between the SLP and the MSWGCA all police stations are required to establish and maintain a Family Support Unit (FSU). The FSU’s are responsible for dealing with juvenile offenders as well as child victims of violence and for monitoring convicted child abusers. In 2014 there are 44 FSUs across the country supported by 358 police personnel. All of the units are meant to be supported by social workers. However, the dire shortage of social workers in the country means that the units currently only enjoy the support of 18 social workers. The role of the social worker is to ensure that processes followed once the crime is reported are child sensitive; that referral processes are facilitated; and that reintegration of the child is monitored. Each of the FSU’s is required to provide a separate interview room for children. 225. The intended role played by the FSU’s is not only reactive, but proactive. It is envisaged that they engage with communities, schools and children to promote attitudes and practices that prevent child abuse, neglect and exploitation. They meet with communities and identify and work together to resolve child protection problems as well as engage in awareness campaigns through workshops and other community-based activities at which they provide training on child rights laws and instrument such as the ACRWC and the CRC. Fulfilment of the FSU’s intended roles is hampered by lack of sufficient resources, equipment and supplies, particularly in the more outlying areas of the country. 226. There has been substantial training of FSU personnel to ensure that they are respectful of children’s rights and needs and are able to provide the necessary services, support and referrals to children and within communities. An FSU Training Manual was developed in 2008 by Sierra Leone Police and the MSWGCA which covers International Human Rights Standards; governing national laws; the principles of abuse, domestic and gender-based violence; the investigation process; service provision for victims and survivors; protection of child victims, witnesses and offenders; and the monitoring process. Each chapter in turn addresses children’s rights in context. Substantial investments have been made in training specialised officers to respond to children at risk in an appropriate manner. Although there is no formal pre-service training on child abuse issues, there are plans to introduce a specialised GBV course in the formal police training curriculum (Child Frontiers Limited, 2010). 227. In response to the lack of standing orders or guidelines governing the work of the FSUs, Standard Operating Procedures for the Investigation of Sexual and Domestic Violence Offences were developed by the Sierra Leone Police and development partners. Their purpose is to ensure the adoption of minimum standards of good practice in the investigation of sexual and domestic violence offences across police units, including the FSUs. They relate to the police conduct of investigations into sexual and domestic violence offences. The prescribed procedures are to be observed by FSUs as well as police stations without FSUs. Specific guidelines are provided for victims under the age of 18 years and the Operating Procedures make provision for taking into consideration the wishes of the child and for decisions as to the presence or absence of a parent / guardian. 228. The FSU’s have played an increasingly important role in the protection of children in Sierra Leone as is evident from the following statistics as to the number of crimes reported to and addressed by the FSUs. 6. Family Environment and Alternative Care  61