State level consultative meet

A special state level consultative meet of integrated child protection scheme (ICPS) functionaries was conducted by state child protection society (SCPS) Nagaland on Wednesday. ICPS functionaries from various districts of the state attended the consultative meet.
Addressing the gathering, chairman of SCPS-N and secretary of Social Welfare, Norman Putsure, called upon ICPS officials to identify and network with existing NGOs that work in the same area.
He also underlined the need to create awareness and build capacity for those involved so as to fulfill the mission of the scheme.
Maintaining that challenges would be huge ahead, Norman encouraged the officials to be committed and well-equipped to take up the challenges.
Child protection specialist, UNICEF India, Anirudha Kulkarni, said that there was an urgent need for the state of Nagaland to make realistic plans and need assessments beginning at the district level.
The result of the assessment, he said, would help the state to make solid pragmatic programmes for child care to further push requirements needed in the state to the mainland for sponsorship and attention.
Kulkarni also said capacity building and training for all staff was needed from the district right up to the state level.
He added that special attention should be given to staff working in observation homes, maintaining that there was tendency of having false notions against children. Kulkarni also underlined the need for ICPS functionaries to inculcate strong partnership with civil societies.
District officers from Tuensang and Wokha shared their experiences working in the field. In the technical session, the gathering discussed on various topics relating to ICPS such as district need assessment and development of district and state child protection plans, ICPS activities at district level.