🕰️ Our Journey From Legislation to Protection: The Evolution of Child Protection in Balochistan Balochistan's commitment to child protection is rooted in legal reform, community engagement, and institutional innovation. Here’s how our journey has unfolded: 📅 2016: Legal Foundation Balochistan Child Protection Act 2016 passed on 7th November 2016, and assented by the Governor on 15th November 2016. The Act marked the first provincial-level legislation focused exclusively on child protection—aligned with the UNCRC. 🛠️ 2017–2019: Initial Steps Formation of technical committees to develop implementation frameworks. Engagement of civil society and line departments to localize the Act and raise awareness. Design of a case management model suitable for the provincial context began. 🏛️ 2020: From Vision to Action Model District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) inaugurated in Quetta on 10th February 2020. Case management and referral services initiated for survivors of violence, abuse, and exploitation. First CP officers designated from existing Social Welfare staff. 🧩 2021–2022: Systems Building Training of 25+ District Social Welfare Officers as interim CP Officers. Development of the Child Protection Case Management & Referral System (CP-CMRS) in partnership with UNICEF and Oxford Policy Management (OPM). Drafting of Rules under the CP Act 2016 initiated. 🧷 2023–2024: Institutional Strengthening Establishment of the Balochistan Child Protection Commission, Technical Working Group (TWG), and CP-CMRCs at the district level. 11 District Child Protection Units made fully functional. Draft Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2024 approved by Cabinet. Volunteer Legal Panel established and Child Friendly Desks functionalized at police stations in 18 districts. 🗂️ 2025: Scaling and Consolidation Rules of Business finalized after multi-stakeholder consultations in March 2025. 219 Community-Based Child Protection Committees formed and trained across Balochistan. Over 2407 stakeholders trained on CP-CMRS. 2754 CP cases addressed; helpline 1121 operational for public reporting (9 AM–9 PM daily). 📍 Today We stand as a provincial leader in child protection programming in Pakistan. Our model—decentralized, participatory, and rights-based—places children at the heart of governance and service delivery.