Mental Health Challenges in Children: A Legal and Policy Analysis.

Mental health challenges among children have become a pressing global concern, with profound effects on their emotional well-being, physical health, and societal participation. This research paper presents an in-depth analysis of the legal and policy frameworks addressing these challenges, focusing on India while drawing comparisons with international standards. In addition to international frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the study assesses important Indian laws such as the Juvenile Justice Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, and the Mental Healthcare Act. Case laws like Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India and Gaurav Kumar Bansal v. Union of India are analyzed to illustrate the judiciary's approach to child mental health rights. The paper highlights existing gaps, barriers, and areas requiring reform to promote a child-centered legal response to mental health challenges.