ANALISIS PERAN DINAS SOSIAL ACEH DALAM PENDAMPINGAN ANAK SEBAGAI SAKSI ATAU KORBAN PADA KASUS HUKUM DI LPSK KOTA BANDA ACEH

Abstract

This study analyses the role of the Aceh Social Services Agency in assisting children who are witnesses or victims in legal cases at the Banda Aceh City LPSK. The research problem arises from the gap between the mandate for child protection in Law No. 35/2014 and its implementation in the field, where children still face the risk of retraumatisation, lack of psychosocial assistance, and weak coordination between agencies. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Aceh Social Services Agency in ensuring children's rights during the legal process. The research method employs a qualitative approach with data collection techniques including in-depth interviews with 15 informants (representatives from the LPSK, Social Services Agency, NGOs, and victims/families), observation of the support process, and analysis of policy documents. The research findings indicate that the Aceh Social Services Agency has played a role in providing basic legal and psychological support, but is still hindered by limitations in trained human resources, inadequate budgets, and suboptimal coordination with the LPSK and authorities. Additionally, the support provided has not fully adopted the principles of restorative justice and child-friendly procedures in accordance with the LPSK's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The research recommendations include: (1) enhancing human resource capacity through specialised training in child support, (2) strengthening inter-agency synergy by forming an integrated team, (3) allocating a special budget for trauma healing services, and (4) developing SOPs for support based on the specific needs of children. These findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach in protecting child victims of crime to prevent systemic revictimisation.