Policy Recommendations for Child Laborers Living with Addicted Fathers: A Policy Brief

Child labor, especially among children living with drug-using parents, is a critical challenge in developing countries. These children face a range of psychological, social, familial, economic, educational, behavioral, and religious experiences that affect their well-being. The present policy brief aimed to explore these lived experiences by interviewing ۱۱ child laborers in the city of larestan, southern Iran, selected through purposive sampling, and analyzing data using qualitative content analysis. It should be noted that this study has high value due to its qualitative content, a viewpoint often missing in policy design. Findings revealed significant psychological stress, social isolation, family insecurity, poverty, educational disruption, exposure to violence, and reliance on religious coping strategies. The brief emphasizes the need for policymakers and child welfare experts to use these insights to design targeted interventions, including mental health support, family-based programs, educational assistance, and economic aid, to improve the health, safety, and well-being of children in high-risk family environments. Key Recommendations: Provide mental health counseling and trauma-informed care Reduce stigma through awareness campaigns Implement family support programs targeting addicted parents Offer targeted financial aid and social support to vulnerable families Provide flexible schooling options and tutoring support Train social workers to identify and intervene in cases of violence Leverage community and religious centers for emotional support

کلیدواژه ها:

vulnerable children ، parental addiction ، policy intervention ، policy brief