Kerala launches family sustainability mapping to protect vulnerable children

Kerala will roll out a Family Sustainability Mapping exercise designed to systematically identify children facing vulnerability and those living in challenging household situations. The initiative represents a coordinated effort to strengthen child protection mechanisms across the state by creating a detailed understanding of family circumstances and risk factors.

Women and Child Development Minister Bindhu Krishna outlined the comprehensive approach, which will involve extensive collaboration across multiple institutions and agencies. Schools, Anganwadis, local self-government bodies, District Child Protection Units, healthcare workers, and police departments will jointly conduct assessments to map vulnerable families and children requiring intervention.

The exercise aims to move beyond reactive child protection responses toward proactive identification of at-risk populations. By consolidating data and insights from frontline workers and institutions already engaged with families, the state seeks to create a more targeted and effective support system.

The multi-agency collaboration reflects an integrated approach to child welfare, combining educational, healthcare, administrative, and law enforcement perspectives. Officials indicated that findings from the sustainability mapping will inform policy decisions and resource allocation for child protection programmes across Kerala.