At Cornerstone Economic Research, we’ve been grappling with a fundamental question: what exactly constitutes a child protection system ?
In a new research paper by Conrad Barberton, we introduce a proposed Child Protection System Framework designed to provide a clear benchmark and strengthen systems thinking across the sector. The framework draws inspiration from the World Health Organization’s Health Systems Framework (2007) and builds on key global work by UNICEF, as well as the interagency Framework for Action (2024), alongside our practical experience supporting child protection system strengthening across a range of countries.
We offer this framework as a contribution to ongoing efforts to advance a coherent systems approach to child protection. Just as the WHO Health Systems Framework has shaped how health systems are analysed and strengthened globally, we believe a shared Child Protection System Framework could play a similar transformative role in the child protection space.
We warmly invite engagement and dialogue on the proposed framework – particularly from government partners, colleagues at UNICEF, Save the Children, World Vision, Plan International and other organisations, civil society actors, and researchers working to strengthen child protection systems worldwide.