Our Work
Freeing Families
Freedom is only the first step. This work includes the dangerous moment of leaving and the slower work of helping the family stay out.
Families in bonded labor often carry inherited debt, weak legal standing, and almost no margin for the cost of leaving. Once released, they can still be pulled back by hunger, rent, medical pressure, and school interruption.
IFF's role is to walk through that unstable period with practical support that makes freedom more than symbolic.
How families become trapped
Debt Bondage
In many cases, the bondage did not begin with the child, or even the parents. A loan taken long ago, paired with crushing interest and almost no wages, becomes impossible to repay.
Entire families work year after year and still fall further behind. Children begin working young, inherit a debt they never created, and grow up expecting the same future for their own children.
IFF steps into that cycle with a different ending: release, safety, rebuilding, education, and a path toward freedom.
Our Process
Release & Rebuilding
The debt is one cost. Staying free is the larger commitment.
A release debt is often around $900, but the complete plan may also include housing, food, transportation, school, and training while the family develops dependable income.
About $900Average family release debt; some debts reach $1,500 or more
$1,000–$2,000Possible rebuilding support after release, depending on the family's plan
Every situation is reviewed individually. Estimates vary with debt, household needs, housing, transportation, and training length. Updated July 2026.
Help Fund Freedom & Rebuilding