Strengthening Child Protection Practices in Healthcare Institutions in Lebanon

Abstract

The purpose of this briefing note is to shed light on the problem of child violence, neglect, exploitation and abuse in Lebanon, taking into account special consideration for children with special needs that are subject to or at risk of violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation, and the related health facilities’ child protection arrangements. In two local published studies 30%, 65%, 54%, and 15% of surveyed Lebanese children reported at least one incident of witnessing violence, psychological abuse, physical abuse, or sexual abuse respectively. Concomitantly, child violence, neglect, exploitation and abuse is associated with adverse health outcomes such as higher incidence of mental health disorders, eating disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, and increased mortality. Child violence, neglect, exploitation and abuse is also associated with substantial economic burden at both the individual and system levels. The limited availability of preventive interventions for child violence, neglect, exploitation and abuse, inadequate early identification and reporting of violence, neglect, exploitation and abuse in healthcare facilities and lack of coordination between sectors in the management of child violence, neglect, exploitation and abuse cases, compromise child protection practices in healthcare facilities in Lebanon. Recommendations include: - Strengthen child protection practices in healthcare organizations through related/gender-specific policies, procedures, standards, and resources. - Develop and implement tools and strategies in healthcare organizations for child violence and abuse early identification and management. - Enhance the knowledge and education of providers to recognize, refer or manage child violence and abuse. - Promote social behavioral change in relation to child protection.