ICTs as catalysts in child protection programmes: current landscape in South Asia & a concept to inform future use

Abstract

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) are increasingly, and increasingly effectively, being used in development and humanitarian work. Whereas health and education lead this use, application to child protection remains sparse and ill-understood. This paper helps address these two gaps. On the one hand, it enhances understanding of the use of ICT in child protection, by presenting the global and south Asia-specific landscapes, focusing on notable initiatives, partnerships and tools; on the other, it hopes to guide future use by putting forth a concept for an ICT-strengthened, child-centred system for case identification and management. The concept can be implemented using existing solutions of proven utility and efficacy. Therefore, we show that ICTs have a very high potential for use in child protection and can build on an increasingly solid evidence base and important successes.