Enhancing Child Protection and Development: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Child Protection in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a transformative force across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and social services. In child protection, AI offers novel opportunities to detect, prevent, and respond to cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation more effectively. Kazakhstan, like many countries, faces significant challenges in ensuring the safety and development of its children, particularly in a rapidly changing socio-economic environment. Integrating AI into child protection systems could provide much-needed solutions, such as predictive analytics for early intervention, automated risk assessments, and enhanced monitoring systems for safeguarding children’s well-being.

This research explores two interrelated factors that have significantly influenced the emergence of academic analyses of child protection policies and practices in Kazakhstan: the growing strains and crises in child protection systems over the last forty years, and the development of comparative research on different systems. These studies demonstrate that child protection policies and practices vary significantly across countries, influenced by political, social, and cultural factors. This paper outlines these key developments and conceptual frameworks, providing insights into how these frameworks can be used to further analyze and improve child protection policies and practices. Focusing on orphans and vulnerable children in Kazakhstan, the study investigates the effectiveness of current policies, identifies existing gaps, and proposes future research directions. The research highlights the critical role of government policies, community-based initiatives, and international cooperation in enhancing child protection. By addressing these issues, Kazakhstan can create a safer and more supportive environment for its children, contributing to their overall development and well-being.