Children’s vulnerabilities and pathways to conflict with the law: Insights from Swatantra Clinic, a specialised mental health service at a tertiary care centre in India

'Swatantra-Clinic' at NIMHANS, India, provides mental healthcare to vulnerable children. This study describes the clinical profile, vulnerability and protective factors of 77 adolescents in conflict with the law (CICL). 90.9 % (n=70) reported Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), 58.4 % (n=45) had school-related difficulties, 68.9 % (n=53) reported child labour experiences, 64.9 % (n=50) had deviant peer associations, and 40 % (n=31) experimented with substance use. Despite vulnerabilities, 72.7 %(n=56) had a positive future orientation, 45.5 % (n=35) had supportive caregivers and exhibited prosocial skills. only 12 % (n=9) followed up on recommendations, highlighting the need for collaborative and transdisciplinary care to promote CICL rehabilitation and community integration. •Around 90% of the children referred from the juvenile justice system had Adverse Childhood Experiences.•About 40% also had multiple protective factors that could promote socio-emotional outcomes.•Only 12% reported to follow-up, and information regarding the implementation and outcomes of rehabilitation recommendations for the majority is unknown.•Transdisciplinary and multisystemic interventions with ongoing support after community integration are crucial.