SVSG Staff Strengthen Child Justice Skills through National Training

2026-02-27 - 10:57

Three staff members from the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) were proud participants in the recently concluded Integrated Child Protection and Child Justice Training led by the Law and Justice Sector, in collaboration with UNICEF. This intensive three-day training brought together representatives from across Samoa’s justice-sector agencies with one clear purpose, to strengthen child-centred justice practices and ensure that every child in contact with the law is treated with dignity, protection, and fairness. For SVSG, this training holds deep significance. Our organisation works daily with vulnerable children including those who are victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and those in conflict with the law. Strengthening our understanding of child protection principles, child-friendly justice approaches, risk assessments, diversion processes, and culturally appropriate engagement directly enhances the quality of care, advocacy, and case management we provide. The programme reinforced the importance of upholding the best interests of the child at every stage from interviews and case planning to rehabilitation and reintegration. It also strengthened collaboration among justice-sector stakeholders, something that is essential to SVSG’s integrated approach to protection services. We commend the leadership of the Law and Justice Sector and acknowledge the closing remarks by Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, who reminded participants that true justice is measured by how we protect our children. As an organisation at the forefront of child protection in Samoa, SVSG welcomes this continued investment in capacity building. The knowledge gained by our staff will directly contribute to improving our interventions, strengthening rehabilitation pathways, and ensuring that children’s voices are heard and respected within the justice system. #ChildProtection #ChildJustice #SVSG #ProtectOurChildren #MinistryofJusticeandCourtsSamoa #UNICEF