Child Protection
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© UNICEF Iran |
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Child Protection activities in Bam include family reunification and psychosocial support. |
FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Immediately following the earthquake, 3,000 children were identified as having lost one or both parents. UNICEF provides protection to these vulnerable children and their foster families. UNICEF-trained social workers in 13 zonal sub-offices continue to identify children and families requiring support, using a central database to monitor progress and make referrals for appropriate services. Support kits for children and families have been assembled and distributed.
CHILD-FRIENDLY SPACES
Community-based, child-centred services are a strong way to rebuild a sense of safety for children and support their right to access environments adapted to their needs. Thirty-six Early Child Care centres for children under age six and 10 Recreational centres for older ages are active in Bam and adjacent areas. The Early Child Care centres offer books, toys, games and early educational materials as well as playground equipment. The Recreational centres aim to provide a safe place for older children and adolescents and offer access to computers, digital cameras, television, as well as indoor and outdoor games and activities such as drawing and painting.
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
UNICEF helped children and their families cope with the psychological trauma of disaster and loss by visiting families in tents and providing initial psychosocial support. This was followed up by group counselling and the training of teachers, psychiatrists and psychologists. A school-based counselling program now reaches one-third of Bam’s schools.
Protecting the Vulnerable in Bam
