identification of alternative
care and no other interim care options are available

A child needs a secure environment that cannot be guaranteed through other forms of
alternative care
When determining whether a child should be referred to residential care, the caseworker should
categorise their need as urgent (high risk) or standard, and consider what other interim care
options may be suitable and available. The Caseworker should co-ordinate with the SWD to
identify a suitable placement.
Referral to a Safe House: Girls and boys who have been exposed to or are at risk of abuse and
exploitation and whose security cannot be guaranteed through alternative care options, may be
referred to a safe house.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 20 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
9. Summary - Case Management
The following chart shows the different steps to be taken for case management of separated and
unaccompanied children during the emergencies: it provides frameworks for dealing with both
separated and unaccompanied children as the requirements of the both are different. Whereas
unaccompanied children need a full range of services, the separated children may only require
monitoring and follow up.
Follow ups in all cases: interim, long-term, family, foster or institutional care, etc.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 21 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
ANNEXES
Annex I: Separated / Unaccompanied Child Reporting Form
To be filled-in at the point of origin: Original submitted immediately to SWD/CPU;
one copy to PDMA Sindh; one copy to be kept by the reporting organization
Identified by (organization name):
Date and Place identified:
Name of the accompanied person, if any:
Relationship with the accompanied person:
Holding Name tags / Arms band (during evacuation) if any:
Where is the child currently staying?
Child’s Particulars:
Name of the Child:
Status of the Child : Separated:
Orphaned:
Sex: Male:
Female:
Birth certificate: Yes / No Tribe:
Disability: Yes / No If yes, Indicate:
Nickname, if any:
Unaccompanied:
Language spoken:
Date of Birth:
Religion:
Age:
Family’s Particulars:
Father’s name:
Is the father alive?:
Mother’s name:
Is the mother alive?:
Name of any other relative/caregiver before separation, if any :
Reasons for separation:
Permanent Address /Present address
Name of the Village:
Name of the Province:
Siblings (Brothers and sisters), if any (Name):
Address where the child is currently living:
Name of any community leader:
Name of the District:
Local Police station:
 A separated child is any person under the age of 18, separated from both parents, or from his/her
previous legal or customary primary care giver, but not necessarily from other relatives. An unaccompanied
child is any person who is under the age of 18, separated from both parents, or from his/her previous legal or
customary primary care giver and also his/her relatives. An orphaned child is a person who is under the
age of 18 and whose mother, father or both parents have died.
 If the child does not remember his/her address, please note other relevant information, such as
descriptions of mosques, schools and other landmarks.
Child Handover / Transfer
Is the child being physically handed over to SWD at the time of reporting?
To whom is the child being handed over to (name, title):
Name and title staff reporting:
Date and Signature:
Name, title and agency of person receiving child:
Date and Signature:
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Yes / No
Page 22 of 65
ANNEX II: PROVINCE SPECIFIC ACTION CHARTS
Action Chart for Sindh: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Sindh, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
ACTORS
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
TIME FRAME
COORDINATED REPORTING AND MONITORING (Child Protection WG / Sub-Cluster)
Step 1 –
Campaigning and
messaging
-
Step 2 –
Reporting on
separated
children
-
-
Develop context specific messages to be broadcast /
disseminated, using most appropriate mechanisms
Child Protection Sub Cluster and other actors to pass
information to displaced communities on the need to provide
information on separated and missing children.
Generic radio messages (eg UNICEF, ILO) to include specific
information on how to report cases to the IOM Humanitarian
helpline numbers [insert no’s – toll free]
Provincial Standing Committees on Disaster management
activated and involved in passing messages through
provinces
SWD & CP Sub Cluster to provide NGOs/CBOs/Police/Social
Welfare/Dar-ul-Aman/UN agencies/Army and Rangers to be
provided with Standard Reporting Form (SRF) Annex I to be
filled out at first identification to facilitate tracing or family
reunification at a later stage.
First contact agency to report immediately to SWD or Child
Protection Unit (Sukkur & Hyderabad SWD helpline operates
-
-
CP Sub Cluster
SWD
Actors in camps /
communities
Provincial
Standing
Committees
Mosques
-
CP Sub Cluster
SWD & helpline
1121
Rescue 15
/Police &
helplines
-
-
Messages
Posters
Radio spots (generic
spots already
available in Urdu
and Sindhi) Leaflets
Newspapers
Local cable TV
Mosque
announcements
Reporting form
Under Five Form
Pre and during
emergency
Reporting within 12
hours of
identification or
before nightfall
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Sindh: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Sindh, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Step 3 documentation
/ database
(information
management)
-
-
Step 4 –
advocacy &
capacity
support to
districts
ACTORS
24 hours; SWD to consider activating Karachi 24 hour helpline
during emergencies, Roshni Helpline 02134981031 12 hours,
not toll free)
Constant monitoring of helpline accessibility
Standard Reporting form and guidelines to be translated into
Urdu & local languages (PDMA)
-
Agencies to maintain list of children reported to Social Welfare
Dept and share with CP Sub-Cluster lead/s (UNICEF & SWD
or PDMA) in sub-cluster meeting
Social Welfare Department (through Child Protection Units
Hyderabad, Sukkur and Karachi with support of UNICEF) to
maintain database of all reported cases and update all related
actions
Review functionality and accuracy of SWD database, with
technical support of relevant agencies
Roshni helpline and related database to be extended to floodaffected areas Sindh (Badi,. Mirpurkhas and Tando Allahyar)
PDMA Missing persons online database to be used for
missing children
Progress on identification and reunification of separated
children to be discussed at sub-cluster meetings as standing
agenda item and shared with PDMA
-
-
-
-
Child Protection Sub Cluster and PDMA to document trends
and flag issues and gaps with the Protection Cluster and
NDMA for necessary action
Review current capacities at district level (SWD & DDMA) and
advocate for additional support
-
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
TIME FRAME
Camp
coordinators
Army & Rangers
Girl guides & Boy
scouts
Pakistan Red
Crescent Society
CP Sub-Cluster
members
Actors in camps /
communities
SWD
UNICEF
Roshni
PDMA
CP Sub Cluster
lead
Cluster members
SWD
NDMA / PDMA
- Registration of
missing, separated
and unaccompanied
children
CP Sub Cluster sitreps
and minutes
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Updates in
database within 24
hours (during
emergency)
Ongoing
Page 24 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Sindh: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Sindh, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
TIME FRAME
Case Management (Social Welfare Department)
Step 1 – child
identification
-
Step 2 –
verification and
registration for
family tracing
(District level to
implement;
provincial level
-
-
Child identified by community members, I/NGOs, army,
Pakistan Red Crescent society, police, camp management
Identifying agencies/person to report separated children to
CPU/SWD and sub-cluster lead/s and maintain copies of
reporting forms
Caregivers to report missing children to police and/or CPU
Community members may report separated or missing
children to Rescue 15, CPU/SWD, I/NGOs and any other
agency working in that location, camp or community
Information on the identification and reporting of separated &
missing children from all sources will be consolidated by
Social Welfare Department / CPU (Sukkur, Hyderabad &
Karachi)
CPU to assign Case Worker (CW) to the child
CPU Case Worker to complete registration on the child
through interviews, cross-checking and completing the
information received by the reporter including details of
parents/guardians, address of parents and kin (CPU standard
registration form), specific needs of the child
Child meets definition of separation / unaccompanied child, is
registered and tracing begins (otherwise the process ends)
Cross check list of separated children with list of missing
-
Agencies
Community
members
SWD & CPUs
Police
Pakistan Red
Crescent
Camp
management
Army & Rangers
& Rescue
services
-
-
-
SWD
(Caseworker))
CPU database
Manager
Police
PDMA
-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Inter-agency and
interdepartmental
reporting
mechanism
Reporting
missing children
form
FIR
Enquirer Form
(Tracing
Request) for
Missing Children
Database for
missing,
separated and
unaccompanied
children (CPU)
Tracing Action
Form
Child registration
form (CPU)
Reporting within
12 hours of
identification or
before nightfall
Same day
Page 25 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Sindh: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Sindh, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
to monitor)
Step 3 –
protection
assessment
and interim
care
(District level
to implement;
provincial level
to monitor)
-
-
-
-
-
children (including PDMA online database)
CPU Database Officer to enter details of the child in a
database and regularly update actions taken; with due regard
for protection of data / confidentiality
Summary of SWD/CPU data to be shared with CP SubCluster
Trained Case Worker to assess the particular needs and
protection situation of the child, including an assessment of
the existing care arrangements for separated / accompanied
children
CPU to provide support (where available within CPU) or make
referrals for psycho-social support, legal aid, medical care
with particular attention to child survivors of sexual abuse and
needs of children with disabilities
Assessment to include recommendations for interim care
arrangements including, where immediate protection threat to
the child is identified, removing the child to an alternative
interim facility (list of facilities for Sindh in annex 2 to be
reviewed regularly, including CPU facilities, together with
recommended length of stay)
CPU to actively seek family-based and community-based care
arrangements – as a preferred option - through CP
Committees and community mechanisms
Regular monitoring by SWD Case Worker and Child
Protection Committees for community-based care, including
for protection from child labour/domestic servants, trafficking,
exploitation & neglect
Protection assessment to be updated regularly to include the
long term care arrangements and development needs
Case Worker should keep the child informed of proposed
actions affecting her/him and seek her/his consent to referrals
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
-
-
-
SWD
Social service
providers,
including for child
sexual abuse &
disabilities
Police
(CPU) Lawyer
(CPU) Home
Mother
Inter-care
provider / family
District labour
department
GBV Sub-cluster,
Health cluster,
education Cluster
(for referrals &
inter-cluster
advocacy)
District bar
associations
-
FIR
CP Sub-Cluster
minutes
-
Protection
assessment form
(to develop)
Inter-care
arrangement
form
District level
referral
mechanism &
directory of
service providers
(including
medical, psychosocial, legal, etc)
-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
TIME FRAME
Same day
Page 26 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Sindh: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Sindh, October 2011
STEP #
Step 4 – family
tracing and
reunification
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Ongoing training of caseworkers in Child Protection (including
child labour, gender based violence, etc)
-
CPU Case Worker to register the child with PDMA Missing
Persons Registrar (accessible by SWD and police in all
districts) and activate SWD networks and NADRA to assist in
tracing the child’s family.
In using media and posters for tracing separated children, full
details of the child should not be disclosed (eg use photo but
not name, or use only family information) in order to
safeguard against exploitation . For missing children, all
identifying details may be necessary.
Once the family is traced, the Case Worker should visit the
family to verify their identity and assess any protection
concerns
Family reunification takes place and handover form completed
and witnessed.
Database is update with reunification details and included in
summary report for CP Sub-Cluster
In the case it has not been possible to locate the child’s family
and a durable solution with long term placement is required,
best interest of the child should be established through a Best
Interest Committee (including SWD and representative of
district CP working group) in consultation and with consent of
the child
Development and follow up arrangements should be ensured
and monitoring / family visits put in place.
-
Case Worker to follow up on the child plan (provision of social
services, care arrangement monitoring, after care monitoring,
child development and family support interventions, etc)
Once the child has crossed 18 years of age or the case has
-
(District level to
implement;
provincial level
to monitor and
coordinate
inter-district
tracing &
reunification)
-
-
Step 5 – follow
up, after-care
and case
-
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
-
-
-
SWD (Case
Worker)CP SubCluster
members
Police
Helpline
Social Groups /
CP Committees /
Trained
Volunteers
Child and care
takers / parents /
kin
NADRA
Ministry of
Interior (interdistrict or interprovincial tracing)
Media
Mosques
Communities
(especially at
transport points)
-
SWD (SCW)
Police
Designated Case
Worker
-
-
-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Contact details
Principles to be
followed by
agencies
involved in family
tracing
Best interest
Determination
form
Adult verification
form
Child verification
form
Family
reunification form
Tracing poster /
leaflets (eg
Roshni)
Follow up report
After care
monitoring report
Case closure
TIME FRAME
Ongoing
At least 2 visits
in first 2 months;
more regularly in
identified cases
Page 27 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Sindh: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Sindh, October 2011
STEP #
closure
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
reached some permanent solution / arrangement the case
may be closed
ACTORS
-
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
Social service
providers
Legal aid and
police
Family / child
Community /CP
Committees
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
TIME FRAME
report
Page 28 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Balochistan: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Balochistan, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
ACTORS
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
TIME FRAME
COORDINATED REPORTING AND MONITORING (Child Protection WG / Sub-Cluster)
Step 1 –
Campaigning
and
messaging
-
-
DC designated hubs in IDP Camps and affected
community, facilitated by focal persons to pass
information to displaced communities on the need to
provide information on separated and missing children
with special focus to children with disabilities.
Government/UNICEF generic radio messages to
include specific information on how to report cases to
the IOM Humanitarian helpline numbers [insert no’s]
-
CP Sub Cluster
SWD
Actors in camps /
communities
PDMA and DDMAs
PTA
Information
department.
-
-
Messages
Posters
Radio spots
(generic spots
already available in
Urdu and regional
languages)
Leaflets.
Helpline & Data
base.
-
Step 2 –
Reporting on
separated
children
-
-
SWD & CP Sub Cluster to provide NGOs/Camp
Management/Police/Social Welfare/Dar-ul-Aman to be
provided with Standard Reporting Form (SRF) Annex I to
be filled out at first identification to facilitate tracing or family
reunification at a later stage.
First contact agency to report immediately to SWD or Child
Protection Unit.
-
CP Sub Cluster
SWD
Rescue 15 /Police
Camp coordinators
DC
DPO (Disabled
police organization)
-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Reporting form
Under Five Form
-
A month before
monsoon
season.
During
evacuation.
Immediate
in
emergency and
continued
activities.
Availability of
(SRF) Forms
with SWD
before
emergency
situation,
Report should
be generated
within 24 hours
Page 29 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Balochistan: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Balochistan, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
ACTORS
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
TIME FRAME
of emergency
Step 3 documentation
/ data base
(information
management)
Step 4 –
advocacy &
sensitization.
-
Capacity building of stake holders and service providers at
all level for filling of forms and data management,
-
Agencies to maintain list of children reported to Social
Welfare Dept and share with CP Sub-Cluster lead/s
(UNICEF & SWD or PDMA) in sub-cluster meeting
-
Social Welfare Department or as per DC instructions () to
maintain database of all reported cases and update all
related actions at all divisional/district level connected with
provincial head quarter database.
-
Progress on identification and reunification of separated
children to be discussed at sub-cluster meetings as
standing agenda item and shared with PDMA (CP
Coordinator) by ensuring confidentiality at all stages.
-
Social Welfare department and PDMA with the support of
Child Protection Sub Cluster to document trends and flag
issues and gaps with the concerned authority by sharing
information with Protection Cluster and NDMA.
-
CP Sub Cluster
Actors in camps /
communities
UNICEF
SWD
DDMA/PDMA.
-
CP Sub Cluster lead
Cluster members
SWD
PDMA/ DDMA
- Registration of
missing, separated
and unaccompanied
children
-
Minutes of Meeting.
-
Case studies.
Within 24 hours
of case
identification.
In every meeting
as per need.
Case Management (Social Welfare Department)
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 30 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Balochistan: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Balochistan, October 2011
STEP #
Step 1 – child
identification
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
-
-
Agencies to report separated, unaccompanied and missing
children to identified hubs and notified focal persons, subcluster lead/s and to maintain copies of reporting forms
accordingly.
Caregivers/ community members to report missing,
separated and unaccompanied children to identified hub &
notified focal person,
ACTORS
-
Agencies
Community
members
UNICEF
SWD
DDMA/PDMA
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
-
-
Information on the identification and reporting of separated
& missing children from all sources will be consolidated by
designated hubs.
-
Step 2 –
verification and
registration for
family tracing
-
DCs will also maintain record of all cases with
confidentiality and generated response against maintained
record on the basses of best interest of child.
-
Designated focal person through case worker to complete
registration on the child through interviews, cross-checking
and completing the information received by the reporter
including details of parents/guardians, address of parents
and kin (SRF Standard Registration Form), specific needs
of the child
-
-
Child meets definition of separation, unaccompanied minor,
is registered and tracing begins (otherwise the case will
formally be closed with proper justification.
-
CPU database
Manager
SWD
Agency (Reporter)
DDMA/PDMA
Designated hubs in
IDP camps &
affected community
-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Inter-agency and
inter-departmental
reporting
mechanism
Reporting missing
children form
Enquirer Form
(Tracing Request)
for Missing,
unaccompanied,
separated Children.
SRF
Database for
missing, separated
and unaccompanied
children (CPU)
Tracing Action Form
Child registration
form (CPU)
Formal case closure
form.
TIME FRAME
-
Within 24 hours
of emergency
-
Data base Prior
to emergency
-
Follow up
Within 48 hours
- Verification,
Registration and
Family Tracing
efforts will be
initiated within 24
hours of case
identification
Page 31 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Balochistan: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Balochistan, October 2011
STEP #
Step 3 –
protection
assessment
and interim
care
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Cross check list of separated children with list of missing
children.
-
Designated focal person maintain details of the child in a
database and regularly update actions taken; with due
regard for protection of data / confidentiality.
-
Monitoring of the cases reported at each level,
-
Monthly report to be generated by DC and shared with
PDMA.
-
Designated hub focal person with the help of Case Worker
to assess the particular needs and protection situation of
the child, including an assessment of the existing care
arrangements for separated / accompanied children
-
-
Designated hub to provide support (where available within
district) or make referrals for psycho-social support, legal
aid, medical care or as per identified need.
Assessment to include recommendations for interim care or
community support group arrangements including, where
immediate protection threat to the child is identified,
removing the child to an alternative interim facility or
community support group keeping in view the best interest
of child(list of facilities for Baluchistan in annex 2 to be
reviewed regularly, including CPU facilities, together with
recommended length of stay)
ACTORS
-
SWD
Social service
providers
Police
(CPU) Lawyer
Home Mother
Inter-care provider /
family.
Bait-ul-Mal
Community Support
Group
DDMA/Designated
Hubs
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
-
-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Protection
assessment form (to
develop)
Inter-care &
community support
group arrangement
form.
Follow up reports.
TIME FRAME
-
Within 24 hours
of case verified
and analyzed
Page 32 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Balochistan: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Balochistan, October 2011
STEP #
Step 4 – family
tracing and
reunification
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Designated hub to actively seek family-based and
community-based care arrangements – as a preferred
option through CP Committees and community
mechanisms
-
Protection assessment to be updated regularly to include
the long term care arrangements and development needs
-
Case Worker should keep the child informed of proposed
actions affecting her/him and seek her/his consent to
referrals at all levels.
-
Maintain regular monitoring of the child on regularly basis
-
Designated focal person to register the child with
designated hubs and activate already established networks
with mandated organizations/Govt. departments to assist in
tracing the child’s family. Use of media should be assessed
carefully against potential protection risks of identifying
children.
ACTORS
-
-
Once the family is traced, the Case Worker along with of
Police should visit the family to verify their identity and
assess any protection concerns.
-
Long term placement, development and follow up
arrangements should be ensured and monitoring / family
visits put in place
-
Family reunification takes place and handover form
completed and witnessed by ensuring all legal procedures.
-
SWD
Agencies
Police
Helpline
Social Groups /
CPCs
Child and care
takers / parents / kin
Designated
Hubs/DDMA
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
-
-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Contact details
Principles to be
followed by
agencies involved in
family tracing
Best interest
Determination form
Adult verification
form
Child verification
form
Family reunification
form
TIME FRAME
Within 48 hours
after family
identification.
Page 33 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Balochistan: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Balochistan, October 2011
STEP #
Step 5 – follow
up, after-care
and case
closer
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Under any circumstances if 48 hours of time pass without
reunification of a child, as per formal order of court, the
DDMA may be authorized to pass an interim order
(obtaining surety) subject to confirmation of court or
otherwise.
-
In the case it has not been possible to locate the child’s
family and a durable solution with long term placement is
required, best interest of the child should be established
through a Best Interest Committee (including SWD and
representative of district CP working group) in consultation
and with consent of the child
-
Development and follow up arrangements should be
ensured and monitoring / family visits put in place.
-
Designated focal person through case worker to follow up
on the child plan (provision of social services, care
arrangement monitoring,
after care monitoring, child
development and family support interventions, etc)
ACTORS
-
-
Once the child has crossed 18 years of age or the case has
reached some permanent solution / arrangement the case
may be formally closed
-
SWD
Police
Designated Case
Worker
Social service
providers
Legal aid and police
Family / child
Community /CPCs
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Follow up report
After care
monitoring report
Case closure report
TIME FRAME
As soon as
possible,
Page 34 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Punjab: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Punjab, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
ACTORS
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
TIME
FRAME
COORDINATED REPORTING AND MONITORING (Child Protection WG / Sub-Cluster)
Step 1 –
Campaigning
and messaging
-
Child Protection Sub Cluster and other actors to pass
information to displaced communities on the need to provide
information on separated and missing children.
UNICEF generic radio messages to include specific information
on how to report cases to the IOM Humanitarian helpline
numbers [insert no’s]
-
CP Sub Cluster
SWD
Actors in camps /
communities
Child Protection and
Welfare Bureau
PDMA
Rescue 1122
(Community Safety
Officers)
Civil Society
CPU (7) Multan,
Muzaffargarh, D.G.
Khan, Layyah,
Mianwali, Rajanpur and
Rahim yar Khan)
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
-
Messages
Posters
Radio spots (local
radio stations)
(generic spots
already available in
Urdu and Punjabi)
Leaflets
Mosque
announcements
Cable Networks
Interactive theatre
1122 Community
Awareness
campaign (e.g.,
schools, colleges ,
universities,
madrassas,
industrial areas etc)
July to
October
Throughout
the year
(Jan-Dec)
Page 35 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Punjab: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Punjab, October 2011
STEP #
Step 2 –
Reporting on
separated
children
Reporting on
unaccompanied
children
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
-
-
SWD & CP Sub Cluster to provide NGOs/ Social Welfare to be
provided with Standard Reporting Form (SRF) Annex I to be
filled out at first identification to family reunification.
First contact agency to report immediately to SWD or Child
Protection Unit
SWD & CP Sub Cluster to provide NGOs/Police/ Social
Welfare/Dar ul Aman to be provided with Standard Reporting
Form (SRF) Annex I to be filled out at first identification to
facilitate tracing or family reunification at a later stage.
First contact agency to report immediately to SWD or Child
Protection Unit
ACTORS
-
CP Sub Cluster
SWD
Camp coordinators
-
Reporting form
Under Five Form
-
CP Sub Cluster
SWD
CPWB
Camp coordinators
Patrolling police
Edhi
Institutions (welfare
homes, Kashana, darul-aman etc)
Community Safety
Officer (1122)
-
Reporting form
Under Five Form
-
PDMA Online
Database (with an
exclusive option of
unaccompanied
children)
-
Step 3 documentation
/ database
(information
management)
-
-
Agencies to maintain list of children reported to Social Welfare
Dept and share with CP Sub-Cluster lead/s (UNICEF & SWD,
child protection and welfare bureau or PDMA) in sub-cluster
meeting
Social Welfare Department (through Child Protection Units
Lahore, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, DG Khan,
Sargodha, Bahawalpur with support of UNICEF) to maintain
database of all reported cases and update all related actions
and Child protection welfare bureau in Lahore, Sialkot,
Gujranwala, Rawalpindi,
Progress on identification and reunification of unaccompanied
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
-
CP Sub Cluster
Actors in camps /
communities
UNICEF
SWD
CPWB
PDMA Database
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
- Registration of
missing, separated
and unaccompanied
children
- Verification of data
TIME
FRAME
Within one
month
period,
starting from
any
emergency
situation
Page 36 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Punjab: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Punjab, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
ACTORS
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
TIME
FRAME
children to be discussed at sub-cluster meetings as standing
agenda item and shared with PDMA (CP Coordinator)
Step 4 advocacy
-
Child Protection Sub Cluster and PDMA to document trends
and flag issues and gaps with the Protection Cluster and NDMA
-
CP Sub Cluster lead
Cluster members
SWD
CSO
Protection Cell PDMA
-
Agencies
Community members
UNICEF
SWD
Police
CPU
Sub clusters
Child protection and
welfare bureau
Case Management (Social Welfare Department)
Step 1 – child
identification
-
Agencies to report separated / unaccompanied children to
CPU/SWD and sub-cluster lead/s and maintain copies of
reporting forms
Caregivers to report missing children to police and/or CPU
Community members may report separated /unaccompanied or
missing children to Rescue 15, UNICEF, CPU/SWD and any
other agency working in that location, camp or community
Information on the identification and reporting of separated &
missing children from all sources will be consolidated by Social
Welfare Department / CPU
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
-
Missing Children on
line soft ware of
PDMA
Inter-agency and
inter-departmental
reporting
mechanism
Reporting missing
children form
Page 37 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Punjab: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Punjab, October 2011
STEP #
Step 2 –
verification and
registration for
family tracing
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Case Management would be required for unaccompanied
children only
-
CPU to assign Case Worker (CW) to the child
CPU Case Worker to complete registration on the child through
interviews, cross-checking and completing the information
received by the reporter including details of parents/guardians,
address of parents and kin (CPU standard registration form),
specific needs of the child
Child meets definition of UAM, is registered and tracing begins
(otherwise the process ends)
Cross check list of unaccompanied children with list of missing
children
CPU Database Officer to enter details of the child in a PDMA
database and regularly update actions taken; with due regard
for protection of data / confidentiality
-
Step 3 –
protection
assessment
and interim
care
ACTORS
-
-
FIR
Enquirer Form
(Tracing Request)
for Missing Children
-
Database for
missing, separated
and unaccompanied
children (CPU)/
PDMA online pro
forma in the
software
Tracing Action Form
Child registration
form (CPU)
FIR
CPU database
Manager
SWD (SCW)
Agency (reporter /
DCW
Police
-
Case Worker to assess the particular needs and protection
situation of the child, including an assessment of the existing
care arrangements for separated / accompanied children
(Keeping in mind deliberate separation)
-
-
CPU to provide support (where available within CPU) or make
referrals for psycho-social support, legal aid, medical care
-
-
Assessment to include recommendations for interim care
arrangements including, where immediate protection threat to
the child is identified, removing the child to an alternative interim
facility (list of facilities for Punjab in annex 2 to be reviewed
-
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
-
SWD
Social service providers
(CPU) Lawyer
Home Mother
Inter-care provider /
family
Nigheban, Transit
Shelters for lost and
kidnapped children
(8) (one in each
divisional headquarters
except Sahiwal )
Gehwara – abandoned
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
TIME
FRAME
Within forty
eight hours
Protection
assessment form (to
develop)
Inter-care
arrangement form
Page 38 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Punjab: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Punjab, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
ACTORS
regularly, including CPU facilities, together with recommended
length of stay
CPU to actively seek family-based and community-based care
arrangements – as a preferred option - through CP Committees
and community mechanisms
-
-
Protection assessment to be updated regularly to include the
long term care arrangements and development needs
-
-
Case Worker should keep the child informed of proposed
actions affecting her/him and seek her/his consent to referrals
-
To assess the capacity of the institutions and to build the
capacity of care institution for providing interim care
-
-
-
-
-
-
Step 4 – family
tracing and
reunification
-
CPU Case Worker to cross check the child with PDMA Missing
Persons Registrar (accessible by SWD and police in all districts)
Activate SWD networks to assist in tracing the child’s family.
Use of media should be assessed carefully against potential
protection risks of identifying children
Once the family is traced, the Case Worker should visit the
-
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
TIME
FRAME
babies home (Lahore,
Multan and Rawal
Pindi)
Children Home (age 718)
Kashana (above 6 –
girls)
Sargodha, Lahore and
Rawal Pindi
Chaman (Children with
mental disabilities)
Nasheman (Children
with physical
disabilities)
CPU (7) Multan,
Muzaffargarh, D.G.
Khan, Layyah,
Mianwali, Rajanpur and
Rahim yar Khan)
Child Protection and
Welfare Bureau (8)
Lahore, Multan,
Gujranwala, Sialkot,
Rawalpindi, Faisalabad,
Bahawalpur, Rahim yar
khan
Edhi Centre (2)
Child protection and
welfare bureau Punjab
SWD (SCW)
Agencies
Police
Helpline
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
-
Contact details
Principles to be
followed by
agencies involved in
family tracing
Best interest
Page 39 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Punjab: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group Punjab, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Step 5 – follow
up, after-care
and case closer
-
ACTORS
family to verify their identity and assess any protection concerns
Long term placement, development and follow up arrangements
should be ensured and monitoring / family visits put in place
Family reunification takes place and handover form completed
and witnessed
After reunification PDMA database should be updated
In the case it has not been possible to locate the child’s family
and a durable solution with long term placement is required,
best interest of the child should be established through a Best
Interest Committee (including SWD and representative of
district CP working group) in consultation and with consent of
the child
-
Case Worker to follow up on the child plan (provision of social
services, care arrangement monitoring, after care monitoring,
child development and family support interventions, etc)
Once the child has crossed 18 years of age or the case has
reached some permanent solution / arrangement the case may
be closed
-
-
Social Groups / CPCs
Child and care takers /
parents / kin
NADRA
DOCUMENTATION
/ TOOLS
-
-
SWD (SCW)
Designated Case
Worker
CSOs, (1122)
Social service providers
Legal aid & police
Family / child
Community /CPCs
NADRA
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
TIME
FRAME
Determination form
Adult verification
form
Child verification
form
Family reunification
form
Follow up report
After care
monitoring report
Case closure report
Update the
database of PDMA
On
going
Page 40 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group KP, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
TIME FRAME
COORDINATED REPORTING AND MONITORING (Child Protection WG / Sub-Cluster)
Step 1 –
Campaigning
and messaging
-
-
-
Development of set of standard messages- addressing issue of
separated AND unaccompanied AND missing children in an
emergency. Messages depend on the audience. DCOs will have more
detailed messages- but standard messages for people who have been
displaced need to be short, simple and with easy to follow information/
directions.
To have these explained/ shared with all provincial and district
emergency coordinating bodies. This needs to have a regular peace
time refresher trainings so in an emergency people are clued in to
what the procedure is
Account for district specific issues and priorities through timely
consultation
Pre- identify the actors that will be key in disseminating crucial
information upon onset of an emergency
Regular mapping at district level to know CP actors in regular time
and emergencies.
Child Protection Sub Cluster and other actors to pass information to
displaced communities on the need to provide information on
-
-
CP Sub Cluster
members- NGOs,
INGOs,
Humanitarian
community
SWD
Actors in camps /
communities
Community
leaders
Religious leaders
PDMA
DCOs/ DDMAs
TMAs
Child Protection
Unit (Swat,
Buner,
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
-
Messages
Posters
Radio spots
(generic spots
already available
in Urdu and
Sindhi)Leaflets
Have standard
recorded
messages, tape
recorders and
loud speakers to
disseminate key
messages in all
local gather
points, mosques,
camps etc,
Most of this is
mitigation and
preparedness
and early
warning.
Emphasis on
mitigation
Used
extensively
during the
emergency
resource
mapping,
warning of
expected
epidemics
Page 41 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group KP, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
-
separated, unaccompanied and missing children.
UNICEF generic and specific radio messages to include specific
information on how to report cases to the Humanitarian helplines.
There are certain organizations that have these numbers - but districts
should ensure that district and provincial specific numbers are shared.
Need to compose generic messages that need to reach the
vulnerable population: Women, elderly, people with special needs,
children.
-
-
Step 2 –
Reporting on
separated and
unaccompanied
and missing
children
-
-
Understanding of the 3 different types- expressed in formats
Standardization of formats
Sharing and training on how to use formats with stakeholders
SWD & CP Sub Cluster to provide NGOs/Police/Social Welfare/Darul-Aman to be provided with Standard Reporting Form (SRF) Annex I
to be filled out at first identification to monitor separated children living
with extended families, and to facilitate tracing or family reunification
of unaccompanied children at a later stage.
First contact agency pre-identified as being responsible for recording
and to reporting on missing, unaccompanied and separated children (
eg: SWD or Child Protection Unit )
Establish appropriate monitoring mechanism
Strengthen and expand helpline services of CPUs to all districts.
Ensure that this information is disseminated to all other relevant
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
-
Peshawar,
Mardan, Swabi,
Mansehra,
Abbotabad,
Charsadda,
Kohat)
CBOs
Media,(messages
should be in
pictorial form
media should be
properly trained
to report it
responsibly
Police
Rescue 1122/
1121
GCC
CP Sub Cluster
SWD
Rescue 15
/Police
Camp
coordinators
PDMA
DDMA/ DCOs
TMA
ICRC
GCC
Community
involvement *
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
-
messages at
SMS messaging
in Urdu
Pre-identify safe
places and let
people know.
Reporting form
Under Five Form
TIME FRAME
Emphasis
should be on
strengthening
the community
at regular
intervals.
Development of
forms and
training should
be done ASAP
Actual recording
data should be
within 24 hours
of an emergency
and timing of
identification till
needed.
Page 42 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group KP, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Step 3 documentation
/ database
(information
management)
-
-
ACTORS
stakeholders
Community needs to be involved and the Secretary Union Council
should be the focal point.
-
Agencies to maintain list of children reported to Social Welfare Dept
and share with CP Sub-Cluster lead/s (UNICEF & SWD or PDMA) in
sub-cluster meeting
Ensure confidentiality at all levels.(agreement between the referee
and referral.
Need for non-disclosure agreement and understanding of the
implications
Social Welfare Department (through Child Protection Units Peshawar,
Charsadda, Abbotabad, Mardan, Swat, Buner, Swabi, Kohat) ) to
maintain database of all reported cases and update all related actions
Progress on identification and monitoring of separated children and
reunification of , missing and Unaccompanied children to be
discussed at sub-cluster meetings as standing agenda item and
shared with PDMA (CP Coordinator)
For unaccompanied children and children in need of interim care
facility should be immediately reported to SWD who arrange for their
temporary needs.
-
-
-
Step 4 advocacy
-
Regular advocacy with ALL stakeholder: PDMA, DDMAs, TMA,
national and local stakeholder, CPUs, UC secretary
Child Protection Sub Cluster and PDMA to document trends and flag
issues and gaps with the Protection Cluster and NDMA, in addition to
all other relevant clusters like CCCM, Shelter/ NFI, Food, Wash.
Advocacy should be on two levels
-
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
TIME FRAME
Museleha
committies
UC secretaries
acting as UC
focals.
CP Sub Cluster
Actors in camps /
communities
UNICEF
PDMA
CPU/ CPWC
CPWB
SWD- interim
care facilities.
GCC
CP Sub Cluster
lead
Cluster members
SWD
PDMA
DDMA, TMA,
Community
All other clusters-
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
- Registration of
missing, separated
and
unaccompanied
children
Ongoing
Page 43 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group KP, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
1.Policy
2.Services
-
TIME FRAME
this is cross
cutting.
GCC
Civil society
Case Management (Social Welfare Department)
Step 1 – child
identification
-
-
Agencies to report separated, unaccompanied and missing children to
police, CPU/SWD and sub-cluster lead/s and maintain copies of
reporting forms. While keeping confidentiality key.
Caregivers to report missing children to police- the role of the police
has been emphasized as being key because in many instances they
may be first responders. This will need comprehensive attention on
sensitizing the police forces to enable them to appropriately work with
children.
Report unaccompanied children to police and/or CPU, ICRC, CPWB
Report Separated children to CPUs
Community members may report separated, unaccompanied or
missing children to Rescue 15, , CPU- 1121/SWD and any other
agency working in that location, camp or community
Information on the identification and reporting of unaccompanied,
separated & missing children from all sources will be consolidated by
Social Welfare Department / CPU
Work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that missing,
unaccompanied and separated children are not wrongfully imprisoned
or getting illegal detention.
Can call 1122 – rescue services. Link with them to see if they are
providing any services.
-
Child protection
Bureau
Community
members
UNICEF
SWD
Police
Police Child
Protection Center
Lawyers
involvement
Religious
scholars and
leaders
Child Protection
Bureaus
Community : to
verify the ID of
children
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
-
Inter-agency and
interdepartmental
reporting
mechanism
Reporting
missing children
form
FIR
Enquirer Form
(Tracing
Request) for
Missing Children
Page 44 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group KP, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Step 2 –
verification and
registration for
family tracing
for
Unaccompanie
d and missing
child
-
-
Step 3 –
protection
assessment
and interim
care
-
-
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
TIME FRAME
Training/sensitization of Police on how to handle a unaccompanied,
separated and missing child.
Community should be sensitized, the community take care of the child
and report the child to the Police, SWD
Training/sensitization of religious leaders/Imam masjid as even now
the unaccompanied, missing children announcement is made from the
Masjid loud speaker.
CPUs in collaboration of other relevant stakeholders to assign Case
Worker (CW) to the child
CPUs and relevant stakeholders Case Worker to complete registration
on the child through interviews, cross-checking and completing the
information received by the reporter including details of
parents/guardians, address of parents and kin (CPU standard
registration form), specific needs of the child
Child meets definition of separation / UAM, is registered and tracing
begins for unaccompanied (otherwise the process ends),
Cross check list of separated children, unaccompanied with list of
missing children
CPU Database Officer to enter details of the child in a database and
regularly update actions taken; with due regard for protection of data /
confidentiality
Other than the community, check for others who can identify the child
Case Worker, with assistance of a CP officer, to assess the particular
needs and protection situation of the child, including an assessment of
the existing care arrangements for separated, missing and
accompanied children
CPU to provide support (where available within CPU) or make
referrals for psycho-social support, legal aid, medical care, education
etc
-
CPU database
Manager
SWD (SCW)
Agency (reporter
/ DCW
Police
-
-
SWD
Social service
providers
Police
(CPU) Lawyer
Home Mother
Inter-care
provider / family
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
-
Database for
missing,
separated and
unaccompanied
children (CPU)
Tracing Action
Form
Child registration
form (CPU)
FIR for missing
and
Unaccompanied
Protection
assessment form
(to develop)
Rapid protection
assessment
Inter-care
arrangement
form should existPage 45 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group KP, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
-
Step 4 – family
tracing and
reunification
-
-
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
Assessment to include recommendations for interim care arrangement
for unaccompanied children primarily and if need be for separated
children including, where immediate protection threat to the child is
identified, removing the child to an alternative interim facility (list of
facilities for KP in annex 2 to be reviewed regularly, including CPU
facilities, together with recommended length of stay)
CPU to actively seek family-based and community-based care
arrangements – as a preferred option - through CP Committees and
community mechanisms
Protection assessment to be updated regularly to include the long
term care arrangements and development needs
Case Worker should keep the child informed of proposed actions
affecting her/him and seek her/his consent to referrals
-
CPU Case Worker to register the child with PDMA Missing Persons
Registrar (accessible by SWD and police in all districts) and activate
SWD networks to assist in tracing the child’s family.
Use of media should be assessed carefully against potential media
should be given handouts and there should be standards protection
risks of identifying children- MUST keep confidentiality and DO NO
HARM principle in mind.
Once the family is traced, the Case Worker should visit the family to
verify their identity and assess any protection concerns
Long term placement, development and follow up arrangements
should be ensured and monitoring / family visits put in place
Family reunification takes place and handover form completed and
witnessed by community for follow-up. This will also be important in
encouraging community ownership .
In the case it has not been possible to locate the child’s family and a
durable solution with long term placement is required, best interest of
the child should be established through a Best Interest Committee
-
-
-
Muskan in Swat
Parwarish in
Swat
Care facility list to
be provided by
the cluster
partners
SWD (SCW)
Agencies
Police
Helpline
Social Groups /
CPCs
Child and care
takers / parents /
kin
Monitoring officer
CP Commission
Community role
for follow up,
verification
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
TIME FRAME
and these should
be shared.
-
-
-
Contact details
Principles to be
followed by
agencies
involved in family
tracing
Best interest
Determination
form
Adult verification
form
Child verification
form
Family
reunification form
Page 46 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Action Chart for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies
Child Protection Early Recovery Working Group KP, October 2011
STEP #
ACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
-
Step 5 – follow
up, after-care
and case
closure
-
DOCUMENTATI
ON / TOOLS
ACTORS
TIME FRAME
(including SWD and representative of district CP working group) in
consultation and with consent of the child
Development and follow up arrangements should be ensured and
monitoring / family visits put in place.
Case Worker to follow up on the child plan (provision of social
services, care arrangement monitoring, after care monitoring, child
development and family support interventions, etc)
Establish the standard number of periodic follow up care needed.
Once the child has crossed 18 years of age or the case has reached
some permanent solution / arrangement the case may be closed
There needs to be a body that monitors the procedures and
processes throughout the case management cycle , including post
case situation.
Need to have a code of conduct for case workers
An independent body to monitor this whole process(peer support
group from the community and it should be community based.
-
SWD (SCW)
Police
Designated Case
Worker
Social service
providers
Legal aid and
police
Family / child
Community
/CPCs
-
Follow up report
After care
monitoring report
Case closure
report
Multiple monitoring mechanism should be in place. ,
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 47 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Annex III: Analysis of the field visits
Submitted to: National Disaster Management Authority
Analysis of Field visits Report
Harun Rashid Chowdhury – Aftab Ahmed Awan
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 48 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Report on
Unaccompanied
Separated, and
Missing
Children
Identification,
Registration and
Data Management
Early response
Balochi-
Statistics: 2010
stan
No. of separated
children: 18
PDMA: No separate
database entry on
separated,
unaccompanied and
missing children.
Cluster system is
functional.
Stakeholders including
NGOs participate in
the meetings
Gender and Child
Cell (GCC) not
established at the
PDMA
During the emergency
2010 Home
Department requested
the army to assist in
the process of
evacuation and
emergency response.
Province
No of
Unaccompanied:
18
No of Missing :
13
Only reported
numbers lacks
other background
information and
details
Social Welfare
Department (SWD)
is maintaining IMS
and with support
from UNICEF.
Registration
includes only the
followings: child
trafficking, violence,
juvenile justice,
sexual exploitation.
Alternative cares
are recorded.
NGOs provide the
data to SWD. The
database updated
on monthly bases by
Tracing and
Reunification
Monitoring and
follow-up
Birth
Registration
procedure
Interim care
facilities
No any uniform
guidelines for
tracing.
No recognized
mechanism
exists for the
follow up and
monitoring of the
cases where
children were
reunified with
their parents.
Baluchistan has
the lowest Birth
Registration (BR)
ratio in the
country.
The number of
institutions for
interim care of
separated and
unaccompanied
children is very
limited
Co-ordination
The process of
coordination remained
very weak as the army
did not share much
information with other
partners and
stakeholders.
PDMA Baluchistan
now has the mandate
to call army for
support during
emergency and it is
hoped that this will
lead to better
coordination among
army, civil
administration and civil
NGO: s used the
informal means to
trace the families.
Sometimes District
Administration
involved in the
process of tracing.
Mostly tracing
done through
community links.
Reunification
tools include:
written statements
by parents, copy
of I.D card and
photographs.
Few NGOs
working on the
issue of child
trafficking and
reunite children
have their own
procedures for
reunification and
Lack of human
resources and
proper training
considered as
the reasons
behind.
Most of the
reunification
occurs in an
informal way
without any legal
and proper
involvement of
SWD.
Government
official in the
districts usually
doesn’t follow up
and monitor the
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Factors of low BR
includes:
1. complex
system
2.Fees charged
for BR
3. Location of UC
: UCs in
Baluchistan are
spread over in
very large areas
and people have
to cover long
distances to
reach the UC for
BR.
4. Often not
feasible for the
people living in
extreme poverty.
5. lack of literacy
The apparent
institutions for the
care of children
include: SOS
Villages, Dar-ulAman ( run by
SWD), Police
Centre for
protection of
children and some
orphanages being
operated by NGOs.
Statistics:
SOS village 1(Quetta.)
Dar-ul Aman 1(Quetta.)
PCPC – 1 (Quetta)
is being jointly
operated by police
Page 49 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
SWD.
The IMS is meant to
be used for
recording and
reporting regular
cases
Does not have any
provision for
recording cases
reported during
emergencies.
The IMS is not
online
No provisions for
uploading
information from
other places accept
the SWD office
Quetta.
society organization in
case of next
emergency.
Prevention of
separation of children
was not the part of the
evacuation strategy
during the last year
flood.
The contingency
planning in case of
next emergency is
already underway and
several consultative
meetings have already
been held
NGOs working on
child protection issues
mentioned - the
focus on child
protection is lacking in
the present planning
No strategies has
been developed for
prevention of
separation during
emergencies
keep record of
those cases.
Data Registration
is not
computerized.
Lack of availability
of consolidated
data in the
province.
Lack of proper
training in tracing
and reunification.
reunification.
and awareness
No formats
available to
record the
findings of the
follow up.
6.Lack of visible
and tangible
benefits of BR
Follow up tools
are: phone call
or asking
questions about
the children’s
wellbeing.
NGO:s have their
own SOPs as per
their requirements.
Organizations like
ICRC have the
resource and
capacity; for
tracing. More
active involvement
of ICRC will
facilitate the
tracing process
and the capacity
building of the
local
organizations.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
dep. and local
NGO SEHER.
Some NGO:s and
organizations
facilitated the
process of BR in
the districts
affected by floods
.During this
campaign a
substantial
numbers of
children were
registered.
Free BR and
mobile units for
BR would
facilitate the BR
process
Mobile units
reaching to the
people living in
far flung areas
certainly reassure
BR
Mass campaigns
for awareness of
BR considered as
an important step
to address the
low BR ratio.
There is only one
SOS in Baluchistan
which is situated in
Quetta.
The institution is
well equipped and
properly staffed.
SOS villages have
protocols and SoPs
and have the
services of
psychologist to
provide counseling
services to the
children.
SOS villages are
permanent care
institutions and do
not provide interim
or temporary
shelter for
unaccompanied or
separated children.
SOS admit children
who are orphans
and do not admit
children beyond the
age of twelve.
Page 50 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Province
Sindh
Report on
Unaccompanied
Separated, and
Missing
Children
Identification,
Registration and
Data Management
Early response
All reporting thru
the monthly
cluster meetings.
No Gender and
Child Cell(GCC) at
PDMA
Statistics:
The issue of
separated and
unaccompanied
children has not
received proper
attention in PDMA
strategies so far.
Very weak and fragile
coordination observed
among the agencies
during the early
response 2010
separated, 4
unaccompanied
99
missing children
82
(Nation CP subcluster )
Reporting only
the numbers. No
detailed
information on
the
unaccompanied,
separated
children reported.
In the beginning
of the early
response, there
was no proper
system of
reporting in
place.
NGOs using
PDMA Sindh is
maintaining a
Database of people
who were missing
during the floods.
The database is not
exclusively for
children.
The database is
online and uploading
of information is
possible from 23
districts.
The database does
not have provisions
for recording cases
of separated and
Tracing and
Reunification
Monitoring and
follow-up
Birth
Registration
procedure
Interim care
facilities
Tracing and
reunification of the
separated and
unaccompanied
children is informal
and did not follow
any uniform
guidelines.
No established
mechanism for
follow up and
monitoring of the
cases where
children were
reunified with
their parents.
In Sindh the BR
ratio is low and is
reported to be
around 21%.
NGO use the
informal means to
trace the families.
Lack of
resources and
capacity is the
main reason for
poor follow up
and monitoring
of the cases.
1) complex
system of BR
There are number
of institutions for
interim care of
separated and
unaccompanied
children. These
include: Darul Atfal,
Darul Binat, Darul
Aman, Edhi
Centers and SOS
villages as well
centers for Children
with disability.
Co-ordination
Establishment of
clusters the
coordination among
the stakeholders has
improved
considerably.
There was no policy
for planned evacuation
and prevention of
separation of family
was not part of the
planning process
during the floods
2010.
PDMA have not
developed any action
plan to prevent the
separation of the
children in
emergencies.
Sometimes, the
district
administration
also involved in
the tracing
process
Mostly tracing
conduct through
community links.
There are no
formal guidelines
available for
NGOs and other
stakeholders for
reunification
NGOs follow their
own procedures
for the
No standard
formats existing
to record the
findings of the
follow up.
Mostly follow up
in over the
phone and is
limited to asking
few questions
from the children
about his or her
wellbeing.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Different factors
of low BR which
includes:
2. Lack of
uniformity
Darul Atfal, Darul
Banat and Darul
Aman are present
at all divisional
headquarters.
3) No uniformity
in fees charged
by UCs for BR
4) No visible
benefits of BR
There is only one
SOS village in
Sindh which is in
Karachi.
5) BR is not
required for
availing services
like health
facilities and
education.
6) Even police
did not require
Birth certificate
(BR) for reporting
missing children.
According to the
representatives of
SWD and PCCWD
the capacity and
resources of
Name of Institutions
SOS Village 1
Page 51 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
their own
organizational
formats for
reporting
No standard
reporting system
Usually, in case
of separated and
unaccompanied
children people
contact NGOs
working with child
protection issues.
Separated and
unaccompanied
children can only
be reported at
cluster level.
But in the case of
missing children
people usually
report first to
police station
Citizen Police
Liaison
Committee
(CPLC) and
NGOs Roshini
and Madadgar
also operate help
line where
reports about
missing children
can be made.
unaccompanied
children but can
easily be upgraded
to include those as
well.
The data base has
the provisions for
reporting missing
children.
The district staff of
PDMA has also
been trained on the
use of the database.
PDMA Sindh has
the services of IT
department with
skills and resources
to up gradate the
database and
include the
registration of
separated and
unaccompanied
children.
SWD in
collaboration with
UNICEF is
maintaining an IMS.
IMS database
includes: the cases
of child trafficking,
violence against
children, juvenile
justice, sexual
exploitation of
reunification which
includes
1) written
statements by
parents,
Darul Atfal (for boys)1
Darul Banat (for girls) 1
Darul Aman 1
Edhi Centre (Apna ghar)
1
2)Copy of I.D card
3) Photo
Major problem in
Karachi , at
present the
1) street children
2) missing children
Survey,
conducted by
ROSHNI (NGO
working for
missing children)
reported that there
are 3029 missing
in Karachi only in
2010.
Street children :
The number of
street Children in
Karachi is
estimated
between 17000 to
18000 according
to the survey
conducted by
Awaz Foundation
in 2004.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Darul Atfal and
Darul Banat is very
limited
They can house not
more than 25 – 30
children and the
facilities available
are inadequate.
They do not have
any special
facilities for children
with disability.
In case of children
requiring
permanent or
interim care, the
most popular
choice is Edhi
Centers.
NGOs and public
sector refers the
children to Edhi
center.
EDHI centers have
their own
guidelines and
Page 52 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
The help lines of
CPLC and
Madadgar are not
exclusively for
separated and
unaccompanied
children.
children and
alternative care are
recorded.
The mechanism for
collecting
information regularly
from NGOs and
updating the IMS
data base are very
weak.
The IMS is not
online and does not
have the provisions
for uploading
information from
other places except
the SWD office
Karachi.
CPLC maintaining a
comprehensive
database for
reporting missing
people and children
online but not for
separated and
unaccompanied
children.
Some NGOs have
good mechanisms
for tracing and
reunification of
parents with
missing children.
systems in place.
However, the
services like
psychosocial
support and
counseling are
limited.
CPLC also has
vast experience of
tracing and
reunification.
CPLC have
resources and
trained personnel
for reunification of
children with their
parents. All the
services provided
by CPLC are free
of charge and
NGOs are
requested to make
use of these
facilities.
The database of
CPLC is constantly
used by police and
other agencies.
Some NGOs are
also maintaining
databases of
missing children in
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 53 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Karachi.
NGOs Database
provide detailed
background
information about
the cases and case
closure.
Province
KPK
Report on
Unaccompanied
Separated, and
Missing
Children
Identification,
Registration and
Data Management
Early response
Data reported
thru the Cluster.
Data updates
after reporting in
the cluster
meetings.
NGOs are using
their own formats
no standard
Statistics
The Commission for
Child Welfare and
Development
(CCWD) is on the
process to develop
the following forms:
Most of the districts
affected by floods
2010 in KPK faced
earlier problem of
IDPs due to the
emergencies. The
clusters were already
in place and general
coordination among
different stakeholders
during the response
was quite satisfactory.
Data registered
at
NDMA(National
sub cluster)
Number of
separated 479
Registration form
available.
1. Registration form
2. Assessment form
unaccompanied
11
3. Referral form
missing 91
4. Follow up and
Case closure forms
Another database
being maintained
by an NGO
CCWD aims to
share the formats
with NGOs so that
Tracing and
Reunification
Monitoring and
follow-up
Birth
Registration
procedure
Interim care
facilities
Tracing and
reunification was
done in informal
way and did not
follow any uniform
guidelines.
No mechanism
for the follow up
and monitoring
of the cases
where children
were reunified
with their
parents. NGOs
working in field
quote lack of
human
resources and
capacity.
BR is low in KPK
KPK has many
institutions for
providing interim
and permanent
care facilities.
These include:
Welfare Homes for
Destitute Children,
Darul Aman, Edhi
Center, PCPC and
some institutions
being operated by
NGOs as well
centers for Children
with disability
Co-ordination
It was possible to
include the prevention
of separation in the
early response and
evacuation strategies.
Most of the
stakeholders
expressed their
satisfaction over
coordination during
NGO used the
informal means to
trace the families.
Sometimes, the
district
administration was
also involved in
the process of
tracing but mostly
tracing was done
through
community links.
In most of the
cases the
whereabouts of
the parents were
PCPC, have
good follow up
mechanism and
constantly follow
up with parents
after
reunification.
The
Commission for
Child Welfare
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Different factors
of low BR
1)complex
system of BR,
2) lack of
uniformity as in
different union
councils,
3) Different fee is
charged.
4) There are no
visible benefits of
BR as BR is not
required for
availing services
like health
facilities and
education.
The capacity and
resources of
government
institutions are very
limited. These
institutions are
facing problems of
staffing and trained
Page 54 of 65
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
CERD.
According to that
database the
number of
separated 268
and
unaccompanied
157children
reported
Detailed
information
remains with the
partners. Not
consolidated.
Only the figures
mentioned in the
cluster meeting.
According to
UNICEF
representatives
the cases were
only being
reported by
UNICEF
implementing
partners IPs.
Some cases
were also
reported at the
Rahbar help Line
maintained by
CCWD.
NGOs can collect
the information on
uniform formats for
reporting for the
database being
managed by
Commission for
Child Welfare and
Development.
NGOs, CERD have
their own formats for
registration of the
children. CERD is
also maintaining a
database for
separated and
unaccompanied
children but that
database is in Excel
file and not online.
IMO manages by
the cluster.
the emergency.
known, therefore
the tracing and
reunification was
easier.
ICRC is also quite
active in KPK,
because KPK is a
conflict zone,
therefore in many
instances the
cases were
referred to ICRC
which did the
tracing and
reunification.
Some local NGOs
have good
mechanisms in
place for tracing
and reunification
through
community
referrals.
and
Development
now has child
protection units
in 10 districts
through its own
resources and
through
partnerships.
Protection units
have the
capacity to
follow up and
monitor the
cases after
tracing and
reunification.
PDMA KPK at the
moment is not
maintaining any
database for
separated,
unaccompanied
children.
human resource.
They do not have
any SoPs for
normal operations
and protocols for
children with
disability as well.
The institutions like
SUCH, Dost
Foundation and
Akhpal Kaur have
facilities of
psychosocial
support and other
SoPs.
PCPC is being
operated by police
department and
has been
supported by Save
the Children.
The Centre is
basically meant to
provide shelter to
children in conflict
with law and who
are facing different
types of charges.
The Centre is
properly equipped
with laid down
procedures and
guidelines. A
psychologist
provides
The problem was
not very huge as
most of the
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
separated
children were
living with their
extended
families.
Province
Punjab
counseling. The
Centre is also
provides tracing
and reunification
services and also
ensures follow up
and monitoring.
Report on
Unaccompanied
Separated, and
Missing
Children
Identification,
Registration and
Data Management
Early response
The cases
identified by
NGOs in
emergency
response
reported the
cases in the
cluster meetings.
The database of
separated,
unaccompanied and
missing children is
being maintained at
cluster level. But this
database lacks
background
information.
The cluster
system started
working in
August. So there
is a possibility
that some cases
during the early
phases of
emergency might
not have reported
in cluster and
therefore not
recorded.
The background
information of
reported cases
There were some
confusion of
understanding the
definitions of
separated and
unaccompanied
children and there
was over reporting.
There is no uniform
system for
identification and
data registration.
In the beginning
UNICEF shared
Tracing and
Reunification
Monitoring and
follow-up
Birth
Registration
Procedure
Interim care
facilities
In the beginning of the
early responses, the
process was led by
the Army.
All the children
were reunified
with their
parents.
BR ratio is the
highest in the
country and is
almost above
70%.
During August the
cluster system was
activated and process
of coordination among
the stakeholders
improved
considerably.
The process of
tracing and
reunification of the
children identified
as separated and
unaccompanied,
was mostly
informal and did
not follow any
uniform
guidelines.
There are no
uniform
mechanisms for
the follow up
and monitoring
of the cases.
Due to lack of
human
resources the
follow up and
monitoring of the
cases are not
being done
systematically
by Social
Welfare
Department
(SWD).
Punjab has an
extensive network
of institutions for
providing interim
and permanent
care facilities.
Co-ordination
All the stakeholders
participated in the
cluster meetings and
shared information
during the
emergencies.
PDMA has already
developed emergency
preparedness plan
and child protection
issues is included in
the preparedness
NGO used the
informal means to
trace the families.
Sometimes, the
district
administration was
also involved in
the process of
tracing but mostly
But the Child
Protection and
Welfare Bureau
(CPWB) has
developed
reasonably good
follow up
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Different
organizations
have been
advocating for
free BR in
districts affected
by floods but it
has not yet been
finalized.
Stakeholders
also informed
that main role in
BR is of Union
Council (UC)
secretaries and
not of NADRA.
For BR needs to
work with local
government for
(see the annex )
Apart from Child
Protection and
Welfare Bureau
Centers, the
capacity of the
government
institutions is very
limited.
Child Protection
and Welfare
Bureau’s Centre is
being operated by
Bureau itself. The
Centre provides
comprehensive
services to
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
not available.
Statistics:
some formats but
the formats were not
properly utilized.
Separated
children:
Unaccompanied
children:
Missing :
Total reported
cases were 47
after the floods of
2010.
There were no
reports of missing
children at the
cluster level and
no data is
available.
Cases can also
be reported at
Rescue 1122
(helpline) and
With police at 15.
And also with the
civil defense.
Child Protection
Bureau (CPB)
also has a help
line 1121 for
reporting of
cases of child
protection and
child rights
Child Protection
units of SWD in
three districts also
maintaining mini databases. But data
is not consolidated
and is not available
online.
UNICEF supported
the SWD
departments in
development and
maintenance of MIS
in all the provinces.
PDMA is in the
process of
developing a
database for
reporting of
separated,
unaccompanied and
missing children.
This database will
be online. And it will
be possible to
upload information
from the districts.
This database is
being developed as
a result of earlier
coordination
between Gender
plan.
PDMA is working in
close coordination with
Child Protection
Bureau (CPB) for
inclusion of child
protection and for
prevention of
separation in case of
emergency.
It has been decided
that Child Protection
Bureau which has
expertise in tracing of
families and
reunification will be
responsible for tracing
of families of
separated and
unaccompanied
children with their
families.
All the systems have
been developed and
have been sent to the
Chief Minister for
approval. The senior
advisor to CM chairs
the meeting of the
provincial committee.
tracing was done
through
community links.
In Punjab Child
Protection Bureau
has been
established
through Punjab
Destitute and
Neglected
Children Act 2002.
The Bureau works
extensively with
destitute children
and specially
children on the
streets.
mechanism after
reunification.
The Child
Protection and
Welfare Bureau
(CPWB) has its
units in 6 places
have the
capacity to
follow up and
monitor the
cases after
reunification.
Child Protection
Bureau (CPB) has
unified more than
17000 children
since
free of cost.
destitute and
neglected children.
The factors for
low Birth
Registration are
the same like
other provinces
which includes
The Centre is
equipped with
admirable
infrastructure and
laid down
procedures and
guidelines.
1. BR fee
2. Lack of
awareness
among masses
and not
understanding
the importance of
BR.
A psychologist
provides
counseling to the
children.
The Centre is also
provides tracing
and reunification
services and also
ensures follow up
and monitoring.
2004 with their
families before the
floods. (street
children , runaway
children)
The Bureau has
strong expertise,
resources and
systems in place
for tracing and
reunification.
PDMA
recommended that
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
violation issues.
The IMO at the
cluster manages
and updates the
data according to
the reporting in
the cluster
meetings.
Province
JAK
and Child Cell
NDMA and PDMA
Punjab.
in case of future
emergencies,
Bureau will take
the lead in tracing
and reunification.
Report on
Unaccompanied
Separated, and
Missing
Children
Identification,
Registration and
Data Management
Early response
The extent of
floods in AJK was
limited.
The cases were
reported by Child
Protection Forums,
which are
community forums
established at Union
Council levels, and
have been
established by Child
Protection Units in
three districts:
Muzafarabad,
Neelam and Bagh.
Identification Form for
the Unaccompanied
and Separated
children at the point of
Origin during
emergencies
collecting data:
Three districts
were affected by
floods, yet
Neelam was the
only district
significantly
affected by
floods.
Statistics:
After the floods
only 9 cases of
separated
children were
reported.
No cases of
missing or
unaccompanied
Orientation sessions
were conducted for
forum members
about the definitions
of separated and
unaccompanied
children.
After the sessions,
the forum members
Tracing and
Reunification
Monitoring and
follow-up
Birth
Registration
procedure
Interim care
facilities
All the 9 separated
children were later
on reunified.
Though SoPs
are available in
CPUs for
monitoring and
follow up, in
actual practice
there is no
follow up and
monitoring of the
cases where
children were
reunified with
their parents.
According to the
AJK Child
Protection Policy
2009 document,
overall BR in the
state is below
25% and varies
in between 21%
to 28%.
The identified
children were living
with their extended
family members
and did not require
interim care of
shelters.
Co-ordination
Date and place
Name of
accompanied person
Status of
accompanied person
Holding Name Tags,
arm bands
Name of the child(ren)
Status of the
child(ren): Separated,
Unaccompanied,
Orphaned
Sex: male, female
Father’s name
Mother’s name
The process of
tracing and
reunification of the
children identified
as separated was
formal and carried
out by CPUs in
collaboration with
CP forums at the
union council
level.
After the tracing
of parents children
were reunified with
their parents
informally as they
were not living in
any interim care
shelters or homes
The CP forums
hold regular
monthly
meetings at
union council
level. These
meetings
perhaps can be
used for
monitoring and
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Lack of
awareness and
government
interest so were
cited as the main
reasons for the
low BR.
Kashmir has a
very unique
topography and
access to union
council offices is
The number of
institutions for
interim care of
separated and
unaccompanied
children is very
limited in AJK.
Only one institution
providing interim
shelter to
separated and
unaccompanied
children.
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
children were
reported.
After the
earthquake of
2005, extensive
work has been
done in AJK
regarding Child
Protection.
Issues in
emergency
There were
reports of very
high number
missing children,
but no
authenticated
data is available
to determine the
exact extent of
problem.
Child Protection
Units were
established in
three districts,
Muzafarabad,
Bagh and
Neelam, with the
cooperation of
UNICEF and
SWD.
Since 2006, the
units have
working on
emergency Child
Protection issues
identified these
children. All the
information about
these children was
recorded on uniform
formats which are
being used by
CPUs.
The data is collected
at district level and
sent to the Child
Protection
Directorate in
Muzafarabad on
monthly basis.
The data is
consolidated at the
directorate and kept
in soft and hard
form.
However the
database is neither
being maintained on
any software nor it is
online. At the
moment, the
database is being
maintained on
Excel.file
The CP MIS
facilitated by
UNICEF is not being
utilized at all as
there are some
issues about the
ownership and
Any other known
relative
Address:
Name of the village
Name of the District
Name of the Province
Police Station
ID Method:
NIC number
Birth certificate
Date of Birth
Any other documents
Identification done by:
Other relevant
information
and were living
with their family
members.
CPUs have the
capacity for
tracing and
reunification, but
at the moment,
CPUs are working
in only three
districts of the
state and have
limited coverage
capacity.
follow up of the
cases.
Since all the
tracing and
reunification was
done by CPUs,
therefore no
NGOs was
involved and do
not have the
capacity and
skills for the
purpose.
Referred to
registration with the
relevant authority
Signature of the
authority/organization
SDMA issues SoPs for
different departments
during the emergency
and the departments
carry on their work
accordingly.
However child
protection is not one of
the priories of SDMA
during the responses.
In the early phases
army leads the
process of evacuation
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
very low.
However the
government of
AJK has
launched a
campaign in 2010
for improving BR.
Some steps are
being taken to
facilitate the
process of BR.
These proposed
steps include:
1)simplification of
formats,
2)exemption of
BR fee which
was earlier 100
PKR,
3) Launching of
specials
campaign and
teams visit the
mosques after
the Friday
prayers,
4) BR is being
made compulsory
for admission in
school and
involvement of
health sector by
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
and established
networks at
community level.
maintenance of the
MIS.
and in that phase also
child protection is not
given priority.
linking polio
vaccination to
BR.
The units are
completely
staffed and
equipped.
At the moment SDMA,
like other PDMAs has
no gender and child
cell.
From 2009-10
onwards the units
were also
involved in
developmental
activities.
Because of the
work done by
units at the
community level,
the communities
were better
prepared to
respond the
emergency.
During the meeting
SDMA requested
UNICEF to support it
by providing Child
Protection specialist to
assist SDMA in
incorporating child
protection in its
policies.
5) Capacity
building of
secretaries of
union councils
has also started
and they are
being given
training for BR.
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
Page 60 of 65
Annex IV: List of Institutions for Providing Interim Care in Pakistan
Balochistan
Sr.
Name of Institutions
Number
Locations
01
SOS Village
1
Quetta
02
Darul Aman
1
Quetta
03
PCPC
1
Quetta
Name of Institutions
Number
Locations
01
SOS Village
1
Karachi
02
Darul Atfal (for boys)
2
Karachi - Hyderabad
03
Darul Banat (for girls)
2
Karachi - Hyderabad
04
Darul Aman
4
All Divisional headquarters
05
Edhi Centre (Apna ghar)
7
Karachi
Name of Institutions
Number
Locations
Welfare Homes for Destitute Children
5
Peshawar, Kohat, Abbotabad, Banu
No
Sindh
Sr.
No
Khyber Pakhtunkwa
Sr.
No
01
(SWD)
an D.I. Khan
02
Darul Aman
4
Swat, Mardan, Abbotabad, D.I. Khan
03
Darul Kafalah (For beggars)
1
Peshawar
Child Protection Bureau Interim Shelter
5
Peshawar, Sawabi, Mardan, Swat,
(Only for boys(
Buner
Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
05
PCPC (Save the Children and Police)
1
Peshawar
06
Akhpal Kaur (Orphanage)
1
Mangora Malakand
07
Such
1
Peshawar
08
Rehablitation Centre (Dost Foundation)
1
Peshawar
Name of Institutions
Number
Locations
Nigheban (Transit Shelter homes for lost
8
8 districts
Punjab
Sr.
No
01
and kidnapped children
02
Gehwara (abandoned baby homes)
3
Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi
03
Children homes (Age limit 7-18)
3
Lahore, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi
04
Kashana (for girls above age of 6)
3
Sargodha, Lahore, Rawalpindi
05
Chaman (Children with mental disability)
1
Lahore
06
Nasheman
1
Lahore
(Children
with
physical
disability)
07
Child Protection Units
7
08
Child Protection and Welfare Bureau
6
Lahore, Multan
09
Edhi Centres
2
Lahore Multan
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
AJK
Sr.
Name of Institutions
Number
Locations
Social Welfare Complex (Interim care for
1
Muzafarabad
1
Muzafarabad
7
Muzafarabad,
No
01
Separated and unaccompanied children
02
Sweet Homes (only for orphan children
below the age of six)
03
Kshana (permanent home for girls)
Bagh,
Rawlakot,
Sidhnoti, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimbhur
04
Neelam Special Education Centre (for
1
Muzafarabad
children with disabilities)
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
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Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children in Emergencies: Guidelines and Framework of Action
Annex IV: FAMILY TRACING AND REUNIFICATION FLOW CHART
Separated and Unaccompanied Child at the point of origin
Unaccompanied
Identification
Separated
Identification
NDMA
SWD
Registration
NADRA
Registration/Documentation
Central Data
Placement with
PDMA
extended family
R
E
F
E
R
R
A
L
S
Y
S
T
E
M
Documentation
Monitoring /followup
Interim Care
Special needs
If relatives /parents
Tracing by SWD
Monitoring
follow-up
not found
Long term solution
If relatives /parents
found
Community Based
Verification
Monitoring
follow-up
Family Reunification
Integrated with family & close monitoring
Gender and Child Cell: National Disaster Management Authority
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