Publications
Summary of publication
DFAT commissioned a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Enhancing Child Protection System to Keep Filipino Children Safe Online (SaferKidsPH) program (AUD 8 million, 2019-2025) to assess program implementation and management, and inform program improvements for the remaining years. The MTR findings will inform DFAT’s next steps in relation to future programming in the child protection space. The review was conducted by Clear Horizon through a combination of a document review, interviews, and participatory workshops held from October to December 2022.
The MTR found that SaferKidsPH has achieved its intermediate outcomes and made substantial progress in combatting Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in the Philippines. There has been improved knowledge and awareness of OSAEC nationally and in target areas. SaferKidsPH focussed on gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion (GEDSI) strategy when advocacy messaging and provisions in Philippine laws and policies. The MTR also highlighted the consortium approach in the program implementation as a contributing factor to its success.
While the MTR highlighted that SaferKidsPH is performing well, there is room for improvement in program implementation and management. Addressing these challenges will be crucial in ensuring the program continues to make progress towards its goal of protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.
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DFAT Management response
DFAT welcomes the recommendations of the MTR as they will improve the programs performance in the remaining two years. Key recommendations include the improvement of the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework; more consistent consideration of GEDSI in program activities; expanding the pool of data used to determine behaviour change; encouraging the private sector to support he implementation of the new Anti-OSAEC law; for UNICEF to take a greater leadership role in program management; and harnessing current champions and engaging new ones to maintain momentum in anti-OSAEC activities.
Australia remains committed to combatting OSAEC in the Philippines. DFAT will work with the SaferKidsPH consortium to implement the MTR recommendations and corresponding actions to ensure the success of the program for the remaining two years.