Module 4.7

4.7 Coordination with Child Protection Authorities and Services

Police officers are not expected to meet every need of a child alone. Children may require shelter, counselling, medical care, legal aid, family assessment, social protection or rehabilitation. These services are provided through a wider child protection network.

Children at risk or in need of protection fall primarily under the mandate of the Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) and its Child Protection Units. However, recognising capacity constraints and the diverse needs of children, police will often need to coordinate with other relevant agencies such as the Social Welfare Department, Probation, Health Services, Education authorities and partner organisations.

Effective coordination ensures that children receive timely care and protection, while police continue to focus on their core responsibilities of safety, law enforcement and investigation.

Core Standards for Police Coordination

• Police are an integral part of the child protection system. Officers should recognise when a child requires support beyond police capacity and link the child to the appropriate authority or service.
• Police should cooperate fully with child protection agencies, sharing only the information necessary to protect the child and support lawful processes  while continuing to respect confidentiality and legal restrictions on disclosure.
• Police stations should also ensure that up-to-date contact details of all relevant child protection actors,  including Child Protection Officers, Probation Officers, Social Welfare Officers, health services, lawyers and partner organisations,  are readily available at the station, so that timely referral and coordination can take place whenever a child is at risk.

Guiding Principle

Child protection works best when police and protection services act together each fulfilling their role, with the child’s safety and dignity at the centre.