Social Work with Children: Responding to Child Vulnerability - SocialWorkin

Content

1. Introduction
2. Factors for Child Vulnerability
3. Why is working with children an important field of practice?
4. Wide and Diverse Range of work
5. Categories of children requiring special attention
6. Responding to Vulnerability and marginalization 
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Children's issues have always been one of the overlooked topics in the development industry. Many children are prone to neglect, abuse, aggression, and exploitation due to adult apathy, dominance, and powerlessness as well as their young age. Additionally, there are not as many trained social workers working with children as there are kids in need of care and intervention.

This blog post places a strong emphasis on the necessity of working with children. The child-related sector offers a wide range of opportunities for employment. The type of intervention would depend on the child's age, vulnerable areas, and top priority areas. There is a certain group of children who may need extra care and protective measures from the State and civil society, despite the fact that all children are generally susceptible because of their youth and developing capacities. The session provides a concise overview of the various groups of at-risk children in India. A summary of the various methods the State is addressing issues of vulnerability and marginalisation is also provided in this post.

Factors for Child Vulnerability

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development's (2015–16) annual report, there are many children in India who are marginalized and at risk owing to various scenarios and circumstances. It is crucial to first look at the elements that cause vulnerable and marginalized situations in order to comprehend the urgency of working with children.

Factors Associated with Child Marginalization and Vulnerability While the child's young age is a consideration, there are also a number of other related problems. In addition to age, another factor is the child's capacity to defend themselves or seek out protection from danger and abuse. The Childline India Foundation (CIF) has examined the various causes of child marginalization and vulnerability. Below is an excerpt from the text:

1. Age within age: Younger children, especially those below the age of six, are much more dependent on the protection system. 
2. Physical disabilities 
3. Mental disabilities 
4. Provocative behaviours: due to ignorance or misunderstanding of children's mental health or behavioural problems, some people can become irritated or frustrated and hence lash out against children or neglect them completely 
5. Powerlessness: comes of the situations and people that surround the children. If a child is given the power by the state, family or community to participate and fulfil their own rights and responsibilities they are less vulnerable 
6. Defenselessness: comes from the lack of protection provided by the state or parents or community. If there is no child abuse law than how is a child supposed to defend himself/herself against abuse 
7. Passivity: due to situation or treatment of the child. For example a child who is enslaved or oppressed does not have the ability to seek help or protection 
8. Illness 
9. Invisible: Children who the system doesn't even recognize are highly vulnerable.”

Risk and Protective Variables: The risk and protective factors in a child's life have an impact on their growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a risk factor as "any property, characteristic, or exposure of an individual that raises the possibility of acquiring a disease or injury" from the perspective of health. Child development "unfolds in individual, familial, and community circumstances that impact its course," claims Davies (2011). Conditions that put a child at risk for development include the following:

1. Vulnerabilities in the child, such as mental impairment or chronic illness 
2. Impaired parenting 
3. Socioeconomic and institutional factors, such as lack of access to medical care or chronic exposure of the family to poverty and social disadvantage”

The phrase "risk factor" refers to everything or anything that, generally speaking, enhances the likelihood that a kid would suffer injury or be in danger. Situations that lessen the risk of danger or injury to the child are referred to as protective factor(s). The home, school, friends and peers, neighbourhood, and community can all serve as both risk and protective factors. Additionally, a child's individual trait or traits might operate as both a risk and a protective factor. Depending on the circumstances. Examples of possible risk factors in a child's life include family drunkenness, negligent parenting, marital violence, neighbourhood violence, corporal punishment at school, harmful peer influences, certain child personality features, etc. Children can benefit from having attentive parents and instructors, as well as from their own resilience, safety in their neighbourhood, and friends who have positive influences. Most kids have certain risk factors in their environment during their formative years. With prompt management, these risk factors can be minimised or reduced. Overall, a child has a higher chance of protection if risk factors outweigh protective variables.

Why is working with children an important field of practice?

There are a number of important reasons why it is imperative to work with children, whether directly or through other important adults who have a large impact on their lives.  Below are some of the justifications for working with kids:

• Powerlessness and helplessness: Vulnerability, abuse, and exploitation are considerably more likely to occur when children are not in a position of authority or are helpless to protect themselves. For instance, the institutional authorities are solely responsible for the care and nurturing of children who are raised in institutional care as orphans, poor, or missing youngsters. Another illustration would be youngsters who work as child labour in homes, factories, stores, etc. and are expected to comply with their employer's requests. Children may not be invited to participate in or express an opinion on most family matters, even in families where they are raised alongside their parents or other family members. A youngster may find it difficult to communicate and feel dominated by the family in a home where parents or other family members are particularly authoritarian toward the child. This does not imply that every child in every household or educational setting suffers from abuse or exploitation. However, it is crucial to remember that there may be a greater chance of susceptibility under certain circumstances. Additionally, systemic injustices in society leave certain youngsters defenceless and helpless. Children growing up in less empowered groups or cultures, on the other hand, may be comparatively more disadvantaged than children growing up in poverty, girls, children with disabilities, children belonging to a certain class or caste, religion, or area. Therefore, it would be our responsibility as adults to work with a variety of kids and promote kids' empowerment.
• Approaches used by adults toward children at various levels are another aspect contributing to a child's vulnerability. A developing child is often with other adults rather than friends and peers. The youngster interacts with their parents, relatives, neighbours, and teachers at school on a daily basis. The thoughts and actions of the youngster are directly influenced by these grownups. A child's development is positively facilitated by supportive teachers and family members. The child enjoys the pleasures of childhood, is able to speak without being afraid, explores potential and talents to the fullest extent possible, and feels emotionally safe and self-assured. This not only guarantees the child a good upbringing but typically opens up opportunities for the future as well. Children may engage with other adults, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, bosses, childcare providers, etc., who may also have an impact on the child in various ways. Other adults who have a significant influence on children's lives on a larger scale include the police, the court system, and policymakers. At various levels, how adults treat children affects the child's life in direct or indirect ways. Children's needs may not always be met to their full potential if adults perceive them with neglect, apathy, or power and dominance. This is because decisions will more likely be made based on what the adult feels is best rather than what the child actually wants. These kids become even more vulnerable if the attitude is one of total authoritarianism with no room for participation because they are unable to express themselves.
• 
  
• Resources and social structures-Inherently biassed social systems, inequality, and limited access to resources all contribute to children's vulnerability. Age, residence location, capacity and capability, family socioeconomic condition, nearby community resources, identity, etc. all have an impact on the child's life in many ways. Children who live in urban poverty, for instance, would confront different challenges than children who live in rural or isolated tribal hamlets. In contrast to a female kid with a disability growing up in a household with a higher socioeconomic standing and better access to aids and appliances, the impoverished girl child may have a loving family but fewer resources. Instances of school-age children being treated unfairly and discriminatorily because of their caste and social standing have been reported in the media. We also need to be conscious that vulnerability has several structural layers and dimensions when we're seeking to comprehend child vulnerability and the justifications for working with kids.
• 
  
• Large populations of children: With 1.21 million inhabitants, India is the second-most populous country in the world, and children make up 39% of the entire population. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Annual Report (2015–16), India is home to 19% of the world's children. There are roughly 440 million young people in India under the age of 18 out of the total population. According to estimates in the report, about "170 million or 40% of India's children are vulnerable or enduring challenging circumstances characterised by their particular social, economic, and geo-political contexts," the report continues. Children make up a sizable portion of society, however they are frequently the ones that receive the most neglect.
• Reflection of the commitment of the State and society to children: Children are not allowed to vote or take part in political processes to demand their rights. The state's and society's readiness and commitment to support and nurture their young members are also reflected in the fulfilment of children's rights and wellbeing. In addition to enjoying childhood, a happy and healthy child is more likely to develop into a positive, successful adult.
• Specific social work intervention programmes have been created for various groups of children who need special attention and care. Special attention is given to specific categories of children. As an illustration, consider children who live on the streets, child labour, abuse victims or survivors, early childhood care, etc. Additionally, young people under the age of 18 who are prone to undesirable behaviours like addiction or even crime need guidance and supervision from adults.
• The need for raising awareness and advocating is a result of societal neglect, adult attitudes toward children, and an insufficient reaction from the government. These factors call for ongoing programmes and campaigns to raise awareness of, or increase sensitivity to, concerns relating to children.
• Children are growing quickly during childhood, a time of fast development. At various ages and stages, there are several vital demands that demand attention. An infant, for instance, will need immunisation at particular times. A youngster who is old enough to attend school must be admitted to and enrolled in a school. For the most part, an older youngster will need adult advice and assistance while setting career goals. These needs must be fulfilled quickly.

Wide and Diverse Range of work

The possibilities for dealing with kids are numerous. It depends on our mindset, propensity, and the matters that particularly trouble us in relation to kids. For instance, if we have a preference or concern for very young children, we can concentrate on a number of programmes created for early childhood care and education. As an alternative, we might choose to concentrate on school-going kids, girls, adolescence, or older kids who are approaching maturity. The topic or subject that interests us will also influence how we interact with youngsters. We might, for instance, want to work in the fields of gender, health, education, nutrition, child protection, counselling, developmental work, career guidance, preventive work, awareness, and advocacy.

All youngsters would benefit from developmental programmes that foster the child's potential and development. For instance, development programmes run in schools or communities to foster talent, encourage teamwork and cooperation among kids, and to create self-confidence, leadership, and life skills education. Preventive programmes, including those for stress management, sex education, addiction awareness, etc., are not only good for the child but can also avert unpleasant circumstances and potential harm. There are programmes that serve multiple objectives. For instance, the midday meal programme, which offers a meal at school to children from lower-income households, not only increases the child's access to nourishing food but also deters school dropout. Programs run in communities to promote public knowledge of issues like education, child marriage, health, nutrition, career counselling, etc. not only raise awareness but also help keep kids out of vulnerable situations like child labour, child marriage, child trafficking, etc. Children who are going through mental anguish or struggle may need therapeutic attention. Not all children absolutely need social work assistance. However, youngsters gain from general education or developmental programmes. Work that focuses on prevention or therapy tends to be more targeted towards certain issues.

Categories of children requiring special attention

Despite the fact that they are all susceptible owing to their early age, some groups of children are more vulnerable than others due to particular circumstances and societal realities. Different vulnerable child groups or categories necessitate unique State and civil society responses. An indicative (but not complete) list is provided below. There may be other additional groups of children who are at risk, including:

• Missing Children 
• Malnourished children 
• Orphaned and destitute Children 
• Street living or street connected children 
• Child labour 
• Child trafficking 
• Child marriage
• Children in conflict Areas 
• Child soldiers 
• Child who are forced into prostitution 
• Victims of child pornography 
• Victims of riot, conflict, war, and disasters 
• Children in addiction 
• Children in conflict with law
• Child headed households 
• Children infected/affected with HIV/AIDS
• Children without birth registration 
• Children in Institutional care 
• School dropout children 
• Victims of religious or cultural practices 
• Child Sexual Abuse

Sorting children into groups does not amount to "labelling" or the assumption that these kids have just one type of susceptibility. Children are categorised to ensure that their circumstances receive specific attention while maintaining the possibility that the child's susceptibility may be expressed within one category or across multiple categories. Vulnerability can have physical, mental, emotional, or other effects. Children are affected by vulnerability in different ways depending on their age and other factors. Children in all of the aforementioned groups need to have certain basic needs met in terms of care, nourishment, and protection, as well as particular amenities tailored to their circumstances. Poverty often contributes to or causes child vulnerability in the scenarios outlined above. Furthermore, a variety of vulnerabilities could coexist. For instance, 16-year-old Simmi, a school dropout, works daily for 10–12 hours while still taking care of her ailing parents at home. Simmi would require many kind of assistance. Another case in point is Rohil, who was seduced by a stranger, assaulted, imprisoned, and forced to take part in child pornography at the age of 12 after becoming separated from his family at the train station. Rohit would need a different kind of assistance. As social workers, we may want to concentrate on a specific group of at-risk children or advocate for macropolitical changes to reduce vulnerability, deprivation, marginalisation, and child poverty on a broad scale.

Responding to Vulnerability and marginalization

Given the seriousness of the problem, there have been significant improvements and advances in India over the past several years in important child-related sectors such child protection, child rights, missing children, child abuse prevention, and juvenile justice. Policies, legislation, and programs have all changed. The various steps and tactics to address child marginalization and vulnerability are listed below.

• Constitutional Provisions: The Indian constitution establishes the overall foundation for the country's laws, policies, practises, and governmental powers and functions. It lists the fundamental freedoms, guiding ideals, and responsibilities of citizenship. The Indian Constitution recognises the need for children to have a particular position and the importance of providing for their growth and development. The Constitution contains several clauses that particularly address children in areas including early childhood care, health, education, abuse and exploitation prevention, and developmental opportunities. In order to strengthen work relating to children, several policies, legislation, plans, and programmes in India have incorporated the constitutional requirements inside their papers.
• Policies for Children: The Indian government has created a number of documents over the years that have been centred on the needs and rights of children. The first thorough policy document on children was the National Policy for Children, published in 1974. The National Policy for Children, 2013, lists the primary child-related issues that demand attention and intervention in order to lead the various laws, plans, programmes, and government schemes. These include protection, participation, development, development, health, and nutrition. Additional particular laws exist in the fields of child labour, nutrition, and early childhood care. The National Charter for Children of 2003 and the National Plan of Action of 2016 have both served as additional catalysts for the work.
• Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) - The United Nations General Assembly ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. It is the first international agreement on children's rights that is legally binding and thoroughly covers a variety of children's rights. To ensure that child rights are upheld and that violations can be legally addressed, countries that have ratified the Convention are required to incorporate the provisions of the Convention into their own national policy, legislation, and programmes. India has ratified the Convention and incorporated many of its clauses into its child-related laws and policies.
• Laws - While general laws generally benefit children depending on the infraction and crime, there are specific child-related laws in India that are substantive and cover various vulnerable child categories in areas like care and protection needs, education, children in legal trouble, children without families or family support, child sexual abuse and exploitation, child labour, prevention of child marriage, and prevention of female foeticide.
• Schemes- The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Integrated Child Protection Scheme are two of the major child-related initiatives in India (ICPS). The ICDS places specific emphasis on adolescent girls, maternal health, preschool education, and the health and nutrition of young children between the ages of 0 and 6 years. One of the biggest programmes in the world for mother and child health care is the ICDS. The ICPS works to integrate several child-related initiatives under a single, expansive umbrella programme, with an emphasis on preventing institutionalisation of children, improving the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system, and bolstering non-institutional or alternative care. The ICPS also seeks to establish community and village-level child protection committees for preventive action. Even though these are two significant federal programmes, there are numerous federal and state programmes that concentrate on other aspects of children, including particular populations like girls.
• Programs: A variety of different programmes are available for various types of at-risk children, including those involved in child labour, children living on the streets, rehabilitation, vocational guidance and training, skill development, children with disabilities, and girl children.
• Training, research, and capacity building – More people are becoming aware of the importance of training and increasing the capacities of various stakeholders (police, legal persons, government officials, social workers, volunteers, counsellors, adjudicating bodies, etc.). The main goals of training have been to broaden perspectives on children's rights, safeguard children, raise awareness of recent advancements, examine policy and practise, and improve abilities. Research produces evidence-based practise and can be a useful tool for lobbying, situational analysis, programme design, review, database construction, and programme design.
• Civil society and NGOs' Initiatives Children's health, maternal care, trafficking, child labour, quality care in children's institutions, child sexual abuse, education, birth registration, rural development, family tracing of missing children, rehabilitation, children in conflict with the law, children with disabilities, children affected/infected with HIV/AIDS, and children in addiction are just a few of the diverse areas where NGOs and civil society organisations have made a significant contribution. Although the State has the primary duty and mandate to provide for children, NGOs and civil society organisations support State efforts. If and when necessary, they can work with the State to implement important aspects of child care or criticise its lack of implementation, and they can raise awareness of and advocate for children's rights and protection.

We need to have a fundamental awareness of the policy and legal framework, programs, and initiatives within which we may situate our work in order to be able to work with children in an effective manner. The websites of the relevant government ministries and other relevant reports provide detailed information about various policies and programmes.

Conclusion

The crucial need for social work with children as a significant area of practice and vulnerable factors have been covered in the blog. Social work with children encompasses a wide range of activities. Developmental, preventative, or therapeutic work can be done. For the wellbeing of all children, there are many laws and programs, and there are particular measures for particular categories of vulnerable children.

References

• Adenwalla, M.2006. Child Protection and Juvenile Justice System for Juvenile in Conflict with Law,