The Department of Women and Child Development in Delhi is spearheading a crucial initiative to address a significant weakness in the child protection framework: the transition to adulthood. For hundreds of children raised in state and NGO-run care homes, reaching the age of 18 often means a sudden and unprepared leap from a structured environment to complete independence.
The Abrupt End of Institutional Care
Delhi is home to nearly 100 child care institutions managed by the government and various non-profits. These homes provide shelter, stability, and education to children rescued from the streets, unstable family situations, or extreme poverty. However, this support system comes to an abrupt halt when a child turns 18. The system legally classifies them as adults, often expecting them to navigate the complexities of city life on their own with little to no preparation.
Sanjay Gupta, director of Chetna, an NGO dedicated to empowering street-connected children, highlighted the ongoing struggle. He pointed out that even those who move to aftercare homes, where they can stay until age 21, frequently face difficult decisions they are emotionally and practically unequipped to handle.
The story of Manish (name changed) is a telling example. Abandoned as a toddler and raised in an institution, he moved to an aftercare home at 18. Despite receiving training in electrical work and securing a job, he grappled with a lack of essential documents, financial literacy, and access to higher education. His "independence" was largely symbolic, underscoring deep systemic failures.
Collaborative Review and Key Proposals
In a recent high-level meeting chaired by the department's Secretary, Dr. Rashmi Singh, these challenges were thoroughly examined. The gathering included nearly 20 officials, such as superintendents of homes, child welfare committee chairpersons, and district child protection unit officers. Beneficiaries and representatives from leading NGOs like Chetna, Udayan Care, and Salaam Baalak Trust also contributed their ground-level experiences.
The NGOs presented their aftercare program modules, sparking discussions on strengthening collaboration. Several key suggestions emerged from the meeting:
- Updating the existing aftercare guidelines to reflect current challenges.
- Gathering structured feedback from peer organizations.
- Organizing exposure visits for children in institutions to workplaces for early experience.
- Exploring internship opportunities with potential financial support from partners like Chetna.
- Conducting training boot camps for officials of child welfare committees and protection units.
- Creating a dedicated placement cell within the department.
Building a Sustainable Support Network
Officials also deliberated on establishing a monitoring mechanism to track youths for up to five years after they leave care. A refined aftercare model could then be shared with district magistrates and senior government officials for wider implementation.
The idea of engaging retired teachers, professors, and professionals as long-term mentors received considerable interest. Experts stressed the need for early preparation. A.K. Tiwari from Salaam Baalak Trust suggested that starting life skills and vocational training from age 16 could make employment by 18 a realistic goal.
Leena from Udayan Care emphasized that employer-led mentorship is vital for the real-world integration of these youths into society.
Secretary Dr. Rashmi Singh reaffirmed the department's commitment. "We have been committed to ensuring strong aftercare for our children. We run several skill-building programmes, but now the focus is on ensuring these skills translate into real opportunities," she said. "We are considering key suggestions, from improving placement pathways to other support mechanisms. If these steps fall into place, it will make social integration for our children smoother."
