Social Work with Vulnerable Groups
Who is vulnerable and why
Vulnerability is produced by unequal power, not by personal deficiency. Children, women, older persons, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities face higher exposure to harm and lower access to remedy.
Legal and programme anchors
- Children - Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015; POCSO Act 2012; Right to Education Act 2009; Childline 1098; Anganwadi and ICDS.
- Women - Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005; Section 498A IPC (now BNS equivalent); POSH Act 2013; Maternity Benefit Act; One Stop Centres, 181 helpline.
- Older persons - Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007; Kerala's welfare pensions and old-age homes.
- Disability - Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (21 recognised disabilities, 4 per cent reservation); Unique Disability ID; inclusive education.
- Marginalised communities - SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989; Forest Rights Act 2006; Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group schemes.
Worked example
A 70-year-old widow is evicted by her son. Reasoning: she is an older person and a woman; the Senior Citizens Act 2007 allows a Maintenance Tribunal to order maintenance and, in some cases, return of property. Social work response: safety and shelter first, then legal aid through the District Social Justice Officer, counselling, and documentation. Do not mediate in a way that leaves her homeless during talks.
Traps
Using the word "handicapped" instead of "persons with disabilities"; assuming the DV Act covers only physical violence (it covers emotional, sexual and economic abuse); forgetting the child's right to be heard; describing marginalised groups only as victims, ignoring their agency.