Keralam to conduct nationwide mapping of child vulnerability

Representative image | Photo credit: File Photo

A nationwide vulnerability mapping will be conducted to identify children living in vulnerable conditions in Kerala.

The survey will be conducted as part of the action plan of the Women and Child Development Department to ensure the care, protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable children.

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting convened by Minister for Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna here on Friday (October 23) following the death of a two-year-old toddler in Alappuzha due to suspected malnutrition.

Once vulnerable children are identified, their safety and rehabilitation will be ensured with the support of local government, health and police.

The minister emphasized that women and child development workers in the districts will be fully responsible for ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of children.

The meeting decided to strengthen coordination between various departments while ensuring that regular meetings of child protection and welfare committees from district to village level are held.

In case of obstacles in matters including child rescue, district child protection officers should ensure higher level interventions. Lack of cooperation on the part of parents should not lead to the interruption of steps to ensure the safety of children.

Social inquiry reports should be submitted to Child Welfare Committees within a time limit. Individual care plans should be prepared for all children in care institutions. Monitoring and follow-up should be ensured even after rehabilitation of children.

Children’s nutrition and growth will be monitored and urgent interventions will be undertaken if malnutrition or neglect is detected.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 22:01 IST