Child Protection Program

Keeping Children Safe. Healing Trauma. Building Protective Communities.

Children in conflict affected and underserved communities in Cameroon face daily risks violence, separation from family, exploitation, psychological trauma, and denial of basic rights. Armed conflict, displacement, poverty, and weakened social systems leave many children unprotected and vulnerable.

The Centre for Youth and Sustainable Development (CYSD) works to ensure that children are protected from harm, supported to heal, and empowered to thrive. Our Child Protection Program combines direct support for at-risk children, psychosocial care, prevention of abuse, and community-led protection systems that create lasting safety beyond humanitarian response.

Activities 

1. Case Management & Direct Child Protection Response

We provide immediate, child-centered support to children who have experienced or are at risk of abuse, neglect, violence, or separation due to conflict and displacement in the northwest and southwest region of Cameroon..

  • Identification of At-Risk Children: Locating unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) in host communities, bush settlements, and hard-to-reach areas such as Muyuka, Bafia, Ikata, munyenge

  • Family Tracing & Reunification: Working with government services and partners such as UNICEF to reunite children with their families whenever it is safe to do so.

  • Alternative Care: Supporting temporary foster care and community-based care for children who cannot be immediately reunited.

Referral Services: Connecting children to medical care, legal aid, psychosocial counseling, and emergency services through established referral pathways.

2. Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Conflict and displacement in the northwest and southwest region of Cameroon  leave deep emotional scars. CYSD supports children and caregivers to heal, cope, and rebuild resilience.

  • Child-Friendly Spaces: Safe, supervised environments where children can play, learn, and socialize in dignity.

  • Structured Play & Creative Activities: Games, art, storytelling, and group sessions that help children express emotions and process trauma.

Caregiver & Parenting Support: Positive parenting sessions that strengthen family bonds and reduce violence, neglect, and harmful coping mechanisms.

3. Community-Based Child Protection

Sustainable child protection starts within the community. CYSD empowers local actors to identify risks and protect children early.

  • Child Protection Committees: Training teachers, traditional leaders, women and youth leaders, and religious figures to identify and respond to child protection risks.

  • Birth Registration Support: Helping families obtain birth certificates for children who lost documents during displacement, ensuring access to education and legal rights.

Community Awareness Campaigns: Sensitizing communities on child trafficking, survival sex, early marriage, child labor, and exploitation during crisis situations.

4. Coordination & Advocacy

CYSD works in close collaboration with humanitarian and government systems to strengthen child protection response.

  • Humanitarian Coordination: Active participation in Child Protection Area of Responsibility (CP AoR) meetings to improve coverage and avoid duplication.

Education in Emergencies: Coordinating with education actors to ensure schools and temporary learning spaces function as safe protection hubs for children.

Who We Serve

  • Conflict-affected and displaced children

  • Unaccompanied and separated children

  • Children exposed to violence, exploitation, and trauma

  • Caregivers and families under stress

Community leaders and child protection actors

Our Approach

  • Child-Centered & Rights-Based
  • Community-Led & Culturally Grounded
  • Trauma-Informed
  • Accountable & Coordinated
  • Focused on Long-Term Safety and Resilience

Why It Matters

Every child deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to grow without fear. By combining direct response, healing, prevention, and community empowerment, CYSD protects children today while building stronger systems that keep them safe tomorrow.

Interested in partnering, supporting, or learning more about our Child Protection work?
Contact us or support our programs to help protect vulnerable children in Cameroon.