Programmes

In order to effectively carry out its mission, CFSI has established five programmes, the last three of which are cross-cutting.

Humanitarian Assistance Programme

CFSI’s Humanitarian Assistance Programme is focused on urgent needs, usually as a result of large-scale emergencies, most often armed conflict and natural disasters. These humanitarian emergencies are characterized by unstable environments and problems of security and safety. Often, there are demands for rapid responses to basic human needs — protection, food, water, shelter, health care, social services, and basic education for children.

CFSI responds quickly and directly, always in a collaborative manner. This usually means organizing and assisting the affected populations to address the most urgent basic needs as well as prevent conflict and suffering. Psychosocial interventions commonly include mobilizing and training community-based care-providers for traumatized and vulnerable individuals. Over time, the transition from relief to rehabilitation and recovery becomes both possible and the priority. The CFSI approach in all such relief and recovery situations is participatory in nature and empowerment-oriented.

Prevention and mitigation as well as advocacy are other elements of the Humanitarian Assistance Programme. CFSI actively participates in emergency management preparation, disaster risk reduction efforts, and training exercises at the national and international levels.

Social Development Programme

The Social Development Programme entails capacity-strengthening and quite often related to the transition from relief and recovery to reconstruction and development. The environment is generally peaceful and stable, thus allowing for medium to long-term planning and programming.

CFSI interventions usually include, at the minimum, literacy training, basic education at the community level, and the training of service providers. All of these efforts include the promotion of psychosocial well-being.

CFSI is often involved in enhancing the capacities of other organizations and facilitating the formation and development of networks. In addition, CFSI provides field placements for interns and fellows from the local and international academic community.

Child and Family Welfare Programme

The Child and Family Welfare Programme draws special attention to the plight of children, particularly those in exceptionally difficult circumstances and in need of special protection. It is child rights-oriented and focused on the psychosocial needs of children who are: sexually abused and exploited, in situations of armed conflict, combatants, homeless, and/or separated from their parents owing to the socio-political situation in their homeland.

Recognizing the important role of family in protecting and nurturing children, the Programme promotes family-based interventions. Community effort is also considered important to child growth and development. CFSI interventions often include training community-based, care-providers and professional service providers. Basic education is actively promoted. Advocacy is an important element of the Child and Family Welfare Programme.

Health Promotion Programme

CFSI’s Health Promotion Programme focuses primarily on occupational health, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health. The emphasis is on capacity building within the service provider communities, particularly illness prevention and health promotion. This includes a strong emphasis on stress management consultation, training, and advocacy services.

Direct services in the form of crisis intervention, counseling, and psychosocial care are also provided in some settings. HIV-AIDS is an area of CFSI concern and experience. Primary health care and health education are often key components of other programmes at CFSI.

Evaluation and Research Programme

The overall aims of the Evaluation and Research Programme are to (1) inform CFSI policy and practice and (2) contribute to existing and new knowledge bases. Amongst the current research interests are psychosocial care and models of intervention in post-conflict situations.

CFSI projects are evaluated, either through internal resources or by external evaluators contracted specifically for this purpose.

CFSI undertakes project-related research in cooperation with research partners in the Philippines as well as abroad. In addition, CFSI’s has been, and is, contracted by both domestic and international organizations to conduct research in the Philippines as well as other parts of South East Asia.

Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) Statement

CFSI is committed to Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and ensuring Child Protection (CP).

If you feel you have experienced or witnessed sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or violence by a CFSI staff member or CFSI service provider, please report via: 0917-534-CFSI (2374).

For feedback, complaints, and suggestions, text CFSI at 0917-534-CFSI (2374) or send us a message on Facebook.