Disengaged Child Soldiers and Adolescents at Risk of Recruitment Program (CHS) Quarterly Report No. 23

The program's objective is to achieve three intermediate results (IR) between October 2011 and December 2015. IR 1 focuses on the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) implementing policies for disengaged child soldiers, while IR 2 involves the GOC implementing policies to reduce vulnerabilities to recruitment in high-risk areas. IR 3 aims to improve knowledge management through collaboration between ICBF and the Inter-Sectoral Commission on the Prevention of Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers (CIPRUNA). During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, significant progress was made in achieving the program's objectives. Under IR 1, the ICBF Assistance Program enrolled 289 children and adolescents (CH&A) disengaged from illegal armed groups, representing 85% of the established target. Seven activities were implemented with a differential approach, one Contingency Protocol for Massive Disengagements was created, and 51 disengaged CH&A participated in National System of Family Welfare (SNBF) coordination activities. The program also developed and validated the Clinical Forensic Methodological Guide, provided technical assistance for a Participation Protocol for CH&A Victims of the Armed Conflict, and constructed a community-based assistance strategy for disengaged CH&A. In addition, the program made significant progress in prevention activities under IR 2. During the quarter, 3,227 CH&A at risk of recruitment were new beneficiaries of activities carried out by the CHS Program at the local level, and 386 CH&A were beneficiaries of the "Quality of Life in Early Childhood in Choco" project. All 3,227 CH&A beneficiaries completed the baseline verification of rights survey, reaching 107% of the goal to reach 3,000 CH&A. Furthermore, 8,876 residents of target municipalities received recruitment prevention messages, representing 92% of the FY 2014 target. The program also made progress in implementing prevention plans in 15 new high-risk municipalities and monitoring implementation in 43 municipalities targeted for FY 2013. CHS completed four of the five steps in all 15 municipalities and monitored prevention plans in 31 municipalities, supporting institutional strengthening efforts and helping to prevent recruitment. The CHS Program's quarterly report highlights the significant progress made in achieving its objectives during FY 2014. The program's efforts have contributed to the strengthening of the GOC's capacity to assist disengaged child soldiers and youth at risk, and have helped to prevent recruitment in high-risk areas. The program's achievements demonstrate its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of children and adolescents affected by the armed conflict in Colombia.