Beyond Basic Needs: Addressing Mental Health Gaps in Child-Care Institutions
While children in child-care institutions typically receive food, clothing, and shelter, they often lack crucial emotional bonding, developmental opportunities, and comprehensive care. This significant gap in holistic support has been highlighted by Dr. Shiva Prakash, a psychiatrist at the Schizophrenia Research Foundation of India (SCARF).
JAMS Program: A Transformative Initiative
For several years, SCARF has been implementing the 'Juvenile Accessing Mental Health Services' (JAMS) program across 125 child-care institutions in eight districts of Tamil Nadu. Operating under the guidance of the Directorate of Children Welfare and Special Services, this initiative focuses on training institution staff to recognize and manage distress, anger, and stress in children.
"We're trying to change that," emphasizes Dr. Prakash, noting that approximately 1,000 caregivers have been trained through the program so far.
Innovative Tools and Safe Spaces
The JAMS program has developed a specialized toolkit to assess children's mental health needs. This includes creative interventions like modified versions of snakes and ladders, designed to help children open up about their challenges in a non-threatening manner.
Additionally, youth-friendly safe spaces are being established within these institutions, creating environments where children feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking support.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Urgent Need
Data collected through the JAMS program reveals concerning patterns among children in these institutions:
- Approximately 35% of admitted children exhibit emotional and behavioral issues
- Nearly 75% report experiences of neglect
- About half experience medium to high levels of stress
S. Ramalingam, a member of the Juvenile Justice Board in Chennai, who attended a recent JAMS meeting, provided further insight: "Six out of ten children requiring care and protection show signs of mental health issues. We found that 70% of children in conflict with the law have mental health problems. Therefore, training staff to handle these situations is absolutely vital."
Proven Effectiveness and Academic Recognition
The JAMS program's impact has been documented in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry, with a 2025 report showing significant improvement in well-being and reduction in stress levels among children within six months of program implementation.
Dr. Prakash explains the broader implications: "The findings suggest that low-intensity interventions—such as creating youth-friendly spaces and enhancing mental health literacy—can substantially improve children's well-being. This approach demonstrates that meaningful change doesn't always require intensive clinical interventions."
A Model for Comprehensive Child Welfare
The JAMS program represents a paradigm shift in how child-care institutions address children's needs. By moving beyond physical necessities to embrace emotional and psychological support, SCARF's initiative offers a replicable model for other regions.
The program's success underscores the importance of integrating mental health awareness into institutional care frameworks, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the comprehensive support necessary for healthy development and future success.
