Elements Of

Business
Environment
CHILD LABOUR LAWS
NAME – VIKHYATH TEKRIWAL
CLASS – XII SEC – COM A
ROLL NO - 37
 UNDERSTANDING CHILD LABOUR

Child labour is the exploitation of children through any form of work that interferes with their ability to attend
regular school, or is mentally, physically, socially and morally harmful. Such exploitation is prohibited
by legislation worldwide, although these laws do not consider all work by children as child labour; exceptions
include work by child artists, family duties, supervised training, and some forms of work undertaken
by Amish children, as well as by Indigenous children in the Americas.
Child labour has existed to varying extents throughout history. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, many
children aged 5–14 from poorer families worked in Western nations and their colonies alike. These children
mainly worked in agriculture, home-based assembly operations, factories, mining, and services such as news
boys – some worked night shifts lasting 12 hours. With the rise of household income, availability of schools and
passage of child labour laws, the incidence rates of child labour fell.
As of 2023, in the world's poorest countries, around one in five children are engaged in child labour, the highest
number of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa, where more than one in four children are so engaged. This
represents a decline in child labour over the preceding half decade. In 2017, four African nations
(Mali, Benin, Chad and Guinea-Bissau) witnessed over 50 per cent of children aged 5–14 working. Worldwide
agriculture is the largest employer of child labour.[ The vast majority of child labour is found in rural settings and
informal urban economies; children are predominantly employed by their parents, rather than factories. Poverty
and lack of schools are considered the primary cause of child labour.
Globally the incidence of child labour decreased from 25% to 10% between 1960 and 2003, according to
the World Bank. Nevertheless, the total number of child labourers remains high, with UNICEF
and ILO acknowledging an estimated 168 million children aged 5–17 worldwide were involved in child labour in
2013.
 GLOBAL STATISTICS OF CHILD LABOUR

 Since 2000, for nearly two decades, the world had been making steady progress in reducing child labour. But over
the past few years, conflicts, crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, have plunged more families into poverty – and
forced millions more children into child labour. Economic growth has not been sufficient, nor inclusive enough, to
relieve the pressure that too many families and communities feel and that makes them resort to child labour.
Today, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour. That is almost one in ten children worldwide.
 Africa ranks highest among regions both in the percentage of children in child labour — one-fifth — and the
absolute number of children in child labour — 72 million. Asia and the Pacific ranks second highest in both these
measures — 7% of all children and 62 million in absolute terms are in child labour in this region.
 The Africa and the Asia and the Pacific regions together account for almost nine out of every ten children in child
labour worldwide. The remaining child labour population is divided among the Americas (11 million), Europe and
Central Asia (6 million), and the Arab States (1 million). In terms of incidence, 5% of children are in child labour in
the Americas, 4% in Europe and Central Asia, and 3% in the Arab States.
 While the percentage of children in child labour is highest in low-income countries, their numbers are actually
greater in middle-income countries. 9% all children in lower-middle-income countries, and 7% of all children in
upper-middle-income countries, are in child labour. Statistics on the absolute number of children in child labour in
each national income grouping indicate that 84 million children in child labour, accounting for 56% of all those in
child labour, actually live in middle-income countries, and an additional 2 million live in high-income countries.
 TYPES OF CHILD LABOUR

1. Agricultural Labour
A substantial number of children find themselves toiling in the fields, engaging in various agricultural activities. These children are
often subjected to arduous conditions, working in environments where exposure to harmful pesticides and machinery poses
significant risks.
2. Domestic Labour
Child labour is prevalent in domestic settings, where children, predominantly girls, are engaged in household chores. This form of
exploitation involves long hours of work, and minimal wages, and, in some instances, exposes children to physical and emotional
abuse within private households.
3. Manufacturing and Industries
The manufacturing and industrial sectors witness the exploitation of child labour, with children engaged in activities ranging from
brick kilns to garment factories. The hazardous conditions in these environments pose risks to the health and well-being of the
children involved.
4. Street and Service Sector
Children on the streets are often coerced into various forms of labour, including begging, rag-picking, and vending. Additionally,
the service sector, comprising small-scale enterprises and roadside eateries, witness the exploitation of child labour.
 EFFECT ON HEALTH

There are 73 million children involved in hazardous work, that directly endangers their health and safety. Hazardous work can
cause death, serious illness or injury, permanent disability or psychological damage, as a direct consequence of poor safety
and health standards, exploitation or abuse.
Children can work in dangerous conditions in all sectors, including agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, the
service industry and domestic service. However, agriculture is where the highest incidence of child labourers are found (71%)
and it is a sector particularly prone to dangerous conditions. For example, hazardous work in cotton production is among the
worst forms of child labour, as children are exposed to harmful pesticides. The ILO estimates that some 22,000 children are
killed at work every year. However, due to the fact that much of child labour is hidden, it is difficult to obtain accurate data on
how children are being affected.
This is even more reason to stamp out the practice of child labour altogether. Children are some of the most vulnerable
members of society and those involved in child labour face significantly increased vulnerability, given their situation. Children
working in difficult and hazardous conditions, suffer higher levels of illness and injury. They are more at risk than adults to
workplace hazards because of their age and level of development. As a consequence of hazardous work, a number of
serious diseases appear only in adulthood and are often more devastating and are more likely to cause permanent harm.
Children involved in hazardous work may work at night, over long hours, be exposed to physical, psychological, or sexual
abuse, and have to work in dangerous situations, such as underground, underwater, at dangerous heights, heat, cold or in
isolated and confined spaces. Some children have to operate unsafe machinery, equipment, and tools, or be required to lift
heavy loads and be exposed to hazardous substances, agents, or processes, or to temperatures, noise levels, or vibrations
that can cause serious damage to their health.
There is also a gender dimension to hazardous work or worst forms of child labour. For instance, girls are more likely to
perform heavy domestic work and be subject to sexual abuse and exploitation, while boys are more likely to be involved in
dangerous work in agriculture, operating heavy machinery, or spraying pesticides or handling dangerous chemicals.
 CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD LABOUR
I. Child Consequences -
1. Health Risks - Exposure to hazardous working conditions, physical and mental abuse, and long working hours
expose children to significant health risks, leading to injuries, illnesses, and developmental issues.
2. Education Deprivation –
Working children often face denial of access to education, resulting in a lack of basic literacy. This deprivation limits
their future opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
3. Stunted Development –
Child labour disrupts normal childhood development, depriving children of essential elements such as playtime, social
interaction, and emotional well-being. This hinders their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.
II. Societal Consequences –
1.Undermining Human Rights –
Child labour violates the fundamental rights of children, denying them the right to education, protection, and a safe
and healthy environment.
2. Poverty and Inequality –
Child labour contributes minimally to household income, keeping families trapped in a cycle of poverty. This
perpetuates economic inequality and hinders long-term economic prospects.
3. Social Disintegration –
Child labour disrupts family and community dynamics, as children are forced into work
instead of receiving proper care and education. This can lead to a breakdown in social
structures and intergenerational poverty.
III. National Consequences –
1. Economic Implications –
Child labour deprives children of education, resulting in a less skilled workforce. This
leads to reduced productivity and limited opportunities for economic advancement.
2. Human Capital Loss –
Child labour results in the loss of potential human capital as children are denied
education and skill development. This diminishes the nation’s capacity to compete
globally and achieve sustainable development goals.
3. Social Welfare Burden –
The physical and psychological consequences of child labour lead to increased
healthcare and social welfare costs for the nation. Governments must allocate resources
to address these issues, diverting funds from other critical areas
 CHILD LABOUR LAWS AND REGULATIONS

1. UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (CRC) -

The CRC is a human rights treaty that comprehensively establishes the rights of children. Under the CRC, a child is
anyone under the age of 18, unless otherwise noted in national legislation. Notably, the United States is the only
country that has yet to ratify the CRC.
2. ILO MINIMUM AGE CONVENTION (NO. 138) -
ILO Minimum Age Convention No. 138 establishes 15 years as the minimum age for work, though in some cases 14
years is allowed for a specified period of time. The minimum age for work that is likely to jeopardize the health, safety
or morals of young persons is 18, while light work that does not harm health or school work is allowed for children
aged 13–15.
3.ILO WORST FORMS OF CHILD LABOR CONVENTION (NO. 182) -
ILO Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention No. 182 requires ratifying countries to take immediate action to prohibit
and eliminate the worst forms of child labor defined as: all forms of slavery, commercial sexual exploitation of children,
and any work that by its nature is harmful to the health, safety, or morals of children.
In Bangladesh, the Constitution and other legal enactments provides protections for children’s fundamental
rights, including all forms of discrimination. Substantive laws include:
The Labour Act of 2006
The Children’s Act of 1974 and Children’s Rules of 1976
The Employment of Children Act N. XXVI, 1938
The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, 1924 and 1959I

In India, the Constitution provides for protection of all children under various fundamental rights, including the
provision “for the right of children to free and compulsory education,” the prohibition of “traffic in human being
‘begar’ and other similar forms of forced labour,” and the prohibition of employment of children in hazardous
employment.” Substantive laws include:
The Indian Penal Code, 1860
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000

In Nepal, the Constitution enshrines the principles of equality and justice to every citizen without any
discrimination on the basis of race, caste, sex, religion, etc. and safeguards the human rights of all citizens. It
delineates the rights of the child and forbids child labour and any forms of labour exploitation. Substantive laws
include:
Indo Nepal Friendship Treaty, 1950
Muluki Ain (General Code), 1963
The Children’s Act, 1992The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2000
 ADVANTAGES OF CHILD LABOUR LAWS

This scheme yields significant advantages such as:

1. Identification and elimination of all forms of child labor.
2. Identification and withdrawal of adolescents from dangerous jobs in designated regions.
3. Spreading awareness about the negative impacts of child labor.
4. Successful integration of formerly working children into regular schools after their
rehabilitation via NCLPS.
5. Skills training and lawful occupation linkage for adolescents previously engaged in
hazardous jobs.
6. Due to the Social Mobilization Programme, there is greater community awareness,
targeted group understanding, and public awareness.
7. Increased capacities to address child labor issues through training for NCLP staff and
other personnel.
CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF CHILD LABOUR LAWS
1. Poverty and Lack of Awareness –
Poverty remains one of the leading causes of child labour in India. Many families living in poverty see child
labour as a means to supplement their income. Moreover, a lack of awareness about the consequences of
child labour perpetuates its prevalence. Efforts must be made to address poverty through targeted social
welfare programs, along with awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of
education and the hazards of child labour.
2. Inadequate Enforcement Mechanisms –
One significant challenge lies in the inadequate enforcement mechanisms of child labour laws. Insufficient
staffing and resources hinder the effective monitoring of workplaces, making it easier for employers to employ
children without detection. Strengthening enforcement agencies and providing them with the necessary
resources, such as additional personnel and modern surveillance technology, can enhance their capacity to
detect and prevent child labour.
3. Complex Supply Chains –
The globalized nature of supply chains presents another obstacle to combating child labour. Many industries
in India are part of international supply chains, making it difficult to trace the origin of products and identify
instances of child labour. Implementing robust supply chain management systems that promote transparency
and accountability can help identify and eliminate child labour practices.
4. Lack of Rehabilitation and Social Support –
While rescuing children from labour is essential, their rehabilitation and
reintegration into society are equally crucial. Many rescued children face
psychological trauma and require adequate support, including counselling,
education, and skill training. However, the lack of rehabilitation facilities and social
support systems makes providing comprehensive assistance to these children
challenging. Strengthening rehabilitation programs and partnering with non-
governmental organizations can address this issue.

5. Corruption and Bribery –

Corruption and bribery pose significant challenges to effectively implementing
child labour laws. Unscrupulous employers often bribe officials to overlook their
violations, allowing child labour to persist unchecked. Tackling corruption requires
strict disciplinary action against officials involved in bribery and the promotion of
transparency in the implementation of laws.
 CHILD LABOUR IN SUPPLY CHAINS

In supply chains, the root causes of child labour involve a combination of structural factors, including weak
governance, low rates of economic growth, high levels of poverty and informality, lack of decent work for parents and
youth of legal working age, limited access to quality and free education, as well as to social protection floors, and the
many barriers that all workers, including migrant workers, continue to face to fully enjoy all their fundamental principles
and rights at work. Particular attention is needed at the level of the extraction and production of raw materials in many
countries where child labour is most concentrated, and which are linked to supply chains. This includes the agricultural
sector, which accounts for 70 per cent of children in child labour worldwide and up to 82 per cent in sub-Saharan
Africa. The role of poverty, including non-income dimensions of poverty such as food insecurity and poor health, is
central to understanding vulnerability to child labour. Poor households are more likely to have to resort to child labour
at the expense of their children’s education to meet basic needs and deal with uncertainty and shocks. On family
smallholder farms, where child labour occurs most often, families need to be able to reduce their dependency on child
labour to sustain their livelihoods. Farmers must secure a fair price for what they produce and be able to enhance
productivity by investing in labour-saving technologies or hiring adult workers instead of relying on children. Due to the
complexity of these challenges and the myriad of interdependent actors in supply chains, addressing child labour in
supply chains calls for a greater understanding of the shared responsibilities and the need for more coherent efforts
and collective action among a wide range of stakeholders. Past and more recent crises have confirmed the important
role of Governments to increase investment in the formalization of enterprises and workers, as well as in expanding
access to quality and free education and social protection floors, to mitigate the socio-economic vulnerability of
households.
 CHILD LABOUR IN DEVELOPING VS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
1. In the Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asian countries, 1. In 2004 the total number of children were 1566
where school enrolment is low and child labour is wide million in which 218 million was working, so the 14 % of
spread. The children in these areas work in contracts as total children. This number shows a slight decrease
plantation work, tender arrangements, bounded labour and compare to 2000’s data since the percentage was 16 %
subcontracted piece work. Child labour also affects school - 245 million working children from totally 1531 million.
performance as children miss important lessons and fall Asia takes responsibility for almost the two-third of child
behind academically. This creates a burden not only on the workers while the second biggest chunk is belonged
individual child but also on the entire education system. For from Africa. The reasons of the overrepresentation of
example, in Yemen, the working children who have to the two said continents are quite obvious, the relative
repeat classes probably leads to more than 300,000 underdevelopment and the vast proportion of the
additional pupils in the primary school alone world’s children. One would say that the developed
countries’ role is deemed to be marginal but the 1 %
share means more than 2 million children at work.
 CASE STUDIES ON CHILD LABOUR

1. Shanta looks like any other six-year-old, except there is an open wound on her head, her hands are
swollen, chapped and grey and she can barely walk. She is the youngest of the three little girls aged six to
13years who were rescued last month from Faridabad in the state of Haryana. Badly beaten and bruised, the
girls all worked as domestic helps just a few miles away from India’s capital, Delhi. In October, the
government enacted a law banning children under 14 from working as domestic servants, at teashops, food
stalls, restaurants, hotels or in the hospitality industry. Shanta says she had been working with the family for
the past year after her brother left her there. "I used to work in water the whole day. She [the employer] beat
me up regularly with a stick for not finishing my work on time. I was woken at four in the morning and then I
had to wash the clothes, sweep and mop the floor," she told the BBC. According to Shanta, she was given
rice only twice a day - served on the floor - and was made to sleep in the bathroom. She said that she never
complained about her plight as that would have meant more beatings. Two other girls, Rita and Sunita, say
they were also abused and locked up like Shanta. They were rescued by a local non-governmental
organisation (NGO) after a neighbor watched them being beaten up and informed the police. The police filed
a complaint against the employers but only under the less severe Juvenile Justice Act rather than the tougher
new law. "These girls were trafficked from West Bengal and then they were illegally confined as bonded
labour, they were abused and made to work.
2. Puii is a thirteen and half year old girl living in Aizawl District. She is the eldest child in her family and has
three sisters and two brothers. Family is living in rented house. Her parents are uneducated and their
occupation is stone crushing on daily basis. They earn daily wages according to their work but the family income
is very low. In spite of all the shortcomings, both the parents are struggling hard to educate their children and
maintain the family. Puii was admitted in a local school at the age of 6 years. She was very weak in English,
mathematics and science subjects and her parents were too poor to afford any private tuition for those difficult
subjects. She used to attend household chores like cooking, washing, caring of her younger sisters and to
support her parents. Presently, she is enrolled in class VII, but she is not regular in attending school as she is
having more load of household works as she has grown into an adolescent. Subsequently, she is not finding
anytime to relax and concentrate on her education. She narrated - “I think that I may not pursue very high
education because I am the eldest child and I have to always help and support my parents and take care of my
younger sisters and brothers, but, I wish to complete Graduation.” Puii was engaged as a part time labourer
initially and she joined her parents when she attained the age of 10 years. Every Saturday and holidays she
used to be busy in helping her parents at stone quarry for crushing stones. Due to lack of time, she could not
concentrate on her studies for which her academic performance was very poor. Due to the deficiency in family
income, she is trying to work more often. With her work in supporting to parents she is able to earn around Rs.
300 per day. She shared - I am working with my parents since last few years, when I was 10 years. I am able to
earn around Rs. 300 per day if I work hard for whole day with my parents at the stone quarry” .Recently, she
suffered from infection as she narrated - “When I was a child I was very healthy but when I started working with
my parents in stone quarry, while crushing stones I developed coughing symptoms. Doctor said I have
developed some sinus problem, and now I feel weak”.
 INITIATIVES TO COMBAT CHILD LABOUR

1. Global March Against Child Labor -

The Global March Against Child Labor (Global March) is a wide network of civil society organizations, trade unions and teachers, who
work together to eliminate and prevent all forms of child labor, slavery and trafficking and that all children have access to free and
quality public education. The organization works to ensure that all children enjoy their rights, including free education, and that they
are protected from being forced into labor, which hinders their development. The network mobilizes actors from across the world, to
promote and protect rights of all children, especially the right to be free from economic exploitation and performing any type of labor
that might hinder their mental, physical, spiritual, social and moral development.
2. Love 146 -
Love 146 is an international human rights NGO working to end child exploitation and trafficking through prevention and survivor care.
The organization is helping grow the movement to end child labor and trafficking by providing effective and thoughtful solutions. It
believes in the power of love and its ability to effect sustainable change. Love 146 serves children in the United States, the
Philippines, the United Kingdom, and several countries in Africa. Love 146 rescues children on the spot. It works with local authorities
to provide care for children who have been affected by exploitation and trafficking. If appropriate, a child is placed with a trained Lover
146 carer. The organization uses a holistic approach to treat survivors.
3. Stop Child Labor Coalition -
The Stop Child Labor Coalition was established in 1989 with a belief that no child, regardless of their race, sex, nationality, religion,
economic status, place of residence, or occupation, should be exploited. The mission of the organization is to serve as a national
network for the exchange of information about child labor and provide a space for unified voice to end child labor, as well as educate
both public and private sectors how to combat this issue. The aim of the organization is to influence public policies on child labor
issues by understanding the impact it had on health and quality of lives of children.
4. Save the Children
Save the Children is one of the biggest international NGOs advancing and protecting rights of children in
almost 120 countries around the world. Save the Children works in the most disadvantaged local
communities educating them about the rights of children and helping them understand that children are
meant to be at school and not work. The protection program in child labour often includes improving the
understanding of the situation of vulnerable children in need of care, building their resilience and
supporting their participation in their own protection and supporting of community-based care and
protection systems. the organization also works on building the care and protection of children into broader
social welfare and other strategies.

5. ACE
ACE is a Japanese based NGO for international cooperation with a vision to realize rights of children and
safe society for all children. It takes direct action for the abolition and prevention of child labour with
citizens of Japan. Currently, the ACE works on the abolition of child labour in Japan, India, and Ghana. The
organization operates not only through activities of international cooperation, but also through cooperation
with private corporations and engagement in consumer education. In its work, the organization uses three
strategies approach. First, it focused on agriculture in rural areas, with attention to cacao bean and cotton
seed production areas, since 71% of all child labourers in the world are engaged in this sector. Second, it
listens to children’s voices and uses that to bring improvement of schools and communities.
 ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

1. Legislation and Policy Development

Governments can enact and enforce laws that prohibit child labor and set minimum age limits for employment. They can also
develop policies that promote education and provide social protection for children and their families. For instance,
governments can provide financial incentives for families to send their children to school instead of work.
2. Monitoring and Inspection
Governments can establish mechanisms for monitoring and inspecting workplaces to ensure that children are not being
exploited. They can also establish penalties for employers who violate child labor laws.
3. International Cooperation
Governments can collaborate with international organizations, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), to share
best practices and coordinate efforts to end child labor. They can also ratify and implement international conventions and
treaties that prohibit child labor.
4. Education and Awareness Raising
Governments can invest in education and awareness-raising campaigns to inform the public about the negative effects of
child labor and the importance of education. They can also provide training and resources for teachers, parents, and
community leaders to promote child protection and education.
5. Poverty Reduction
Governments can implement policies and programs that address poverty and inequality, which are often root causes of child
labor. They can provide social safety nets, such as cash transfers and food assistance, to vulnerable families. They can also
invest in economic development and job creation to provide alternative sources of income for families.
 LAWS AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS

1. Factories Act, 1948 -

 The Act prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory. The law also placed rules on
who, when and how long can pre-adults aged 15–18 years be employed in any factory
2. Mines Act, 1952 -
 The Act prohibits the employment of children below 18 years of age in a mine.
3. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986- ( CLPR Act ) -
 The CLPR Act prohibits employment of any person below the age of 14 (deemed a "Child") in any employment,
including as a domestic help, except in helping their own family in non-hazardous occupations. Children between
age of 14 and 18 are instead defined as "Adolescent", and the law allows them to be employed except in mining,
inflammable substance- and explosives-related work, and other hazardous processes.
4. Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 -
 The law mandates free and compulsory education to all children aged 6 to 16 years. This legislation also mandated
that 25 percent of seats in every private school must be allocated for children from economically disadvantaged
groups (though implementation gaps remained).
 WAYS TO ELIMINATE CHILD LABOUR

1. Improving Rural Livelihoods and Incomes –

Most children in child labour are unpaid family workers in family farms and enterprises. These families often depend on the
additional income that their children’s work generates, or the family enterprise depends on their work to be able to function.
These basic facts underscore the importance of improving rural livelihoods and incomes, and the operation of small family
farms and enterprises, reducing family dependence on child labour. Family enterprises need fair prices for what they produce,
and those that are “functionally dependent” on the work of their children need to become viable enough to replace the unpaid
work of their children.
2. Addressing Informality –
The informal economy exposes working people to the risk of denial of their rights at work, including of the right to organize
and bargain collectively. It also exposes them to a lack of occupational safety and health assurances and to inadequate
social protection. All of these undermine access to decent work and increase the likelihood that working households must rely
on children’s labour as a negative coping strategy. Labour market policies promoting the transition from the informal to the
formal economy — which often overlap with efforts to improve rural livelihoods — are therefore also critical in the fight against
child labour.
3. Promoting Opportunities for Youth of Legal Working Age to Access Decent Work –
Success early in working life is linked to better long-term career prospects and can move young people into situations of self-
sufficiency, help them exit from poverty, and help them and their families break the cycle of child labour. Youth employment
efforts should be framed within a broader emphasis on ensuring young people’s rights at work in order that they receive equal
treatment, are free to organize, and are protected from abuse and exposure to hazards. They should not overlook the group
of children of legal working age in hazardous work
 CONCLUSION

Child labour laws have undergone considerable evolution, aiming to

safeguard children's rights and ensure their proper development. Beginning
in the early 20th century, these laws set age restrictions for employment,
limited working hours, and prohibited hazardous conditions for minors.
Despite these advancements, child labor persists, especially in impoverished
regions where enforcement is weak. Efforts to combat this issue have
included international agreements, advocacy campaigns, and economic
incentives to promote education over labor. Recent strategies focus on
addressing root causes like poverty and lack of access to education.
Collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, and businesses are
increasingly vital in implementing holistic solutions. Effective enforcement,
investment in education, and addressing systemic inequalities are crucial for
eradicating child labor and enabling all children to thrive in a safe and
nurturing environment.