Photograph: Atul Loke, © Legatum Limited 2018
Results
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
As a partnership of government, communities and businesses, the CLFJ design is about fundamentally strengthening systems to create lasting change.
Systemic Change Timeline
Bihar Child Protection Committees in areas with high levels of child trafficking are tracking their progress against clear benchmarks and using a digital dashboard to see where more support is needed.
When government-mandated child protection frameworks are working well, every child in every village will be less vulnerable.
Since August 2019, the Jaipur Judiciary has handed down 11 convictions of traffickers (whereas before 2019 there were none for child labour trafficking), including the first ever child labour conviction in India using the penal code provision against trafficking of a minor.
A series of well-publicised convictions creates deterrence, where traffickers know they can no longer act with impunity.
Jaipur authorities and shelter homes are now starting to ensure that rescued children get comprehensive health checks at multiple points from rescue to return home.
Strengthens children’s overall care and protection and increases their chances of successful reintegration.
After a Supreme Court directive, Rajasthan and Bihar courts are now using videoconferencing to take children’s testimony during the trial.
Children no longer have to travel long distances to give testimony, making them more likely to testify.
First community women-owned and run Producer Company is registered.
It shifts the balance of power from women relying on exploitative middlemen to women having negotiating power in the supply chain.
Rajasthan Dept. for Child Rights has set up a digital documentation system to track rescued child labourers.
Children who have their vital documents and are tracked can be helped long-term, and are better protected.
Rajasthan Dept. of Education issued a statewide order requiring schools to display the names of their School Management Committee members.
Knowing who is accountable lays the foundation to improve education quality and strengthens the voice of the school community and parents.
Rajasthan High Court ordered that rescued children need to provide their court testimony before returning to their home state.
It increases the chances that children provide accurate testimony, without the risk of influence of their trafficker.
A customized and participatory Child Rights Curriculum is rolled out in the community on a wide-scale, and is being led by community volunteers.
When communities reach their own conclusions about why to resist child labour, it changes the mindset of a whole generation, also affecting future generations.
Rajasthan Dept. for Child Rights directs that every child in shelters should have an individual care plan.
Counseling and care planning for children is essential for their recovery, and contributes to accurate court testimony against traffickers.
