Summary of publication

DFAT commissioned an Independent Completion Review (ICR) of the SaferKidsPH program (AUD 8 million, 2019-2025) to inform existing and future DFAT investments through an assessment of the programs’ effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability of gains and to document lessons learned. The review was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025 through a combination of document analysis, interviews, focus group discussions and field visits.

The ICR found that SaferKidsPH made substantial progress in strengthening the child protection system to address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in the Philippines. The program promoted positive online safety behaviours, strengthened law enforcement and judicial processes, enhanced service delivery in target areas and informed national policy reform. Capacity-building initiatives significantly improved the knowledge, skills and coordination of stakeholders.

The consortium model proved effective in fostering collaboration across government, civil society, and the private sector, however, gaps in coordination, knowledge management, and data collection were noted when private sector engagement waned in later years. Gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) integration was visible in training, advocacy and policy work but could have been improved in data disaggregation and targeted resource allocation. Sustainability prospects are strong at the national level, supported by new government policies.

Overall, SaferKidsPH made a lasting impact on the child protection framework of the Philippines, while offering valuable lessons and innovations to inform investments in child protection programming.

Download full publication

• Enhancing Child Protection System to Keep Filipino Children Safe Online Program [PDF 919 KB]
• Enhancing Child Protection System to Keep Filipino Children Safe Online Program [DOCX 943 KB]

DFAT Management Response

DFAT welcomes the recommendations of the ICR on the SKPH program and is committed to supporting a strong program completion. DFAT acknowledges the program's substantial contributions to policy reform, government capacity-building and systems strengthening to combat OSAEC in the Philippines. Key recommendations include maintaining the SKPH website as a public knowledge repository hosted by UNICEF; supporting the operationalisation of legal reforms; showcasing program achievements through a final wrap-up event; ensuring sustainability by transitioning capacities to local actors and institutions; and strengthening future programming with robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks and integration of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI).

While Australia remains committed to combatting OSAEC, future investments will be guided by evolving needs, stakeholder commitments and priorities articulated in the Australia - Philippines Development Partnership Plan.

Download full response

• DFAT Management Response - Independent Completion Review of the Enhancing Child Protection System to Keep Filipino Children Safe Online Program [PDF 211 KB]
• DFAT Management Response - Independent Completion Review of the Enhancing Child Protection System to Keep Filipino Children Safe Online Program [DOCX 45 KB]