Barriers in Accessing Social Welfare Benefits for Families of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disorders in Rural Karnataka: A Situation Analysis

BACKGROUND: Several government schemes exist for the welfare of families having children with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDDs) in India. However, these schemes are often not utilized. An understanding of the barriers to access these social welfare benefits, especially in rural areas of India, can aid in planning social action toward the implementation of these schemes. METHODS: A situation analysis of the resources and potential barriers to access social welfare benefits for families of children with IDD was conducted in a rural community. Stakeholder interviews were conducted with families of children with IDD (n = 20), government officials responsible for implementing education at the state level (n = 5), local officials responsible for facilitating social welfare benefits (n = 5), and nongovernmental organization (NGO) working in the area of children with IDD (n = 3). Qualitative thematic analysis was used to understand the barriers to access social welfare benefits for the families of children with IDD. RESULTS: Barriers encountered by families of children with IDD, local officials, and NGOs included lack of awareness about the available welfare schemes, unavailability of social welfare facilities in the local areas, lack of social auditing in the provision of social welfare schemes to the needy, and stringent process of application and regulation for financial aid under the National Trust schemes. CONCLUSION: There are multiple barriers to access social welfare benefits for families having children with IDD in rural Karnataka. There is a strong need to empower families, sensitize local officials, and advocate for social policies to effectively implement National Trust schemes in rural areas of Karnataka.