KEBIJAKAN DINAS SOSIAL KOTA SORONG DALAM PERLINDUNGAN ANAK JALANAN DARI KEKERASAN DAN UPAYA PENINGKATAN KESEJAHTERAANYA

Sari

All children, including street children, are entitled to legal protection and special attention to ensure the number of street children does not continue to rise; this ensures they receive social protection and are shielded from acts of violence that could endanger them. This study aims to examine the policies of the Sorong City Social Agency regarding the protection of street children from violence and efforts to improve their welfare, as well as the obstacles the agency faces in these endeavors. A normative-empirical research method was employed, conducted at the Sorong City Social Agency. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources using interviews, literature reviews, and observations, and were subsequently analyzed qualitatively. The findings regarding the Sorong City Social Agency's policies indicate that for street children who have suffered physical violence, the agency provides specialized support services during the investigation stage to offer moral backing to the victims; furthermore, if the violence results in psychological trauma, the agency provides psychological services for the child. Meanwhile, the obstacles faced by the agency include a lack of facilities and infrastructure; a tendency to prioritize customary practices when resolving issues of physical violence against children; a shortage of human resources, such as volunteers to assist with the agency's duties; and insufficient budget to fully support programs aimed at maximizing protection for street children who have experienced physical violence in Sorong City.

Keyword: Social Services, Street Children, Physical Violence, Sorong City