India has the world’s largest child population, with nearly 172 million at risk and an estimated 35 million needing care and protection. The Government of India’s latest report states there are 23.6 million orphaned and abandoned children, with 2.1 million aged 15-17 (MOSPI, 2018). Additionally, 0.37 million children live in around 9,500 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) (MWCD, 2018). Nearly 80% of these children in residential care have parents or extended family who could provide family-based care with adequate state support.
A secure family environment is essential for children to reach their full potential, as they thrive best in settings characterised by happiness, love, and understanding (United Nations, 2019, p.9). Despite legislative and policy mandates in India emphasising the right to family, many children end up in institutional care due to the nascent state of other alternative care forms.
Furthermore, children in alternative care are expected to become independent at 18, often facing vulnerabilities without ongoing support. While there is no official data on children leaving care, NGOs estimate that about 50,000 children exit the system each year. There is also limited information on youth in aftercare and the outcomes for children post-alternative care.
At Udayan Care, we are deeply committed to the sustainable and holistic development of children and youth. We uphold their rights and prioritize their well-being, nurturing them through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, much like a family. Our focus is always on the children, striving to provide the care and support they need.
We advocate for family and community-based care over institutional options. In all our programs, we work to restore children to their families and support families in becoming functional. Our commitment to holistic development reflects the familial support that is present throughout various life stages. To address the research deficit, we generate evidence through research and publications via our ART department.
Udayan Care’s Child and Youth Care (CYC) pillar is based on a simple principle: every child and youth deserves a fair chance to reach their full potential and become independent adults and contributing citizens. Strengthening at-risk or vulnerable families is crucial to achieving this goal. Our programs provide children with a strong foundation for life, offering targeted interventions at key points during childhood and adolescence. As CYC practitioners, we continually incorporate learnings into our varied project implementation plans.
