Child Protection System in Oman: A Public Health Approach and Benchmarking Against the INSPIRE Strategy

Oman identified child maltreatment as a national health priority almost two decades ago and has since set in motion various measures to address the issue. These measures include capacity-building for healthcare professionals, establishing a governance system for response and treatment, and creating a legal framework and database for reporting cases. This review documents the efforts made by the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to manage child maltreatment. It benchmarks the various initiatives against the INSPIRE Strategy's key components: Implementation and enforcement of laws, Norms and values, Safe environments, Parent and caregiver support, Income and economic strengthening, Response and support services, and Education and life skills. Data were collected by reviewing the literature and information by examining available literature on child protection in Oman, relevant policies and regulations, and implemented programs identified by stakeholders. The findings indicate that the child protection system aligns with the INSPIRE strategies, but improvements are needed in coordination with stakeholders. An electronic case management system is urgently required to enhance cooperation, alongside capacity-building efforts for professionals engaged in child care.