Mental Health 
The harsh street life adversely impacts children living on the streets and leaves a lifelong impression on their mental health as well as holistic development. Street children are vulnerable to exposure to poly-victimisation, which includes various types of physical and sexual abuse, bullying, exposure to violence, trauma, neglect, and drug abuse. Entering a residential centre brings a plethora of new challenges - a new environment, new people, a different lifestyle, and an irresistible temptation to return to the same street life. All of such challenges multiply when combined with the issues of adolescent life. These children may suffer severe mental health outcomes due to chronic exposure to psychosocial distress, specifically anxiety and depression.
To address such challenges related to the mental health and well-being of street and working children, SBT launched a well-structured Mental Health Programme (MHP) in February 2003. It started with a core group of four members, headed by Dr. Amit Sen, (MD - Psychiatry, MRC Psych, London; Specialist, Training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, UK). Over time, the team extended further and at present, comprises an able and qualified group of nine counseling psychologists, two special educators and three consultant psychiatrists from children first.
The Mental Health Programme was started with a vision to promote and enhance positive mental health in the children/adolescents of Salaam Baalak Trust.
The Mental Health Program offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at addressing children's psychological needs. Referral work provides suited interventions for children with moderate to severe psychological issues, including assessments, psychiatric consultations, and psychotherapy. For those with milder daily concerns, individual counseling sessions offer psychosocial support. A life skills education kit promotes emotional, cognitive, and social development, fostering confidence and sound decision-making. Career counseling helps youths make informed vocational and educational choices, reducing dropout rates and enhancing job placements. Group sessions employ creative techniques to tackle various issues like bullying, substance abuse anger management, empathy, personality development, and emotional coping etc. Special education and vocational support are available for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Child Development Unit at Aasra Children Home offers 24/7 care for 10 children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Services include daily living skills enhancement, special education, and various therapies (developmental, occupational, speech, and physiotherapy) to support overall development Additionally, community services extend counseling support to children and families at contact points, while capacity-building workshops ensure staffs are equipped to handle children's concerns effectively.
Mental Health Videos