Ms. Nguyen Thi Y Duyen, a child protection expert at UNICEF Vietnam, stated that women and children are high-risk groups affected by violence, abuse, and socio-psychological trauma. In many cases, healthcare facilities are the first place they turn to when they need support. Therefore, the healthcare sector, in addition to its role in medical examination and treatment, also plays a crucial role in early detection, psychological support, ensuring safety, and connecting children and families with necessary resources.
This need is even more evident at Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, a specialized medical facility for obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics, which regularly receives cases of children at risk of harm, suspected of being victims of violence or abuse, or suffering psychological trauma.
According to Ms. Tran Cao Thanh Binh, Head of the Social Work Department of the hospital, during the period 2020-2025, the unit received and monitored 177 cases of teenage pregnancy and childbirth, 31 cases of child sexual abuse, and 4 cases of domestic violence.
However, previously, the detection, reception, and support of these cases relied primarily on individual coordination between specialized departments and divisions; there was no unified integrated model from detection, risk assessment, psychosocial support, service connection to post-intervention follow-up. "In some cases, children had to share information multiple times with different contacts, increasing the risk of secondary harm, affecting their psychology and the effectiveness of support," Ms. Binh said.
Based on that experience, on June 24th, Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital established a Child Protection Committee and put the Child Counseling and Support Room into operation. This model is implemented within the framework of the Child-Friendly City Project, with the support of UNICEF, aiming to standardize the process of receiving, counseling, and connecting children with support within the hospital environment. One of the highlights of the model is the Child Counseling and Support Room. This is a friendly, private space where children can be listened to, share their feelings, and access psychological and social support in a safe and humane environment.
To ensure the model operates effectively, Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital has established a coordination mechanism between its departments and wards, the police, the judicial system, local child welfare officers, social work centers, and other relevant units. The goal is to ensure that all cases of children needing protection are received and supported according to proper procedures and in the best interests of the child.
According to Mr. Ta Tu Binh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ngu Hanh Son Ward, with the new model, receiving, exchanging information, and intervening will be more timely and systematic.
According to Tran Dinh Vinh, Director of Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, in the coming time, the hospital will continue to improve the process of receiving, supporting, and managing cases of children at risk of violence and abuse; and strengthen training and improve the capacity of medical staff in identifying, approaching, and supporting children.
The hospital will also strengthen coordination with relevant organizations to ensure that children in need of support have access to timely and comprehensive services. At the same time, it will promote the role of the Child Protection Committee and the Social Work Department in connecting resources and providing psychosocial support; and enhance internal communication to raise awareness and responsibility among staff from the initial stages of admission, examination, and treatment.
From a sectoral management perspective, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, Doan Thi Hoai Nhi, stated that the launch of the Child Protection Committee and the operation of the Child Counseling and Support Room mark an important step in building a comprehensive child care and protection model at healthcare facilities.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/diem-tua-bao-ve-tre-em-3341912.html
