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In the intricate mosaic of our childhood recollections, the vivid colours of joyful familial moments and bustling festivities stand prominent. These reminiscences compose the fabric of our formative years, moulding our perspectives and values. Today, we invite you on a journey exploring the profound impact of family separation on vulnerable children worldwide. Through personal reflections and inspiring case studies, we will attempt to uncover the transformative power of support programs, emphasizing the need for a global collective to rewrite the narratives of those teetering on the edge of adulthood. As we, at Udayan Care, complete three decades of our practitioner years, we are committed to be delving into the profound repercussions of unnecessary separation on children from their families, and especially as they edge towards becoming majors. Through introspective narratives and compelling case studies, let us unveil the catalytic potential of support initiatives, underscoring the imperative for a unified collective effort that is needed to redefine the narratives of those reeling on the brink of adulthood, with practically no or little support.
Setting the Stage
Most of us have been fortunate to be nurtured amidst affection and security. However, can you envision a child devoid of that tender embrace or the sanctuary of their home? It is indeed heart-wrenching. It is imperative to examine the predicament of vulnerable children worldwide. A staggering estimate reveals the existence of 140 million orphaned or abandoned children globally, with over 96,000 000 in India alone.
Children, who land up in alternative care or as in India, in child care institutions, for the want of other family-based care models, are the ones, who get separated from their biological families due to issues such as death, abuse, neglect, or abandonment, even poverty. This separation can cause profound emotional trauma and pain, leading to feelings of rejection, loss, and grief, as well as ruptured education and development. These children brave emotional storms, survivors of traumas, yet they often face a system that falls short of support. In the absence of family based care mechanisms, they are sent to Child Care Institutions (CCIs), where due to rigid schedules, regimented routines, restricted opportunities, scarce counselling and guidance, lack of exposure to the outside world, and lack of trainings in life skills – they may not get the kind of thriving environment a child needs to grow up in, nor get the requisite training to sustain themselves once they are out of the CCI, when they become 18, and become care leavers (CLs)!Actually, upon reaching adulthood at eighteen, they are thrust into a realm of uncertainty, devoid of guidance or safety nets, as many times they do not get the mandatory Aftercare support. It gets akin to plummeting into an abyss, devoid of the support structures of the care system, or family and community, as they were raised away from their families in a CCI. Despite legal mandates stipulating the necessity for continued aftercare support in India and worldwide, the exit from care process for most becomes fraught with challenges owing to a pervasive lack of education, skills training, exposure, awareness and comprehension. On top of that many do not get any aftercare support, which makes them rudderless and may lead them to an unworthy life.
Our Innovative Programme: Udayan Ghars
Our Udayan Ghar Programme, which we set up in 1996, is grounded in the ethos of relational practices, where long term relationship between children, staff and mentors is developed and trauma informed care is at the heart of it. Our 'Living in Family Environment' (L.I.F.E.), model is a beacon of hope for many vulnerable children in India. Through the establishment of Udayan Ghars (13 in number)—warm residential abodes accommodating approximately twelve children aged six to eighteen, as a unit (some homes have 2 units i. e. 24 children, because of changing government norms) —the program endeavours to provide a nurturing familial milieu for those bereft of primary caregiver protection. Adopting a holistic approach encompassing working in unison, a dedicated team of caregivers, including "Mentor Parents" who volunteer for life, professional social workers, mental health care professionals, and other support staff collaborate to offer children the love, protection, and guidance necessary for their growth, nurture the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the children. With a steadfast emphasis on familial bonds, the program not only serves as a surrogate kin but also integrates children into the surrounding middle-class communities, fostering communal involvement and dispelling societal stigmas. The steadfast commitment to quality education, emotional well-being, healthcare, holistic development, and aftercare underscores the dedication to ensuring that these children not only flourish during their tenure in Udayan Ghars but also transition seamlessly into adulthood. Trainings in life skills and employability skills prepare these youth for the life outside.
These homes are situated in middle-class neighbourhoods, fostering extensive community involvement and interaction, thereby enabling children to thrive and become productive and responsible members of society.
Within these homes, all developmental needs of the children are attended to, while their families also receive counselling and support to facilitate the earliest possible reunification with their children. The commitment to restoration, aiming to reunite children with their biological families, by helping and strengthening them and enabling them to take charge of their children, is the purpose with which these homes function. This underscores Udayan Care’s deep understanding of the importance of family ties in a child’s best interest.
The Udayan Ghar model integrates various psychological and ecological frameworks to provide trauma-informed care (TIC) for children in need. Drawing from Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development theory, Bronfenbrenner's Ecological model, and Bowlby's Attachment theory, the model creates a nurturing family-like environment within the Udayan Ghars. Each child receives individualized attention from mentor parents, live-in care staff, mental health specialists, and social workers, fostering reciprocal and positive relationships crucial for self-concept and resilience development. Udayan Care emphasises regular training on trauma-informed care for the caretaker team, enabling them to recognise and address children's coping mechanisms effectively. Utilizing Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory, Udayan Care acknowledges the significance of the environment at Udayan Ghars in shaping children's development, the importance of school, friends, community around, and ensures safe physical and emotional spaces tailored to their needs. The decision-making process at these Udayan Ghars prioritises child participation and empowerment. By integrating Erikson's theory, LIFE model provides these children with a stability and structure in these homes, positive relationships, sense of purpose, self-esteem, optimistic beliefs and values, open communications, participatory approach in decision making, support in development of belief to attain goals as well as underlying foundations of basic social support that can help repair past traumas and give coping skills for current happenings. Bowlby's Attachment theory underscores the importance of nurturing authentic relationships for healing and support. Through a holistic approach encompassing social, psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being, these care homes strive to empower children to regain control over their lives and thrive despite past traumas.
Our FiT Families project addresses this issue by developing prevention programmes as well as Restoration Programmes, but about that, we will talk about in another piece.
Udayan Ghar’s Aftercare Programme
With 5 aftercare facilities, and with a commitment to support youth, even if their families are found and they are restored, our youth are supported on every domain of support required by a youth growing up and finding one’s feet in the world. The Aftercare Program of Udayan Ghars serves as a vital bridge for young adults aged 18 to 21 who are required to leave their Udayan Ghars at 18, as stipulated in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021. This program ensures continued rehabilitative services and accommodation options, ranging from community, group, to scattered housing, for these individuals. Its primary goal is to support these young adults in transitioning into their adult responsibilities before reintegrating them into society. Through ongoing assistance in education, mental health support, accommodation, nutrition, soft skills development, career counselling, vocational training, mentoring and job placements, these youths acquire both the skills and confidence necessary to navigate the world and become socially responsible adults with strong ethics and values.
Beyond Udayan Ghars: Aftercare Outreach Programme
Udayan Care's effective interventions in the Aftercare program of Udayan Ghars, coupled with the significant research project 'Beyond 18,' conducted in 2018-19, which encompassed over 450 CLs and 100 functionaries across five states of India, laid the groundwork for the Aftercare Outreach Program (AOP) established in 2020. The 'Sphere of Aftercare,' a theoretical framework derived from the aforementioned research, forms the foundation of the AOP. This framework delineates eight domains of support essential for care-experienced youths during and after their transition from CCIs: housing; education and vocational skills; physical health; emotional well-being; independent living skills; social support and interpersonal skills; financial independence and career; and identity and legal awareness. This initiative is designed to provide transitional and rehabilitative support to young individuals with experience in care, who are approaching the age limit for departure from various governmental and non-governmental Child Care Institutions (CCIs). The program incorporates elements such as educational and vocational training, supplementary services tailored to individual needs, internships and job placements, financial assistance, and mentorship. Currently running in 6 states with over 350 care leavers, it also aims to foster a sense of community by uniting them through platforms like the Care Leavers’ Networks, many such facilitated by Udayan Care itself.
Udayan Care’s impact extends beyond its immediate care facilities, as it actively engages in research and knowledge sharing to advance the broader understanding of child welfare. The organization conducts internal and external research studies, contributing valuable insights for professionals, organizations, and government agencies working in the field. Additionally, the program catalyses change by facilitating visionary individuals and volunteers to establish and manage Udayan Ghars voluntarily. Through this model, Udayan Care has not only provided a lifeline for thousands of children but has also set a precedent for a compassionate and effective approach to out-of-home care children.
Case Studies: Narratives of Resilience and Triumph
In our exploration of the transformative potential of support programs, let us delve into poignant case studies that epitomize resilience and triumph.
Narmdi - Cultivating Artistic Aspirations
Narmdi, orphaned at eleven, found solace and support in one of our childcare institution, modelled on the principles of L.I.F.E. (Living In Family Environment). Through academic guidance, counselling, and encouragement, she not only excelled in her academic pursuits in school, but also discovered a passion for art. Presently, she is pursuing the final year of Bachelors of Fine Arts, symbolizing a transformative odyssey from adversity to accomplishment. She is deeply committed to the cause of others like her, graduating from Child Care Institutions, a recipient of LIFT (Learning in ????), where she is actively involved in advocating for the rights of such youth in visual format, she is also setting up a care leavers network in Uttar Pradesh, by bringing CLs together.
Anjali - Flourishing in Hospitality
Anjali’s early years were marred by emotional trauma, yet consistent warmth, guidance, and love provided to her at one of our homes propelled her towards academic excellence. Transitioning to the Aftercare program at 18, she secured the first position in her class and is now pursuing a Bachelor’s in Hotel Management and Catering. Anjali’s story underscores the profound impact of a supportive environment on personal growth. Her skills at her internship venues has always won her managers’ approbation and now she is looking forward to a final placement.
Rohit- Embarking on a Journey from Abandonment to Assurance
Rohit, abandoned at three with scant recollection of his family, grappled with linguistic and self-assurance challenges. Through the Aftercare Outreach Program, he not only completed a refrigeration repair course but also secured employment at the Refrigeration unit of the TATA group. Rohit's narrative epitomizes the metamorphosis feasible with an adept support structure.
Mukesh - Forging the Path to Chartered Accountancy
Mukesh, adrift after a childhood spent in a Children’s home, rekindled hope through support initiatives. Encouraged during an orientation session, when we deci9ded to on board him in our Aftercare Outreach Programme, he articulated his aspiration of becoming a chartered accountant. With guidance, financial backing, and determination, Mukesh enrolled in B.Com, pursued a Tally course, and is on the trajectory to realizing his ambition.
Global Impact: Care Leavers Networks
Beyond individual success narratives, the establishment of Care Leavers Networks has emerged as a potent agent of change. Udayan Care has provided support to many care leavers in different cities to set up to their own networks, after the first successful launch of Delhi Clan in 2018. The success of networks in bring together the youth to a support structure also whetted our desire to bring together an international community of care leavers. The inaugural International Care Leavers Convention in 2020, with the help of 3 other international organisations, SOS Children’s Villages, University of Hildesheim, Germany and Kinder Perspectief from Netherlands, united care experienced youth worldwide. The 2022 online convention again strengthened the network. This global consortium today serves as a platform for care leavers globally to connect, exchange experiences, and actively contribute to shaping their destinies.
The Call to Collective Action
Taking its cue from the resounding words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others", in a world besieged by challenges, Udayan Care takes on the challenge to support and uplift the most vulnerable amongst us: our children and youth, who are out of home care, and are grappling with circumstances beyond their purview.
Conclusion
The imperative to forestall familial separation, fortify families, and establish a continuum of care is a shared obligation. Every child merits the opportunity to burgeon, learn, and thrive and that can happen only if relational practices are at the heart of the model. We beseech each of you to assume the roles of mentor, benefactor, or advocate. Experience the profound gratification of not only metamorphosing a life but also evolving personally throughout this impactful expedition, the way our mentor parents’ experience.
Together, let us embark on this transformative trajectory, erecting a future wherein every child and youth’s potential is actualized, wherein hope supplants despair, and wherein every life is treasured and empowered. The journey toward empowerment and wholesomeness starts with a step, and we invite you to take that step with us, in developing relationships that will heal such children and youth.
