The Safe Steps Project aims to develop a comprehensive and sustainable approach to combating child labor in the provinces of Şanlıurfa and Hatay. The project focuses both on protecting children at risk of child labor and on transforming the social and economic conditions that give rise to this risk.

The primary objective of the project is to ensure that children grow up in a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment, while also addressing the root causes of child labor through families and communities. To this end, the project is being implemented using a two-pronged intervention strategy.

The first component of the intervention directly addresses the needs of children who are at risk of child labor or are already working. In this context, individual support mechanisms are being established to address the socio-economic challenges faced by these children (such as poverty, lack of income, rapid urbanization, low levels of education, and cultural norms).

Through this project, children are provided with case management, psychosocial support, life skills training, assistance with basic needs, and referral services. During this process, protection screenings are conducted in accordance with national standards; case management and referrals are carried out using forms and procedures that meet international standards, in full compliance with relevant legislation.

The second component of the interventionaims to address the root causes of child labor and transform environments that pose risks. To this end, programs are being implemented to strengthen parenting skills, challenge harmful social norms, and raise awareness within communities.

At the local level, awareness-raising, advocacy, and capacity-building activities are carried out in collaboration with Provincial and District Directorates of National Education, the Turkish Employment Agency, Provincial Directorates of Family and Social Services, municipalities, and other stakeholders. This approach helps establish a framework that maintains children’s connection to education, raises awareness among families, and strengthens protective mechanisms at the community level.

The Safe Steps Project aims to bring about lasting change by addressing not only individual cases but also the broader social dynamics that shape children’s lives. This approach goes beyond simply preventing child labor; it lays a strong foundation so that every child can step toward a safe, healthy, and hopeful future.