2.Service Mapping & Referral Pathways for Children Outside Family Care

Service Mapping & Referral Pathways for Children Outside Family Care

Project Snapshot

Client: UNICEF
Location: Somalia
Implementation Period: 03/2024–04/2024
Status: Completed
Sector: Child Protection
Project Type: Service Mapping & Referral Pathways Assessment
Target Groups:
Children outside family care, child protection service providers, social workers

Evaluation Objectives

1. Identify and document available services for children outside family care
2. Assess accessibility, coverage, and quality of services
3. Analyze gaps and bottlenecks in referral pathways
4. Strengthen coordination and referral mechanisms

Background & Rationale

Children outside family care face heightened protection risks and barriers to accessing essential services in Somalia. Fragmented service delivery and weak referral mechanisms further limit the effectiveness of child protection responses. This assignment was undertaken to map existing services and strengthen referral pathways to improve coordination and access to care for vulnerable children.

Scope of Work

1. Conducted desk review of child protection frameworks and service directories
2. Mapped service providers across key child protection sectors
3. Conducted KIIs with service providers and coordination actors
4. Analyzed referral pathways and service gaps
5. Prepared service mapping and referral pathway reports

Methodology & Approach

A mixed qualitative approach was applied, combining desk review with Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and service mapping exercises. The methodology emphasized coordination analysis, accessibility assessment, and ethical considerations related to child safeguarding.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

1. Comprehensive service mapping report
2. Referral pathways framework and service directory
3. Gap analysis and actionable recommendations

Key Findings & Results

1. Improved understanding of available child protection services
2. Identification of critical gaps in service coverage and coordination
3. Strengthened referral pathways for children outside family care
4. Evidence supported improved service integration and coordination

Beneficiaries & Stakeholders

1. Children outside family care
2. Child protection service providers and social workers
3. UNICEF and implementing partners
4. Government child protection institutions

Geographic Coverage
The assessment covered selected regions and service hubs across Somalia.