Social Services
About the Program
Our team of social workers team help to end child labor and get children off the streets. They also work to stop domestic abuse, provide medical care, and help get access to psychosocial services for children with trauma or mental health issues.
Program Location: Baghdad
Program Outcomes
Since the Social Services program commenced in 2016, 1,189 children received support from social workers to:
Stop child labor and abuse
Access health care
Access psycho-social services
Re-enter home and school after leaving detention
Spotlight on: The Life Book
One of the deepest needs of vulnerable children is a sense of belonging. The Life Book is a special workbook which helps children to remember and understand that he or she belongs to their family, friends, community and country. The Life Book is a fun workbook with questions to answer, pictures to draw, etc. There is a page of instructions for a parent, teacher, or social worker to read so they understand the therapeutic value of this little book. It is their life, their book, and their story.
The Life Book was originally co-developed by The Children's Village of New York and ICF, and used as part of a training program for community social workers and families in Baghdad. This refreshed version is developed, produced, and distributed in joint partnership with Asdikaee Magazine, Iraq Health Access Organization, Children’s Village, and ICF.
To learn more about this Life Book, contact cindy@iraqichildren.org
How you can help:
In a country like Iraq with very limited access to mental health support, thousands of children need our help. An investment in the health and happiness of these children is an investment in Iraq’s future. Any amount helps, please give generously. Want to pay the humble salary for a social worker? For only $400 a month, your gift will help countless children. If you, or your company would like to support, please contact liz@iraqichildren.org.
Case Studies: Outcomes in Action
Sara’s Story
“Sara* is 7 years old, and is one of the students at Hope Bus 2. Recently, the bus team noticed that Sara started to be absent from the bus frequently. When the staff inquired about the reason, it became clear that Sara’s mother started preventing her from coming to the bus, and started taking her to work begging in the street. Sara’s mother explained that she had lost her job and had no source of income. The social workers contacted a respectable woman who runs a beauty salon, who agreed to employ Sara’s mother. With agreement from Sara’s mother, Sara began returning to the bus regularly.”
*Name changed to protect privacy
Huda’s Story
Huda's mother recently died, and Huda* (7) became very sad and isolated. The social workers on the Hope Buses have been working hard to provide special care and focus for Huda, and are using art as therapy to help her process this traumatic experience. This artwork reads "my mom is in heaven". Huda told the social workers "when I draw my mother I feel she is with me every day". The power of trained social workers to help very vulnerable children is critical, and we are thankful that because of you, we are able to give this kind of support to kids like Huda.”
*Name changed to protect privacy