In an effort to enhance the quality of case management services for survivors, Femili PNG recently conducted an intensive week-long training for service providers and partners in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. The training aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and government institutions to provide effective, high-quality case management services.
Held from 10-14 February at the Bird of Paradise Hotel, the training aimed to equip partner service providers with the essential knowledge and skills needed in implementing effective case management approach. As a prominent non-governmental organization with centers in Lae, Port Moresby, and Goroka, Femili PNG continues to value the importance of collaborating with government institutions, advocating for their increased responsibility in supporting survivors through coordinated case management.
On October 9, Femili PNG, in partnership with UNFPA, held a consultation meeting in Goroka, where service providers verbalised the need to enhance and strengthen the GBV survivor service system and response through the implementation of case management approach in the province.
Building on the outcomes of the consultation meeting, Femili PNG, with the funding support from Koica through UNFPA, brought together key service institutions working in the area of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to learn the fundamentals of case management and improve existing practices.
The training participants included service providers from various organizations, such as the Family Support Centre, Sexual Offence Squad (SOS), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Unit, Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU), Juvenile Justice Officers, the Community Development office, and other groups working in the field of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Nineteen participants had the opportunity to learn about the six key stages of case management services, facilitated by Femili PNG CEO, Ms. Daisy Plana. These stages include: introduction and engagement, intake and assessment, developing a plan of action, implementing the action, following up and monitoring cases, and case closure. The training featured detailed modules that expanded participants’ understanding of case management. Additionally, the sessions encouraged participants to share their experiences, offer insights, and engage in role-playing activities to demonstrate the case management process.
Ms. Plana emphasized that Femili PNG’s role is to fill existing gaps, while supporting and allowing the government in taking the lead and in sustaining essential services for GBV survivors.
Juvenile Justice Officer Elizabeth Aine shared her thoughts: “Case management is a skill, and I am privileged to learn it. Let us respect this field and carry out our responsibilities diligently to support survivors.”
During the training sessions, representatives from various organizations were deeply impacted by what they learned. They expressed gratitude to Femili PNG, UNFPA and Koica for funding this essential training that will enhance their ability to assist survivors in their respective roles.
“I have been working as the Health Extension Officer (HEO) at the Family Support Centre, but I didn’t realize that my role was part of case management. This training has really put things into perspective,” said HEO Mirriam Yagi of the Family Support Centre.
Yagi highlighted the suicidal risk assessment and action plan as the most valuable part of the training. She explained that many clients do not openly discuss suicidal thoughts, making it challenging to address. With newfound knowledge, Yagi now feels equipped to assess cases more effectively and develop risk assessment questionnaires to include in their intake forms. She stressed that the action plan is a critical tool, particularly in guiding her work with child cases.
The training concluded with certificate presentations by Mr. Peter Gare, Deputy Administrator for Eastern Highlands Province, who also extended a sincere thank you to UNFPA for making this crucial training possible for partners in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province
