CINI’s commitment to child protection is deeply rooted in prevention and intervention. We’ve structured our preventive measures into three interconnected levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary, each tailored to the level of vulnerability children face. As Primary Prevention, at the community level, we aim to minimize child vulnerability by leveraging existing social structures and government systems to provide widespread support. As Secondary Prevention, our interventions become more specialized, targeting specific issues with a higher level of investment. As Tertiary Prevention, we focus on specialized centres, often located in urban areas, to address the most acute cases where community-level responses may not suffice.
Our strategy revolves around creating “Child-Friendly Communities, Systems, and Organizations” that influence child protection policies and frameworks within India, strengthening them through capacity building, technical assistance, evidence building, networking, advocacy, and policy influencing. We work to influence child protection policy frameworks established by legislation such as the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, Mission Vatsalya, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the Indian context. Our approach includes capacity building, technical assistance, evidence building, networking, advocacy, and policy influencing to strengthen these frameworks.
We firmly believe that no child belongs in an institution. Instead, we strive to build child-friendly communities that provide protective and supportive environments for children’s well-being. By strengthening parenting, fostering functional families, and creating social safety nets, we aim to keep children in their immediate environments whenever possible, preventing harm and promoting their well-being.
1,41,078 children were rescued, prevented, and supported through child protection services.
3,399 children received assistance through CHILDLINE emergency services.
Over 5,000 children benefited from institution-based services, and 21,500 were assisted through community-based services.
397 institutionalized children were reunited with their families or placed in alternative care.
1,308 children and their families gained access to social security schemes.
1,254 street and slum children received COVID-19 vaccinations.
5,814 stakeholders were trained in dealing with child protection.
4,155 Child Protection Committees (CPC) were strengthened.
2,014 child marriages were prevented through CINI's direct intervention.
CINI remains steadfast in its commitment to creating child-friendly environments, advocating for children's rights, and ensuring every child enjoys a safe and nurturing childhood.
In 2009, tragedy struck when Rohan was just two years old – he lost his father. The loss left his mother grappling with trauma, making it increasingly difficult for her to care for Rohan. With Rohan too young to fend for himself, his maternal aunt stepped forward, shouldering the responsibility of providing a nurturing environment for him.
Rohan began a new chapter of his life, residing with his maternal aunt, uncle, and three cousins in one of Ranchi’s slums. However, the family faced dire economic hardships, their income barely sufficient to meet the needs of all four children.
In 2019, CINI extended its helping hand to the area where Rohan and his family resided. A Child Protection Committee (CPC) at the slum level was established, initiating a vulnerability assessment exercise. Rohan and his cousins were identified as vulnerable and needing care and protection during this assessment. The CPC members conducted a family visit and determined that although Rohan’s aunt and uncle did their utmost to provide for the children, additional financial support was necessary.
Driven by their commitment to making a difference, the CPC members connected Rohan with the government’s ‘Sponsorship Scheme.’ CINI provided vital assistance in preparing the requisite documents and the application for support from the scheme. The application was submitted to the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in Ranchi through a collaborative effort between CINI and the CPC members. Thankfully, the DCPU recognized the family’s need and agreed to provide support. Once Rohan was enrolled in the scheme, the family began receiving Rs. 2000 per month. This financial assistance proved a significant relief, offering resources to cover school fees, provide nutritious meals, and meet other essential family expenses.
Expressing her gratitude, Rohan’s aunt stated, “I am thankful to CINI and CPC members for helping us secure sponsorship support.” With this newfound support, Rohan thrived, growing in a nurturing family environment and continuing his education.
Rohan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community efforts and our efforts in facilitating this.
At the tender age of 14, Rupa had already encountered a lifetime’s worth of challenges. She had endured early marriage, faced early pregnancy, dropped out of school, and grappled with the absence of familial protection. Her life stood at a crossroads, teetering on the precipice of adversity. But Rupa’s narrative underwent a remarkable transformation, thanks to the intervention of CINI.
Growing up, Rupa shouldered the burden of household chores and the care of her younger siblings in a home where neglect and overwork were her constant companions. In a courageous bid to escape an arranged marriage, she fled home and married the boy she loved.
However, her marital home did not usher in the expected bliss. Financial struggles loomed large, and her husband departed for work in Chennai, leaving Rupa at the mercy of her in-laws. She was confined to a dim, austere space with meagre food, all while carrying the weight of pregnancy. In this challenging period, our team in the village identified Rupa as high risk due to her early marriage and pregnancy, and her harrowing journey unfolded before us.
Our foremost priority was to create a haven for Rupa within her marital home. Through unwavering commitment, we embarked on consistent visits, heartfelt discussions, and empathetic counselling. Gradually, her in-laws began to accept her presence and provide the care she needed. Tragically, Rupa’s life took a devastating turn when her premature baby fell ill and, despite vaccinations, succumbed to the illness.
In the face of unimaginable grief, CINI’s team remained steadfast in their support for this resilient young girl. We initiated her re-enrollment in school, ensuring easy access and financial assistance while she attended regularly. Despite progress in rebuilding her life, the spectre of early pregnancy and discrimination within her family continued to loom.
Recognizing the persistent threats to Rupa’s well-being, we maintained regular outreach and support, focusing on nutrition and health. Witnessing CINI’s unwavering dedication, Rupa embraced our guidance and emerged as a formidable advocate within her community.
Today, Rupa comprehends the perils of early marriage and teen pregnancy. She has made it her mission to educate her community and peers. With the invaluable support of CINI’s Suswasthya Project, Rupa and other married adolescents in Khoyrasole have united to form a group dedicated to being agents of change in their locality. Their goal was to eradicate child marriage and prevent teen pregnancy.
Rupa’s journey is an indomitable testament to resilience, empowerment, and the transformative impact of CINI’s tireless work. Through the Suswasthya Project, Rupa and her fellow adolescents have become beacons of change, working relentlessly to abolish child marriage and shield their community from the perils of teen pregnancy.
1 Hurdles in life may be temporary, but the power of determination can make anything possible. Meet Asif Sheikh, a resilient 13-year-old boy currently in the seventh grade. He resides in Murshidabad with his mother and elder sister, who is in the tenth grade. Following their father’s demise, Asif ran his father’s cycle and motor mechanic shop. However, this led him down a path where he gradually disconnected from his education and became entangled in child labour. Asif’s mother faces her health struggles, frequently visiting her maternal home. At the same time, his elder sister is engaged but not yet married.
CINI became aware of Asif’s situation through a concerned relative also part of the CINI team. Upon learning of the family’s plight, the local facilitator conducted a home visit and identified Asif and his sister’s vulnerabilities. Asif’s mother was encouraged to apply for the Lokkhir Bhandar scheme during the Duare Sarkar Camp. With support, she gained access to medical services through the Swasthya Sathi card. Asif was also enrolled in the Shibpur Learning Center (LC), and his family participated in sessions on the consequences of early marriage and teenage pregnancy. The CINI team regularly addressed the issue with Asif’s family, specifically his mother and sister.
The Anganwadi Worker (AWW) and other members of the Village Level Child Protection Committee (VLCPC) closely monitored and supported the family.
The efforts resulted in Asif diligently attending the LC. He occasionally sits in the cycle and motor mechanic shop. Still, he refrains from actively working, opting to supervise the labourers. Asif’s mother has agreed not to proceed with her daughter’s marriage until she reaches the age of 18. In his own words, Asif shares, “After my father’s demise, I feared I wouldn’t be able to continue my education. My family has faced numerous hardships, but I remain hopeful that we can overcome this situation. I cherish attending the Learning Center and strive to be regular. All I want is for my mother to recover soon.” Asif’s determination to overcome adversity is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
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Daulatpur, P.O : Pailan, Via Joka, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, 700104. India
Tel: +91 84204 58926
Email: cini@cinindia.org
Website: cini-india.org
