Christopher Anthony

Area of Expertise:

• Social, Gender, Education, Youth, Child

Professional Experience:

My experience in the field of development includes a little over a decade, out of which I had exclusively worked in the area of Child Protection for more than ten years, both at grass root level to higher management level.

Prior to entering managing programmes I was a Child Rights activist and was involved in addressing of issues of Child sexual Abuse in Mumbai, street children and Children affected by communal riots.

I have worked with CRY (Child Rights and You), in the area of Child Rights, and championed the cause of tribal children who were victims of malnutrition caused by displacements, and promoted the concept of Common School System. Initiated partnership with Civil society organization working on Child Rights.

I also worked with VSO (Voluntary Services Overseas) and was placed in Nepal. I had addressed issues of children who are affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. Developed and managed programme based on current issues and Policies related to HIV and AIDS Mainstreaming these children into normal schools and community without Stigma and discrimination was an immense challenge which still lies unresolved.

Presently I am with UNICEF for last four years and serving as Education and Child Protection Officer in UNICEF field office – Bhopal. In Madhya Pradesh I was instrumental in initiating Child protection work after a lapse of ten years. MY present Job involves working with the government and NGO sector for building partnership to impact on overall child protection policies, support child protection programmes and leverage Government resources in the State.

Significant achievements during the four years term have been –

•Technical Support provided to the State government for the Implementation of
Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)

•Formation of State Child Protection Society and Four District Child Protection society

•Facilitated the process of formation of State Alliance for Child Protection covering 13 Districts

•Formation and functioning of Special Juvenile Police Units in Eight districts of Madhya Pradesh linked with Child Helpline and missing children website and other allied services for children.

•Initiated Intervention in 5 JJ homes to put in place minimum standard of Care and Protection and develop them as models for replication in the state.(Indore and Bhopal)

•Legal support to children in conflict with law. This initiative has benefited the poor families and also addressing the pendency of cases

•Child Information Management System and Missing Children search

•Building capacity of the government counterparts on JJA and ICPS

Being in the field for last 14 years I have good understanding and knowledge of Child protection issues.

Extending supported both to government and civil society to address issues of Child Rights violation keeping in mind the Protective environment frame work of Child Protection.

Language
I am fluent in English, Hindi and can speak Tamil