Deadline: 18-May-2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is supporting a child protection and adolescent wellbeing programme in vulnerable districts of Maharashtra, India, focusing on Jalna and Nashik. The initiative strengthens mental health, child protection systems, and community-based support structures to reduce risks such as child marriage, violence, exploitation, and psychosocial distress among children and adolescents.
What is the UNICEF Programme?
This UNICEF initiative is designed to strengthen child protection systems and improve adolescent wellbeing in high-vulnerability areas of Maharashtra. It focuses on integrated community, school, and government-led interventions that address mental health challenges, violence prevention, and social protection gaps affecting children and adolescents.
The programme operates in collaboration with government departments, community groups, and local institutions to build sustainable protection and support systems.
Geographic Focus
The programme targets two high-vulnerability districts:
Jalna
- Recurrent drought and agricultural distress
- Seasonal migration affecting children’s schooling and care
- Increased risk of child marriage and malnutrition
- Reduced access to essential health and education services
Nashik
- Socio-economic inequality and geographic barriers
- High migration levels
- Marginalization of indigenous communities
- Increased risks of exploitation, early marriage, and mental health challenges
Core Thematic Areas
Child Protection
- Prevention of violence, abuse, and exploitation
- Strengthening child protection systems
- Early identification of vulnerable children
Gender-Based Violence Prevention
- Prevention and response mechanisms for GBV
- Community awareness and protection mechanisms
- Support systems for survivors
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
- Mental health services for children and adolescents
- Psychosocial wellbeing programmes for families
- Community-based counselling and support systems
Prevention of Harmful Practices
- Ending child marriage
- Preventing family-child separation
- Addressing social norms that increase vulnerability
Equity and Inclusion
- Support for marginalized and indigenous communities
- Addressing climate-induced migration vulnerabilities
- Promoting inclusive access to services
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen child protection systems at community level
- Improve mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents
- Enhance early detection of vulnerabilities
- Improve referral and response mechanisms
- Prevent child marriage and exploitation
- Strengthen community-based protection networks
- Expand access to services for vulnerable populations
Key Expected Results
1. Youth Volunteer Network (Bal Mitras)
- Identification and training of adolescent volunteers
- Deployment in selected Gram Panchayats
- Support for peer-based mental health awareness and outreach
2. Capacity Building of Frontline Workers
- Training across health, education, child protection, and tribal development sectors
- Strengthening early identification of mental health issues
- Improving referral systems for support services
3. Community Engagement and Sessions
- Regular mental health and wellbeing sessions for adolescents and caregivers
- Community-based psychosocial support activities
- Awareness and participation-building initiatives
4. Resource Material Development
- Context-specific tools and learning materials
- Guidance for adolescent engagement
- Support for caregivers and community workers
5. Multi-Stakeholder Coordination
- Collaboration with:
- Self-help groups
- Adolescent clubs
- Village Child Welfare and Protection Committees
- Tribal schools
- Government departments
- Strengthening coordination for child protection and wellbeing
6. Expanded Outreach Systems
- Community outreach programmes
- Digital engagement platforms
- Improved access to information and services for caregivers and adolescents
Target Groups
The programme focuses on:
- Children and adolescents in vulnerable districts
- Caregivers and families
- Community health and education workers
- Government frontline staff
- Indigenous and marginalized communities
- Migrant-affected populations
Key Implementation Approach
The programme uses a multi-layered approach:
- Community-based interventions
- School-linked protection systems
- Youth-led engagement through Bal Mitras
- Government and NGO collaboration
- Digital and offline outreach models
- Psychosocial and mental health integration
Expected Outcomes
The programme is expected to:
- Improve adolescent mental health and wellbeing
- Strengthen child protection systems in vulnerable districts
- Reduce risks of child marriage and exploitation
- Improve early detection of psychosocial distress
- Enhance referral and response services
- Strengthen community awareness and participation
- Improve coordination between stakeholders
Why This Programme Matters
This UNICEF initiative addresses deep-rooted vulnerabilities in Maharashtra linked to poverty, migration, climate stress, and social inequality. It strengthens protective systems for children while improving mental health support and community resilience.
By integrating government systems, community structures, and youth participation, it creates a more coordinated and sustainable child protection framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the programme?
To strengthen child protection systems and improve adolescent mental health and wellbeing in vulnerable districts of Maharashtra.
Which districts are covered?
Jalna and Nashik.
What are Bal Mitras?
Trained youth volunteers who support adolescent mental health and awareness activities at the community level.
What issues does the programme address?
Child protection risks, mental health challenges, child marriage, exploitation, and migration-related vulnerabilities.
Who are the key beneficiaries?
Children, adolescents, caregivers, and vulnerable communities in high-risk areas.
Does the programme work with government systems?
Yes, it collaborates closely with health, education, tribal development, and child protection departments.
What type of support is provided?
Training, mental health sessions, referral systems, awareness programmes, and community engagement activities.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Maharashtra child protection and adolescent wellbeing programme is a comprehensive initiative focused on strengthening mental health support, preventing harm, and improving protection systems in vulnerable districts. By combining youth engagement, community participation, and government coordination, it aims to create safer and more supportive environments for children and adolescents.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.