Implemented by: Institute of Social Development (ISD)

Supported by: Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, America

Location: Udham Singh Nagar District, Uttarakhand

1. Introduction

The Institute of Social Development (ISD), with financial support from the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, is implementing the “Access to Justice” Project in Udham Singh Nagar. The project focuses on strengthening child protection mechanisms and addressing issues such as child marriage, trafficking, and child labour.

2. Objectives of the Project

• Prevent and eliminate child marriage
• Rescue and rehabilitate child labourers
• Create awareness on child rights and protection laws
• Strengthen community-based protection systems
• Ensure access to justice for vulnerable children

3. Key Interventions

Awareness & Mobilization

• Large-scale awareness campaigns
• Outreach in vulnerable communities
• Focus on child marriage, trafficking, and labour

Prevention of Child Marriage

• 1,000+ undertakings collected
• Continuous engagement with families and leaders
• Monitoring and reporting cases

Rescue & Rehabilitation

• 50+ children rescued
• Coordination with administration and police
• Rehabilitation and reintegration support

Community & Religious Engagement

• Pledges by religious leaders
• Awareness messages in public places
• Community institutions involvement

Advocacy & Strengthening

• Participation in District Task Force
• Coordination with stakeholders

4. Key Achievements

• 1,000+ undertakings collected
• 50+ children rescued
• 10,000+ individuals sensitized
• Active involvement of religious leaders
• Strengthened district coordination

5. Organizational Strength

The Chairperson of ISD has served as a member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), bringing valuable expertise in child protection systems.

6. Conclusion

The project has made significant progress in addressing child protection issues through awareness, prevention, rescue, and institutional collaboration. ISD continues to ensure a safer environment for children.

Case Study: Stopping a Child Marriage

Background: A minor girl (15 years 11 months) in Anjaniya village was about to be married. ISD verified records and confirmed she was underage.

Action Taken:

• Reported to Childline (1098) and Police (112)
• Reached the location with authorities
• Presented proof and explained legal consequences

Outcome:

• Marriage cancelled publicly
• Girl taken to One Stop Centre
• Families gave written undertaking

Impact:

• Child marriage prevented
• Girl’s rights protected
• Community awareness strengthened

Case Study: Child Labour Rescue

Background: A 14-year-old boy was found working at a roadside eatery due to financial hardship.

Intervention:

• Coordinated with Childline, Labour Dept, and Police
• Conducted rescue operation
• Counseled employer

Post-Rescue Support:

• Presented before CWC
• Provided counseling
• Re-enrolled in school
• Linked family to welfare schemes

Outcome & Impact:

• Child rescued and rehabilitated
• Education restored
• Community awareness increased