Theory of Change (ToC) framework for Udayan Care outlines the causal pathway from inputs to long-term impact, incorporating all key program domains.
Ultimate Goal (Impact): A society where vulnerable children and youth in India grow up in nurturing families or family-like environments, achieve their full potential, live dignified, self-reliant lives, and contribute positively to their communities and their country.
Core Assumptions:
- Stable, nurturing environments (family or family-like) are fundamental to a child’s healthy development.
- Holistic support (education, emotional care, life skills, vocational training, mentorship) enables vulnerable individuals to break cycles of disadvantage.
- Strengthening families prevents child separation and institutionalization.
- Empowering girls and women leads to stronger families and communities.
- Care Leavers (youth exiting institutional care) require dedicated support for a successful transition to adulthood.
- Systemic change requires evidence-based advocacy, capacity building through trainings, research and developing dialogue through conferences, and policy advocacy.
How Change Happens (The Pathways):
- Direct Service to Transformation: Providing immediate care and protection (Udayan Ghar) creates the foundation for healing and development. Sequential support (Aftercare, AOP, LIFT, Care Leavers Networks) equips youth for independence. Education & Skilling (Shalini, Skilling) provides pathways out of poverty.
- Prevention is Key: Strengthening Families (FIT) prevents child-family separation, thereby reducing the need for alternative care.
- Empowerment & Agency: Programs such as Shalini, AOP, LIFT, and Skilling focus on building confidence, leadership, and skills, enabling beneficiaries to become agents of change in their own lives and communities.
- The L.I.F.E. Principle: The core philosophy of “Living in Family Environment” underpins all interventions, whether in group homes, family strengthening, or promoting family-based alternative care through practices and advocacy.
- Amplifying Impact through Systems Change: Advocacy, Research, and Training leverage Udayan Care’s on-ground experience to influence policies, improve practices across the sector, and build nationwide capacity, multiplying the impact beyond direct beneficiaries.
