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The Star

Action plan needed for policy to be effective

PETALING JAYA: For the National Children's Policy to be effective, the government must set a social protection floor for children and announce the policy's deliverables along with its action plan, say experts. Unicef social policy specialist Tham Yin Yee said a social protection floor will ensure that the policy is inclusive and that no child is left behind. 'Access to basic income security, for example in the form of universal monthly child grants, can play a transformative role in reducing child poverty and ensure access to essential services,' she said when contacted. Such a mechanism can also protect children from child labour, dropping out from school and malnutrition, Tham added. The policy's action plan also demonstrates that the government is laying out clear steps for implementation. But the plan must come with a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, identify bottlenecks and make more data-driven decisions, she said. 'The development of this plan through wide-ranging consultations with ministries, non-profit organisations, legislators, academia, parents and children is a strong example of participatory policy-making'. The government must also test what works in different contexts to ensure that programmes are responsive, efficient and sustainable. 'The government's ongoing work in professionalising the social service workforce is also vital for delivering quality care and protecting vulnerable children. 'Strengthening collaboration with all stakeholders is crucial to explore innovative financing models and increased investment in children,' she said, adding that Unicef is ready to share technical expertise and global best practices. These steps will not only improve child well-being but help the country prepare for caring for an ageing population, Tham said. Consultant paediatrician and child-disability activist Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS echoed these points, saying that having an action plan and clear deliverables will ensure that the policy does not remain a glossy document. Although he praised the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry for engaging with civil society and the private sector, he said the action plan should be shared online for the benefit of all stakeholders. 'The policy focuses on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) key aspects of survival, protection, development and participation – it includes aspects of health, education, safety and welfare. 'These are all vital areas in the lives of many children in Malaysia – those who need protection from abuse and harm, those living in poverty, children with disabilities, those without access to healthcare, education and an identity. 'Overarching all of this is the need to listen to children and involve them in the plans and decisions that affect their lives,' he said.