Date: February 21, 2025

In January, the GBC approved the implementation of an enhanced child protection approach. However, it was noted that further consultation and a phased transition are needed. To address this, the Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC) will engage with regional CPO directors, Regional Governing Bodies (RGBs), and other stakeholders to address key issues such as external investigators, cross-jurisdictional cases, consistent standards, cultural differences, and regional case review bias.

The new approach will be implemented alongside the existing ICPO model for cases reported after March 1, 2025, with at least one case tested under the CPOC framework. The results will be reviewed during the GBC mid-term meetings before full implementation.

To facilitate a smoother transition, the GBC has extended the original transitional period to 3 to 9 months and has endorsed the appointment of the Justice Minister as the Transitional ICPO Director to oversee the process.

Please download the full text of the GBC meeting report here .