Salaam Baalak Trust

Baalak Trust, a non-profit founded in 1988, is committed to uplifting the lives of street and working children. They annually reach over 11,000 children via programs like shelter, medical care, education, repatriation, and rehabilitation. The harsh realities these children face make them vulnerable to abuse, violence, trauma, and neglect. In response, Baalak Trust launched the Mental Health Program (MHP) in 2003, led by renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Amit Sen. Starting with four members, it now comprises eight counselors and two special educators. The team emphasizes confidentiality and child rights. Vision & Objectives: The MHP's vision is to foster positive mental health in Salaam Baalak Trust-supported children and adolescents. Early Identification and Management: The program addresses mental health and behavioral issues in children and adolescents. Awareness Building: It raises awareness about mental health issues among staff and children through individual and group sessions. Preventive Work: The focus is on reducing risk-taking behaviors among the children. Sustainable Environment: The aim is to create an inclusive environment for children with special needs. Services Offered: Referral Work: Staff, teachers, or coordinators identifying mental health concerns can refer children for tailored intervention plans, including assessments, therapeutic sessions, and medication if needed. Psychosocial Support: Counselors assist with daily concerns like adjustment issues, bullying, abuse, and homesickness through teamwork. Life Skill Education: Empowers children to make informed decisions and avoid risky behaviors, using a specialized kit designed for street children. Group Sessions: Engages children through creative methods like art-based therapy, role-playing, storytelling, and film analysis to address issues like bullying, substance abuse, anger management, empathy building, and coping with emotions. Career Counseling: Offers guidance to children and youth aged 16-18 through workshops and training programs for better job placement opportunities. Capacity Building Workshops: Sensitizes staff to identify and address mental health issues among children. Special Education: Provides tailored activities for children with special needs, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and learning disabilities. Child Development Unit (CDU): Established in 2015, it offers early screening, intervention, 24/7 care, and emotional support to children with neuro-developmental difficulties. Community Service: Extends support to the community by raising awareness about mental health-related issues and changing attitudes towards mental health. Baalak Trust's Mental Health Program is a comprehensive initiative that addresses the critical mental health needs of street and working children, offering a range of services from early identification to skill-building and community outreach. With a dedicated team led by Dr. Amit Sen, they are working tirelessly to create a more inclusive and mentally healthy environment for these vulnerable children.