These detailed guidelines offer practical information and tools to implement community-based MHPSS interventions to address the protection and psychosocial support needs of children and families, in parallel with tailored mental health interventions for those most in need.

They help agencies working with children to support and promote safe, nurturing environments for children’s recovery, psychosocial well-being, and protection. They provide a framework for engaging actors at all levels (children, caregivers, families and community service providers) to design and implement MHPSS strategies that are locally relevant, comprehensive and sustainable. The Operational Guidelines are accompanied by a Compendium of Resources (see Linked Resources section).

This document has been replaced with a new version: Global Multisectoral Operational Framework for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support of Children, Adolescents and Caregivers Across Settings [Field Demonstration Version] (see Linked Resources section).