The Child Protection Network (CPN) is a national coalition of Armenian NGOs working in the field of child protection. CPN promotes child protection by uniting the resources and efforts of its member organizations. In all its actions, CPN’s core principle is ensuring the best interests of the child. At CPN, we believe that children who grow up in a safe and supportive environment become active and responsible members of their communities.
CPN was established as a coalition of six local and international NGOs with the aim of improving services provided to children and families in vulnerable situations.
CPN developed a common working methodology for organizations operating in the field of child protection. A unified glossary of case management terms and standards was created, along with a standardized assessment tool for CPN member organizations.
With 11 member organizations, CPN was officially registered as a union of civil society organizations.
CPN became a member of ChildPact, a regional coalition for child protection. ChildPact united networks of over 600 child-focused organizations across 10 countries, enabling CPN to implement several important initiatives in Armenia through regional cooperation.
CPN developed the Child Protection Index, a comparative tool designed to assess the child protection system in Armenia based on a wide range of indicators. The assessment included 626 indicators evaluating state policies, available services, capacities, accountability, and coordination within the sector.
CPN had grown to unite 39 organizations. The Network prioritized the importance of family-based alternative care, the realization of every child's right to grow up in a family, and the advancement of the deinstitutionalization reform.
CPN continued to promote the development of family-based alternative care models in Armenia. To this end, a comprehensive study was conducted, followed by an awareness campaign targeting child protection stakeholders, community members, and the media. The campaign highlighted the importance of ensuring care within the family, the reintegration of children into families, and the smooth organization of placements into alternative family-based care.
In accordance with legal requirements, CPN was re-registered as the “Child Protection Network” NGO. That same year, CPN carried out extensive awareness-raising efforts among professionals regarding the ongoing reform of the child protection system.
CPN implemented the localization of the INSPIRE strategy. INSPIRE is a set of evidence-based technical packages designed to prevent and respond to violence against children. The strategy aims to help countries and communities strengthen their focus on high-impact prevention programs and services in order to reduce violence against children.
CPN organized awareness campaigns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent 44-day war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on the impact on children. The campaigns emphasized available forms of support, access to professional services, and the importance of advocacy.
CPN studied both local and international practices related to preparing children and young people in care institutions for independent living. Based on this, it developed a program aimed at supporting individuals aged 16–23 who are in difficult life circumstances. The program includes a clear methodology for providing the necessary professional support and services to prepare them for independent living and self-sufficiency.
CPN submitted a package of recommendations to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MLSA) of Armenia, addressing the gaps and challenges faced by civil society organizations in the implementation of state-delegated services. These included issues encountered during the application process, beneficiary enrollment, service provision, and the development of narrative and financial reports.
Given that 10 CPN member organizations were implementing 27 services within state-supported programs, the Network was able to conduct a thorough analysis and propose practical solutions. These recommendations aimed to significantly ease the implementation process and enhance the effectiveness and quality of the services delivered.
CPN became a full member of Eurochild, the largest European network dedicated to child protection. In the same year, CPN submitted three proposals to Armenia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MLSA) concerning the 2024 state budget programs.
CPN members also contributed to the development of an alternative report on Armenia’s implementation of its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols. For the preparation of this report, previous government submissions, reports from relevant state institutions and civil society organizations, as well as existing research studies, were thoroughly reviewed and analyzed.
CPN secured its organizational sustainability by leasing an office space and establishing a dedicated team of four staff members. This allowed the Network to continue its extensive efforts toward strengthening the child protection system in Armenia.