ACT Foundation – Child Rights Policy & Advocacy Program (“Every Child Protected by Policy”)

Program Purpose:
To advocate with government, parliament and the United Nations for effective laws, policies, funding and implementation mechanisms that protect orphaned, trafficked, street-connected and homeless children under 18 and ensure their access to safety, education, healthcare, housing and justice.

Key Advocacy Areas

  1. Strengthening child-protection and anti-trafficking laws
  2. Policies addressing street-connected and homeless children
  3. Access to education, healthcare, nutrition and safe housing
  4. Adequate government funding for child-protection programs
  5. Stronger enforcement of existing child-protection laws
  6. Prevention of child trafficking, exploitation, abuse and forced labour
  7. Family support, alternative care and safe reintegration
  8. Improved national systems for identifying and protecting vulnerable children
  9. Alignment of national policies with international child-rights standards

 

Advocacy Process

  1. Identify Policy Gaps
    Conduct research, community consultations and case reviews to identify gaps in laws, policies, funding and implementation affecting vulnerable children.
  2. Develop Evidence & Policy Recommendations
    Collect reliable data and testimonies, where appropriate and ethically obtained, and develop concise policy briefs, position papers and recommendations.
  3. Engage Government
    Meet with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to present evidence and advocate for policy development, funding, coordination and effective implementation.
  4. Engage Parliament
    Brief parliamentarians and relevant committees, participate in consultations and public hearings where available, and advocate for legislative and budgetary reforms.
  5. Engage the UN System
    Submit evidence and recommendations through appropriate UN mechanisms, consultations and reporting processes, and engage relevant UN agencies and human-rights mechanisms.
  6. Build Coalitions
    Work with child-rights organizations, professional associations, civil society, survivors’ organizations and international partners to build coordinated advocacy campaigns.
  7. Public Awareness & Campaigns
    Use responsible media, publications, conferences and public forums to increase awareness while protecting children’s identities, dignity and privacy.
  8. Monitor Implementation
    Track government commitments, legislation, budgets and policy implementation and publish periodic Child Protection Policy Scorecards/Reports.
  9. Accountability & Follow-up
    Engage policymakers regularly, document progress and identify areas requiring further legislative, policy or administrative action.

Expected Outcomes

  1. Stronger child-protection laws and policies
  2. Increased government funding for vulnerable children
  3. Improved implementation and enforcement of existing laws
  4. Greater government accountability
  5. Stronger national and international collaboration against child trafficking and exploitation
  6. Improved protection and access to essential services for vulnerable children

ACT Foundation’s advocacy commitment: From policy to protection—ensuring that every vulnerable child is recognized, protected and given the opportunity to thrive.