Child Protection and Family Strengthening through Advocacy: A Case from Kashmir, India

In the conflict-affected region of Kashmir, vulnerable families face numerous socio-economic challenges that directly impact their children’s well-being. Inadequate housing, lack of access to social services, and fragile family structures increase the risk of family separation, exposing children to protection risks. Recognizing these challenges, HUMANITY… the Ultimate Faith (HUF), in partnership with UNICEF, launched the project “Building Community-Based Care Mechanism for Children in Need of Care and Protection” program in July 2022. This initiative targeted 40 villages in Anantnag and Kulgam districts to establish a community-driven response to the needs of at-risk families, focusing on preventing family separation and promoting family re-integration and strengthening.

The central challenge in this case was the precarious living conditions of many vulnerable families. In the village of Shangus, for example, a family of seven shared a single room, severely limiting the children’s ability to study, grow, and interact socially. Overcrowded and inadequate housing not only threatened their physical safety but also affected their emotional and academic well-being. In addition, families living in areas close to the forest faced the constant threat of wildlife attacks, heightening their fears for their children’s safety.Another major challenge was the bureaucratic process of applying for housing assistance through government schemes. Many families were unaware of available resources or lacked the ability to navigate these processes, often leading to delays in securing aid. 

HUF, through the CPGs (Child protection groups), prioritized housing as a key factor for family strengthening. They initiated advocacy efforts with local authorities, particularly the Block Development Offices (BDO), to secure government housing assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. By identifying families in need, facilitating applications, and rigorously following up with local administration, HUF was able to secure housing aid for 53 vulnerable families.Through these efforts, 51 families received the first two instalments of INR 150,000 each to build stable homes. The new housing allowed families to reclaim their dignity, improve their children’s educational prospects, and reduce the risk of family separation. One family, previously living above a cow shed, transitioned to a proper home, improving their living conditions and enabling the father to invest more in his children’s education and care.The impact of HUF’s interventions was significant. Stable housing not only improved the physical and emotional well-being of the children but also contributed to their academic success, social integration, and overall family cohesion. Children who once felt embarrassed to invite friends at home or struggled to concentrate on their studies due to cramped living spaces now had a secure and comfortable environment. Parents reported a sense of relief and empowerment, with many expressing gratitude for the renewed opportunities to provide a better future for their children.The advocacy for housing assistance also demonstrated the power of community collaboration. By working closely with local stakeholders, HUF and the CPGs were able to navigate complex government systems, ensuring timely and effective support for families in need.One of the most striking examples comes from a mother who, after the loss of a child to a leopard attack in a neighbouring village, was able to construct a safe house. Her new home brought peace of mind and security for her remaining children, underscoring the critical role of safe housing in child protection.The success of this initiative was a result of collaborative efforts between HUF, CPGs and District administration, the strategic case management, documentation, and follow-up led to tangible results for vulnerable families. With 51 families benefiting from the housing program and applications for another 125 families in the pipeline, the project’s future looks promising.

HUF has plans to expand these efforts to other districts in Kashmir, using the evidence from this program to advocate for broader systemic change in how family separation is addressed. By continuing to focus on securing stable housing and strengthening family structures, HUF hopes to create a protective environment for even more children in need.The case study of HUF’s work in Kashmir illustrates how community-based advocacy, combined with strategic partnerships and government support, can transform the lives of vulnerable families. By addressing critical needs like housing, the program not only strengthened family units but also provided children with the safety, stability, and support they need to thrive. This integrated approach highlights the potential of family-based alternative care programs to prevent child separation and promote long-term family resilience in fragile communities.