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Community Health Social Work as a Practice of Enhancing Child Capabilities in Kerala

Author : Luis P Thomas and Dr. Nirmala D

Abstract :

Amartya Sen (1980) emphasized that true resource development arises through improving access to education and healthcare. Building on this view, child support development focuses on equipping children with skills and competencies through targeted interventions that foster their overall health, empowerment, and capacity for achievement. In Kerala, this child-centred empowerment is achieved through comprehensive public health interventions that address children’s special needs and promote equitable access to health services and information.
Two notable community-based programs—the Kudumbashree initiative and Arogya Kerala—exemplify this approach. Kudumbashree, a women’s empowerment and poverty eradication program, enhances child welfare indirectly by improving women’s economic independence and social participation. Through microfinance, skill development, and entrepreneurship, women gain confidence and leadership, supporting not only their families but also the growth of their community. Success stories include women-led enterprises such as small-scale farms and handicraft workshops that stimulate local economies. Arogya Kerala, supported by government and NGO collaborations, ensures child health by providing accessible healthcare and integrating community participation. Both programs are sustained through state funding, NGO support, and community contributions, reflecting the strength of participatory governance in Kerala.
Public health services play a pivotal role in reducing barriers and enhancing opportunities for children and families. Programs such as the Child Development Plan, Our Responsibility for Children, and the National Health Mission embody Kerala’s community health model by promoting participatory management and child protection. This study examines the role of Community Health and Social Workers (CHSWs) in these initiatives, highlighting their contributions to health education, counselling, and social support services. Overall, community-driven interventions have broken cycles of poverty, improved child well-being, and advanced human development. However, challenges remain, including resource limitations and cultural disparities. Future directions emphasize multi-sectoral collaboration, technological integration, continuous research, and supportive policy frameworks to strengthen Kerala’s child empowerment ecosystem (Sen, 1980).

Keywords :

Community Health Social Work, Child Capability Enhancement, Social Work Interventions, Challenges, and Future Possibilities.