Provides a theoretical foundation for child protection to identify effective systems that could mitigate the effects of child labor, child prostitution, armed conflict, and physical and mental disabilities. Children are at risk in developing South and Central Asia where up to half the population is under the age of 25; here, protecting children can combat poverty. Among the topics addressed in this background paper are: demographic trends; child and reproductive health; early childhood health interventions; adolescent health issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse, and unwanted pregnancies; education; vocational training; the effects of social and economic transformations on traditional child protection systems; and protection systems that view children as resilient not as victims. Discussed also are the advantages and disadvantages of an approach that focuses on: (1) delivering services to children, (2) training caregivers and educating parents, (3) promoting community development and assisting women in achieving objectives, (4) strengthening institutional resources and capacities, (5) strengthening public awareness, and (6) strengthening education and reducing harmful child labor. Successful child protection systems rely on the involvement of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and volunteer caregivers and possibly necessitate a modified centralized administrative system to focus on children’s education and welfare.
