A Trauma-informed Consultation Model for Treating Survivors of Child Labour

Abstract

Child labour is a global problem that affects children’s lives. Children engage in work that is physically, mentally, and emotionally harmful. Previous studies have found that exposure to work as a child is associated with adverse mental health outcomes, and severity is related to the intensity and type of work. India is ranked highest in terms of children in labour in South Asia, according to ILO estimates. The Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF) is a non-profit organization focused on addressing the problem of child labour in India. It works to rescue children from bonded labour and return them to their families or place them in rehabilitation centres. KSCF partnered with the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Medical Aid Films to create a consultation program that aims to support the children and the caregivers at the rehabilitation centres. The program includes a series of short animated films, a trauma training curriculum, and ongoing case consultation with the caregivers.