In 2002, the Children's Institute was commissioned by Save the Children UK to develop systems and tools to facilitate the identification, monitoring and support of vulnerable children.
The research involved interviews and activities with children, caregivers, service providers and programme planners. The research findings highlight many instances of missed opportunities for the identification and support of vulnerable children by service providers, many of whom come into contact with children and their caregivers without using this opportunity to identify or support especially vulnerable children.
Using the gaps identified, as well as the concepts that underpin successful initiatives, the researchers developed a conceptual framework for understanding the roles that different agencies and individuals can play in the process of identifying, monitoring and supporting children. The framework is accompanied by guidelines for facilitating inter-sectoral collaboration, as well as a series of practical fact sheets designed to assist individuals and agencies to develop their own tools to identify, monitor and support children who may be vulnerable.
This project was commissioned by Save the Children Fund UK, which received funding from the Ford Foundation for this purpose.
Further reading
Conceptual framework for the identification, support and monitoring of orphans and other vulnerable children
Wilson T, Giese S, Meintjes H, Croke R & Chamberlain R 2003
Children's Institute & Save the Children UK.