IJM Ghana, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, has completed a two-day training program for child protection and justice professionals. This initiative focused on trauma-informed care, aiming to strengthen survivor-centred responses within Ghana’s child protection and justice systems. The training brought together frontline professionals who work directly with vulnerable children and survivors of abuse, exploitation, and violence.
The program helped participants better understand trauma and its impact on survivors. It also taught institutions how to respond in ways that promote healing and reduce the risk of re-traumatisation. Participants also explored the effects of vicarious trauma on professionals who regularly handle sensitive cases. They learned practical self-care strategies to improve their resilience and effectiveness in their demanding roles.
This training fits into Ghana's broader efforts to improve social welfare and justice for its most vulnerable citizens. Ghana has seen increasing focus on child protection, with various government and non-governmental organisations working to combat child trafficking and abuse. This collaboration reflects a national commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring their well-being. Prior initiatives, such as the 2023 partnership between IJM and NCCE, have also aimed to strengthen public education on child protection.
Vida Mamle-Selorm Hodinyah, Aftercare Manager at IJM Ghana, stated that trauma-informed care is a commitment to recognising survivors’ experiences. She emphasised that it goes beyond professional expertise to promote healing and dignity. When social workers, law enforcement officers, and judicial officers share a common understanding of trauma, survivors receive better support for recovery.
Enoch Bampoe Addy, Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development at the Ada East District, highlighted the practical tools provided by the training. He noted that every interaction with a survivor has the potential to either support healing or unintentionally deepen trauma. Superintendent William Ayaeregah, Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, added that integrating trauma-informed approaches will improve how officers engage with survivors. He stressed that effective law enforcement involves ensuring survivors feel safe and respected throughout the justice process.
The training also included contributions from members of the Ghana Survivors Network, including representatives from the Hope in Freedom and Overcomers Chapters. Their participation provided valuable insights into the experiences of survivors during recovery and reintegration. These insights helped shape discussions around more responsive protection systems. This direct input ensures that the training is grounded in real-world experiences and needs.
This initiative is part of IJM Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen child protection and justice systems. It equips stakeholders with the skills required to deliver survivor-centred and trauma-informed services. Through continued collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, communities, and civil society organisations, IJM Ghana aims to build systems that promote healing, accountability, and sustainable recovery for survivors of violence and exploitation. This ongoing commitment is crucial for Ghana's social development and the protection of its children.