Bhojpur district of Bihar recently witnessed impactful strides in grassroots child protection efforts through block-level orientation programs organized in Barhara and Sandesh blocks on April 21-22. These sessions, jointly supported by BIDYA BHANU EDUCATIONAL TRUST and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), aimed to build the capacities of key community stakeholders on child protection laws, gatekeeping mechanisms to keep families together, and the importance of family-based care. The programs saw active participation of Block Development Officers (BDOs), Child Development Protection Officers, Block Education Officers, Panchayati Raj Institution members, and other block-level officials, with a total of 75 stakeholders attending from across both blocks. The sessions helped clarify legal frameworks and community roles, setting the stage for a more responsive and preventive child protection system.

Ahead of these programs, a key coordination meeting was held with the District Magistrate (DM) and Assistant Director, Child Protection (ADCP), Bhojpur, to ensure district-wide alignment. The DM reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening child protection and assured continued support, recommending focused efforts in identified Panchayats and blocks. A practical action plan was subsequently developed, covering the formation of Child Protection Committees and Bal Sabhas; identification of vulnerable families; and their linkages to social protection.

Now do these developments not reflect a promising move toward collaborative, sustainable, community-led care and protection for every child.