The Institutionalization of Child-Friendly Bench in a Child Protection System: Practices, Perspectives and Barriers in Gimbi Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to examine the practices, and perspectives of the child friendly bench workers and barriers of child friendly bench at Western Wallaga, Gimbi town. The study employed qualitative research with case study methods as it helped get a holistic and in-depth understanding of views of the study participants. Relevant study participants were purposively selected, and thus, relevant data were gathered through in-depth interview and observation. Out of the raw data, patterns, categories or themes were built, interpreted, triangulated and thematically analyzed. It was revealed that the advent of child friendly bench was appreciated and welcomed as a result of which different child protection cases were attempted to be entertained although the implementation status was not as such satisfactory vis-à-vis the prevalence and persistence of cases. Obstructing factors, including shortage of budget, absence of capacity building trainings, limitation of commitment, lack of collaboration, shortage of facilities, and not yet treatment of cases at separate room were among the barriers of child friendly bench. Overall, child friendly bench failed to have the attributes to qualify for the task it was designed to execute although the existences of some attempts were undeniable. Hence, empathetic and concerted efforts were implied to meet the very objective of child friendly bench, which is child protection.