From Relief to Resilience: Transforming Child Protection in DH Pora

In the quiet village of DH Pora, nestled within the majestic mountains of the Pir Panjal Range in Kulgam district, a silent revolution in child protection is reshaping lives. This community, where nearly a third of the population consists of children aged 0-18, has faced numerous challenges in providing adequate care, education, and protection for its youngest and most vulnerable members. For years, Bait-ul-Mal DH Pora served as a lifeline for many, offering basic support through food distribution, financial aid, and vocational training. However, despite its noble efforts, the impact was limited by traditional, less structured approaches that focused primarily on immediate relief rather than long-term solutions.

The turning point came when HUMANITY… The Ultimate Faith (HUF), with the support of UNICEF, implemented a transformative Family-Based Alternative Care program aimed at preventing family separation and ensuring children grow up in nurturing family environments. HUF’s intervention began with intensive training and technical sessions for the Community based child Protection Group (CPGs), a local network dedicated to child welfare. Through these capacity-building initiatives, CPG members learned to prioritize family prevention, recognizing that the best place for a child to thrive is within the warmth and security of a family, whether biological or alternative. This strategic shift redefined the role of Bait-ul-Mal DH Pora, turning it into a beacon of structured and comprehensive care for vulnerable children. The program expanded its reach, now supporting 143 children across 20 villages with financial assistance, educational resources, healthcare, and nutritional support. More importantly, the focus remained on keeping children within family environments, whether through reunification with their families or placement in alternative family care when necessary. The impact of HUF’s intervention has been profound. Educational enrolment has surged, with fewer children dropping out of school. Community awareness around child protection has significantly increased, with local residents actively participating in safeguarding children from child labour and exploitation.

Perhaps the most transformative outcome has been the reduction in family separations. Through enhanced financial and MPHSS support services, families that once faced the prospect of disintegration due to poverty or crisis are now able to stay together. Bait-ul-Mal DH Pora with the support of CPG has become a crucial pillar of support; this success story exemplifies the power of community-driven, family-centered interventions in addressing complex social challenges. By focusing on long-term welfare rather than short-term relief, HUF and Bait-ul-Mal DH Pora have created a model of child protection that not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a future where every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. In a region often overshadowed by socio-economic challenges, DH Pora now stands as a testament to the resilience of community efforts and the transformative power of faith, compassion, and strategic intervention in securing the well-being and future of its children.