The Ministry of Family and Solidarity, through the Child Protection Support Unit (CAPE), organised a workshop to formulate and validate the package of services intended for children with special needs (EBS), with a view to their effective integration into public policies, in particular the National Social Protection Strategy (SNPS 2015-2035).

This high-level meeting brought together a diverse range of institutional, technical and community actors, including: the Ombudsman of the Republic, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the General Delegation for Social Protection and National Solidarity (DGPSN), the General Directorate for Social Action (DGAS), the Directorate for the Promotion of Rights and Protection of the Child (DPDPE), the General Directorate for Judicial and Social Protection, the Directorate for Family and Vulnerable Groups, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, the Directorate of Human Rights (DDH), as well as technical and financial partners, specialized structures, children's reception centers, and representatives of families.

As part of the implementation of the National Social Protection Strategy (SNPS), this workshop marks a decisive step in the Senegalese authorities' commitment to translating strategic guidelines into concrete actions for the benefit of the most vulnerable children. It follows a participatory consultation process that identified the limitations of existing systems and formulated recommendations for better inclusion of children with special needs (particularly children living with physical, sensory (visual and auditory), intellectual, or mental disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, and multiple disabilities).

Over three days, the work involved collaboratively developing a structured, harmonized service package tailored to the realities of the children concerned. Participants focused on identifying essential services, defining minimum standards for multisectoral care, and establishing equitable and inclusive access mechanisms, taking into account the realities of care facilities, particularly reception centers.

The discussions also focused on clarifying the roles and responsibilities of institutional actors, strengthening intersectoral coordination mechanisms, and identifying sustainable financing and monitoring mechanisms.

Supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as part of the PAPEV II program, in collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), this workshop made it possible to anchor the reflections in the realities experienced by families and care structures, while guaranteeing an approach centered on the rights of the child.

At the end of the work, a consensus document for the service package was validated, accompanied by a technical guidance note aimed at facilitating its operational integration into the SNPS and sectoral public policies.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Ms. Astou Fall, technical advisor and representative of the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, reaffirmed the State's commitment to building an inclusive society, where every child, regardless of their situation, benefits from appropriate care and equitable access to basic social services.

In this regard, she welcomed the strong mobilization of all the Ministry's services, including those involved in judicial and social protection, as well as reception facilities, stressing that their collective commitment is a key factor in providing a more coherent and effective institutional response.

Special mention was made of parents and care structures, particularly children's centers, whose daily commitment remains an essential lever for the support and development of children with special needs.

Through this initiative, Senegal confirms its ambition to build a more inclusive, more equitable social protection system that is more focused on the rights and well-being of every child.