In a significant child welfare initiative, authorities in Mysuru district have successfully rescued and rehabilitated a total of 486 abandoned and vulnerable children. This large-scale operation was carried out under the Union government's flagship Mission Vatsalya scheme by the Department of Women and Child Welfare and the District Child Protection Committee (DCPC).
Scope and Details of the Rescue Mission
The comprehensive drive focused on reaching out to children from various distressing backgrounds. The 486 rescued children included those who were destitute, orphaned, newborns abandoned by parents, and victims of domestic violence and abuse. The demographic breakdown shows that 237 of the children were boys, while 249 were girls, highlighting the scheme's reach across genders.
Mission Vatsalya's core objective is to shield children from violence and exploitation while offering guardian-like support to those residing in institutional care. A key focus is transforming the lives of children in conflict with the law by ensuring they have access to shelter, nutrition, and education until they complete their studies, ultimately guiding them towards self-reliance.
Rehabilitation and Institutional Care
Following their rescue, the children have been placed in safe environments for care and development. They are currently housed across 21 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to child protection and three state-run institutions within Mysuru district. These bodies are mandated to provide quality institutional care and essential services.
The required support framework includes:
- Community outreach programs and a toll-free helpline for preventive services.
- Skill development and vocational training tailored to each child's interests.
- Ensuring a safe environment free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Promoting Family-Based Care and Adoption
A pivotal aspect of Mission Vatsalya in Mysuru has been promoting family-based care for children. The department and the DCPC have actively facilitated legal adoptions to provide stable homes. To date, 42 children from government shelter homes in the district have found families through adoption. Out of these, 35 children were adopted within India, and seven were adopted by parents from overseas.
The process for foster care is structured and supportive. Prospective parents must register and are matched with suitable children through the District Children Protection Committee. Financial assistance is also extended to these families, subject to fulfilling all legal and consent formalities.
DCPC officer S T Yogesh, in a conversation, emphasized that the department's top priority is the safety and protection of every child rehabilitated in both private and public shelter homes. He affirmed that all necessary measures are being initiated for the scheme's effective implementation, ensuring a shield against all forms of maltreatment.
This initiative in Mysuru stands as a testament to the concerted efforts under Mission Vatsalya, aiming to secure a dignified and hopeful future for some of the most vulnerable members of society.
