Strengthening Safeguarding Practices in India: A Commitment to Child Protection

Bangalore, November 2024– The Peyton Institute for Families hosted a crucial private consultation on “Strengthening Safeguarding Practices: Implementing Child Protection in India” on 18 November 2024, uniting experts, stakeholders, and advocates dedicated to creating safer environments for children across the country. The consultation provided a platform to develop actionable strategies for advancing child protection policies in India’s diverse cultural and institutional settings.

The day was facilitated by Dr. Shiju Joseph CSC, Executive Director of the Institute. In the first session, Dr. MC Abraham CSC established the foundational importance of safeguarding in all child-centered ministries, emphasizing its ethical and pastoral urgency. The second session featured insightful presentations by Dr. Konrad Noronha SJ, Dr. Abraham KJ CSC, Dominic George, and Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, who addressed best practices, persistent challenges, and strategies to overcome resistance to safeguarding efforts in various contexts.

The afternoon session, led by Ms. Nehal Parekh from Arpan, sparked an interactive discussion on the collaborative roles of the state, Church, and local communities in safeguarding initiatives. Key themes included the need for contextualized approaches, institutional transparency, and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective protection for vulnerable children. The consultation concluded with a reflective session facilitated by Charles Bertille, inviting participants to recognize safeguarding not merely as a procedural obligation but as a profound spiritual and moral calling rooted in Gospel values.

This gathering marked a significant step forward in the Institute’s commitment to promotion of child protection efforts, equipping participants with renewed commitment to bridging gaps, fostering partnerships, and cultivating a culture of dignity, trust, and zero tolerance for abuse.

At the Peyton Institute for Families, we affirm that safeguarding is more than policy—it is an essential expression of our faith in humanity, calling us to defend the vulnerable with courage and compassion. Together, we continue working toward a future where every child is seen, protected, and empowered to thrive.