2. What is a skill
• A skill is a rare ability to perform a relatively
complicated task with great care to the extent
that an untutored observer feels that they
should do the same without tutoring.
• There are many skills that are required of a
child protectionist for effective intervention
and practice. These may include;
3. • Self awareness; this requires a practicing child
protectionist to know him/herself. For example;
his/her feelings, attitudes and values towards
children and children rights. One should be able
to understand one’s self i.e. ones likes and
dislikes, weaknesses, strengths and aspirations in
relation to a situation.
• Stress management; all work involves pressure
and stress and so a child protectionist should be
able to explore and unearth the sources of stress
4. • Time management; it’s said that time is
money; therefore good time management
leads to efficient and effective performance.
It’s the ability of the child protectionist to
organize time to suit your programs. The child
protectionist is required to keep time when
dealing with clients so that all tasks are done
as planned.
5. • Supervision; this is about monitoring work,
tasks and workloads in order to achieve the
set aims and objectives. Supervision skills help
in mediation, reconciliation and proper
identification. In child protection this means
supporting the child through difficulties to
promote problem solving.
6. • Social interaction skills;
• Diversity; the child protectionist should have
the ability to deal with all social divisions like
ethnicity, tribe, race, religion culture, sex
language age and any other vulnerabilities.
• Verbal communication and written
communication
7. • Interviewing skills:Pre-interview; here the child
protectionist must ensure the following; explain the
aims and objectives of the interview and give a realistic
picture of what is expected after the interview. This is
important in maintaining focus until after a solution is
reached. It is appropriate that a convenient time is
fixed to allow for guidance on the nature, duration and
scope of the interview. Conducive atmosphere is
another fact that ought to be considered when
organizing for an interview with a child. This provides a
stimulating environment and will enable client trust
building and confidentiality.
