At Medical Services Pacific (MSP), we believe that children are the cornerstone of our communities, and it is our collective duty to safeguard their health, safety, and well-being.
Every child has the right to a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.
Our commitment to child protection is grounded in the prevention of abuse, providing support to at-risk children, and empowering families and communities to foster safe environments for the next generation.
Here we outline the significance of child protection, the challenges children face, and the wide range of free services MSP offers to support the well-being of children and their families.
Why Child Protection Is a Top Priority
Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and it is imperative to ensure their rights, health, and development are prioritized. Child protection seeks to prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, and any form of harm while promoting environments conducive to their growth and development.
As a parent, it is your fundamental responsibility to ensure that your child is not subjected to any form of abuse, including exposure to domestic violence within the household. Protecting your child’s well-being involves actively fostering a safe and nurturing environment.
Utilizing positive reinforcement techniques is essential in guiding your child’s behavior and promoting healthy development. It is equally important to dedicate quality time to your child, engaging in open communication to understand what is happening in their life. Stay informed about your child’s activities, whereabouts, and the individuals they are interacting with, ensuring that you maintain an active role in their safety and security.
Statistically, it is alarming to note that approximately 98% of child sexual abuse cases are perpetrated by immediate family members. Therefore, it is critical to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your child from harm.
Child Protection and the Rights of Children Living with Disabilities
Children living with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to child protection. They face unique challenges and risks, including a heightened vulnerability to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Child Care and Protection Act addresses these concerns by acknowledging the specific needs of children living with disabilities, ensuring their right to equal protection from harm and exploitation.
Under the Act, children with disabilities are entitled to the same levels of care, protection, and justice as other children. However, recognizing that they may face additional barriers, the law calls for measures that ensure equal access to services, education, and support systems. This includes accessible rehabilitation, specialized healthcare, and services that promote their inclusion and well-being in society.
To protect children living with disabilities from abuse and exploitation, the government and non-governmental stakeholders are urged to implement targeted programs that focus on preventing violence and providing immediate support to these children when needed. Special attention should be given to the development of social service policies and justice mechanisms that consider the particular needs of children with disabilities, including the provision of child-sensitive procedures in legal processes.
Furthermore, children living with disabilities must have access to safe and supportive environments, both in their homes and in institutions, to protect them from violence, neglect, and abuse. Institutions, caregivers, and the community must be trained to understand the specific vulnerabilities of children with disabilities and adopt practices that safeguard their rights.
The inclusion of children living with disabilities in the child protection framework is a vital step towards creating an equitable society, where all children are free from harm, discrimination, and exploitation.
Key Issues Affecting Children That MSP Addresses:
- Child Abuse (Verbal, Physical, Emotional, and Sexual)
Children subjected to verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse may suffer severe and enduring consequences, both psychologically and physically. Such abuse can have profound, long-term effects on a child’s mental health and overall well-being. - Child Neglect
Neglect typically results from inadequate parental care, insufficient resources, or socio-economic hardships. This form of maltreatment leads to significant harm, often impairing a child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Common examples in Fiji include but are not limited to: Parents not providing adequate food, clothing, and shelter to a child, period poverty, or failing to take a child to the hospital when the child is sick/unwell. - Exploitation
Child exploitation, including child labor, trafficking, and early marriages, constitutes a grave violation of children’s rights. These practices deprive children of their fundamental rights to childhood, education, safety, and well-being. The latest statistics show that globally, millions of children are subjected to sexual exploitation, forced labor, and trafficking, leading to a loss of childhood and the abuse of their rights. - Mental Health Issues
Children who endure abuse, neglect, or adverse living conditions are at heightened risk of developing mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can have lasting impacts on their emotional and psychological development. - Educational Challenges
The lack of access to quality education and early childhood learning opportunities significantly hinders a child’s developmental progress. Educational deprivation can severely affect a child’s prospects and social mobility. - Health Risks
Inadequate healthcare, malnutrition, and untreated medical conditions represent serious risks to a child’s physical and cognitive development. These issues may lead to long-term health complications, impair a child’s ability to succeed in life, and in extreme cases, may threaten the child’s survival. - Substance Abuse
Substance abuse by parents or caregivers exposes children to neglect, inconsistent caregiving, and potential physical or emotional harm. It often creates unsafe living environments and may involve children in substance-related conflicts or criminal activities. This exposure can lead to emotional trauma, behavioural issues, and long-term developmental challenges. In some cases, children may be introduced to substance use themselves, perpetuating a harmful cycle.
MSP’s Commitment to Child Protection
At MSP, we are fully committed to ensuring that every child has access to the services, care, and support needed to live a safe and fulfilling life. We work collaboratively with families, schools, social workers, community organisations, and legal bodies to create an environment where children are safe, healthy, and given the opportunity to realise their full potential.
We align with national and international child protection standards and laws, including the Child Care and Protection Act and Child Justice Act (recently passed), which safeguard the rights of children against abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Child Care and Protection Act prioritises the prevention of violence and provides legal frameworks to protect children from emerging threats such as online grooming. These laws provide a solid basis for investing in the protection of children and creating long-term safety measures across various sectors, including health, justice, and education.
MSP’s services are grounded in these legal frameworks, ensuring that every child is provided with the protections and care they are entitled to under the law.
What MSP Provides for Free to Support Child Protection
- Free Health Screening and Medical Services for Children
• Routine Health Check-ups: MSP offers free health screenings and regular check-ups to ensure children’s health and identify early signs of medical issues for timely intervention.
• Mental Health Support: Free mental health screenings and therapeutic support are available to children facing stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges, ensuring they receive the care they need to heal. - Child Protection Counselling and Support Services
• Confidential Counselling Sessions: Trained child psychologists and counsellors offer free, confidential support to children and their families, helping them cope with trauma, abuse, and mental health issues.
• Family Support Sessions: MSP provides free counselling sessions for parents and guardians, helping them strengthen their capacity to provide a supportive home environment and address challenges effectively.
• Peer Support Groups: Children who have experienced difficult or traumatic circumstances are encouraged to join peer support groups, fostering resilience and solidarity through shared experiences. - Legal Support and Advocacy
• Legal Guidance for Families: MSP connects families with legal advisors who offer free consultations and support in cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, ensuring that children’s legal rights are protected.
• Advocacy for Children’s Rights: We collaborate with local authorities and child protection agencies to advocate for children’s rights, ensuring that legal protections are upheld and that children’s best interests are consistently prioritised.
• Workshops for Schools and Communities: MSP organises workshops and awareness campaigns for schools, teachers, parents, and community members, educating them about children’s rights, legal protections, and prevention strategies. - Educational Initiatives and Community Outreach
• School Outreach Programs: MSP partners with local schools to implement educational programs that raise awareness about bullying, peer pressure, online safety, and respectful relationships, empowering children to advocate for their own rights.
• Community Awareness Campaigns: Through regular community outreach, we provide education about child protection issues, ensuring families and communities are equipped to protect children from harm.
• Parent-Teacher Workshops: MSP offers free workshops for parents and educators, providing tools to recognise signs of abuse, support at-risk children, and promote healthy, respectful relationships. - Referral Networks to Other Support Services
• Collaborative Partnerships: MSP maintains strong partnerships with local NGOs, social services, and child protection authorities to ensure that children in need are referred to specialised services for further care.
• Safe Accommodation Referrals: For children requiring safe housing away from abusive environments, MSP works with trusted shelters and support networks to provide secure accommodation.
• Emergency Support and Crisis Intervention: In cases where children are in immediate danger, MSP offers emergency intervention services, including immediate health screenings, psychological support, and referrals to safe housing, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks.
Preventing Child Protection Challenges: A Community Responsibility
Child protection is not solely the responsibility of healthcare providers or social services—it requires a whole-community approach. MSP engages:
• Parents and Guardians: Offering support through educational resources, counselling, and guidance on creating safe, stable home environments.
• Schools: Partnering with educators to integrate child protection education into the school environment and everyday interactions.
• Local Authorities and NGOs: Collaborating with community leaders, law enforcement, and social workers to strengthen child protection measures and ensure that children’s rights are upheld in every aspect of their lives.
• Youth Groups and Peer Networks: Encouraging older children and youth to mentor and support younger peers, cultivating positive community relationships that contribute to the safety and well-being of all children.
Our Staff: Well-Trained and Qualified Professionals
At MSP, our staff includes highly trained and qualified professionals who specialise in child protection. Our team of child counsellors, medical practitioners, social workers, and legal advisors receive continuous training to ensure they are up to date with the latest child protection laws, standards, and practices. They work with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in supporting children and families facing difficult circumstances, always prioritising the child’s best interests.
Contact Us:
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Call: 4502908 (Central) or 2224595 (West) or 4502909 (North)
- Visit Our Website: www.msp.org.fj
- Counselling Hotline: 5640
- Child Help Line Hotline: 1325 (FREE)
Data Privacy and Confidentiality
We recognize the sensitive nature of the issues surrounding child protection, and MSP is committed to maintaining the highest standards of data privacy and confidentiality. All interactions with children and families are handled with respect for their privacy, and we adhere to strict protocols to protect sensitive information. Our goal is to build trust and
