How do we provide individual refugee and asylum-seeking children at risk with targeted, timely, systematic and coordinated support in their best interests?

Through these online self-paced microlearning modules on Best Interests Procedure (BIP), you will understand the legal and policy framework underpinning BIP, operationalising and resourcing for BIP, working with national systems, delivering quality BIP for individual refugee and asylum-seeking children at risk, and implementing the Best Interests Determination (BID) process in specific situations. 

BIP includes the key steps of child protection case management as well as UNHCR’s Best Interests Determination (BID) process and is implemented for individual asylum-seeking and refugee children at risk in need of targeted, structured, systematic, sustained and coordinated support. It ensures that decisions and actions aimed at addressing protection risks and needs for children are in their best interests. BIP is embedded within, and links to, refugee protection case management.

These modules are relevant for UNHCR and other UN agencies, government, NGOs and civil society social welfare workforce involved in child protection, personnel implementing refugee protection procedures (refugee registration, refugee status determination and durable solutions), managers and programme personnel responsible for resource allocation and child protection programming.


Based on the UNHCR 2021 Best Interests Procedure Guidelines: Assessing and Determining the Best Interests of the Child, through this online learning you will:

  • Increase your knowledge and understanding of the specific experience of asylum-seeking and refugee children, and the application of the best interests principle in decisions affecting them.
  • Build your technical expertise and gain access to key tools for the implementation of Best Interests Procedure (BIP).
  • Become familiar with the roles and responsibilities for implementing BIP, including decision-making through the Best Interests Determination process.

Learning objectives

At the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Describe the background, theory and legal framework of the best interests principle and procedure.
  • Explain child protection case management for asylum-seeking and refugee children (the BIP step-by-step).
  • Describe UNHCR’s  Best Interests Determination (BID) process including when and how to implement this.

Audience

This course is for UNHCR and other UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society social welfare workforce, and other individuals implementing Best Interests Procedure (BIP) for asylum-seeking and refugee children at risk and identifying durable solutions. It is also for current and new members of the Best Interests Determination (BID) panel, those overseeing child protection programmes, as well as those responsible for resourcing for BIP.  

Length

It should take you around 3 hours to complete this self-paced course.

Methodology

This course is composed of five short self-paced modules divided into several parts. Each module introduces its learning objectives. After each part, you will find a summary of learning points. At the end of each module, you will find a wrap up section with some questions to assess your own progress. 

The course also promotes self-reflection at different stages. It is peppered with interactive icons, short videos, and resource links. The videos walk the learner through the main concepts and practices, facilitating understanding and reflection. The videos are available with or without audio, and a transcript is provided for all. 

Structure

This BIP online course consists of five modules:

  • Module 1: Plan & Mobilize for BIP
  • Module 2: Child Protection Case Management for Refugee Children
  • Module 3: BIP Step-by-Step
  • Module 4: BIP in Emergencies and the Best Interests Determination (BID) Process
  • Module 5: BID Process & Decision-Making


The introduction video is available here: BIP - Assessing and Determining the Best Interests of the Child by UNHCR

Additional resources relating to the Best Interests Procedure can be found in the 


                    Contact details

                    Content issues and questions: 

                    UNHCR

                    Content issues and questions: 

                    Clifford Speck, UNHCR Child Protection Officer (speckc@unhcr.org) 

                    Course and learner management: 

                    Lorett Mary Jesudoss, UNHCR Talent Learning & Development Officer (jesudoss@unhcr.org) 

                    UNICEF

                    Regarding technical issues, please use the links listed at the bottom of the page under the Contact Us section.