Udayan Ghars (Children Homes)

About the Programme

We believe that every child deserves the warmth and security of a family. The 'Udayan Ghar Program,' meaning 'Sunshine Homes,' is a unique group-home model based on the core principle of 'L.I.F.E.'—' Living in Family Environment.' These homes are designed to nurture Out-of-Home Care (O.H.C.) children, including those who are orphaned, abandoned, or abused, and in need of protection.

An Udayan Ghar is a loving residential home where we provide vulnerable children with the care and support of a compassionate family environment. In each group home, a close-knit unit of about 12 children, aged 6 to 18, live together, with separate homes for boys and girls. We also have two multi-unit homes.

The program emphasizes quality education, vocational training, nutritious food, excellent physical and mental health care, and ample opportunities for personal growth.

A dedicated team of caregivers, including 'Mentor Parents' (lifetime volunteers), professional social workers, and child and mental health care professionals, work together to provide the love, protection, and guidance these children need to thrive. Our homes are located in middle-class neighborhoods, fostering community involvement and interaction. As a result, Udayan children grow into responsible and productive members of society.

Since the establishment of our first Udayan Ghar in 1996, we have had 12 homes in three states in India.

Programme Objective

Uplift Vulnerable Children

Our primary objective is to care for children who have lost the protection of their primary caregivers. Through the Udayan Ghar Program, we aim to provide these children with mentorship, parental guidance, nutritious food, education, extracurricular activities, and holistic health care. Our ultimate goal is to nurture them into self-reliant, socially responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society.

Recreate Family Bonds

We aim to provide a loving, family-like environment for children separated from their families. The program focuses on recreating the warmth and security of a home, helping children understand the value of family ties. By fostering social integration and providing a sense of belonging, we empower children to form healthy relationships and prepare them to build their own families in the future.

Ensure Quality Education

We are committed to providing every child in our care with access to quality education. Our objective is to place children in the best educational and vocational institutions suited to their talents, interests, and needs. We support them throughout their academic journey, encouraging dedication and hard work to help them excel in school and prepare for fulfilling careers.

Promote Physical and Mental Health

In our program, we aim to ensure every child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We address each child's unique needs by providing regular health check-ups, timely vaccinations, and trauma-informed mental health care. Our objective is to foster resilience, helping children heal from past trauma and grow into emotionally secure and healthy individuals.

Facilitate Holistic Development

Our objective is to encourage the all-round development of children under our care. We strive to provide a stable, nurturing environment that offers opportunities for personal growth. Through sports, arts, hobbies, and recreational activities, we aim to develop their talents, creativity, and respect for diversity while instilling mutual respect and inclusivity values.

Provide Aftercare and Lifelong Support

We aim to extend our support beyond childhood. Through the Aftercare Program, we help young adults transitioning from Udayan Ghars achieve financial independence and adjust to life as responsible citizens. Our goal is to ensure a ‘continuum of care’ and provide lifelong support, ensuring they remain a valued part of the Udayan family.

Catalyze Community Involvement

Our objective is to inspire individuals and volunteers to contribute to the well-being of children in need actively. By empowering Mentor Parents and community members to take on long-term roles in Udayan Ghars, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change, improving the lives of vulnerable children through collective action and dedicated involvement.

Lead Advocacy and Research in Child Welfare

As pioneers in child protection, we aim to lead the movement for child rights, mental well-being, and welfare. Through continuous research and sharing best practices, we strive to improve the care of children in need. Our objective is to contribute valuable insights to the field of child welfare that can benefit other organizations and professionals working to protect vulnerable children.

Facilitate Family Reintegration

Our key objective is to reunite children with their biological families, provided their safety and well-being are assured. We actively work to restore children to their families as soon as possible, with a commitment to maintaining family bonds. Over the years, we have successfully reunited hundreds of children, and we aim to continue this reintegration process as part of our mission.

What makes us different

Individualised Care

Each Udayan Ghar is thoughtfully designed to house a small group of children, allowing for personalized care and attention. We understand that every child is unique and has distinct needs, so each one benefits from a tailored care plan crafted in partnership between the child and our dedicated caregiving team.This holistic, 360-degree approach ensures all aspects of their growth and well-being are nurtured. Within these close-knit communities, children naturally build confidence and form deep connections. Even those new to Udayan Ghars quickly feel at home, thanks to the extra care and warmth they receive, making their transition smooth and comforting.

Mentor Parentsat Udayan Ghars are dedicated, long-term volunteers with extensive experience in childrearing. They nurture and guide the children with the same care and affection as they would their own, fulfilling the role of a parent. They offer stability and continuity to help the children form lasting, meaningful relationships.Beyond ensuring the children's physical and emotional well-being, Mentor Parents also instil important family values, fostering a sense of security and belonging in their Udayan family.

Caregivers are present with the children around the clock, managing household tasks and daily care while ensuring the children’s safety, personal hygiene, nutrition, and overall health. They also promote community engagement and participation.

Care for Physical and Mental Well-being

Social Workers handle the legal aspects of children's care, providing guidance to both caregivers and children while acting as a bridge between various stakeholders. The entire team receives additional support and oversight from a centralized team at the Head Office and external mental health specialists.

Our team of healthcare professionals comprises specialists from various medical fields, including esteemed doctors, psychoanalysts, psychologists, and psychiatrists, with extensive experience working with children and adolescents. In addition, we have a dedicated staff of social workers and counselors, all trained in safeguarding and rehabilitating vulnerable children.

Mentor Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in the well-being of children by fostering an environment where each child feels secure and supported. At Udayan Ghars, concerns are promptly addressed to ensure a nurturing atmosphere. Every child has an Individual Care Plan (ICP), a vital document that tracks their progress and guides future interventions.

The team caring for Udayan children regularly undergoes training and participates in interactive workshops led by child physical and mental health experts. By keeping the team well-informed and sensitive to the children’s needs, we ensure they receive compassionate guidance throughout their journey to independence.

Quality Education

Several esteemed schools have partnered with us to ensure our children receive the highest quality education through formal academics or vocational training. By supporting our mission and offering scholarships or significantly reduced fees, these institutions have been instrumental in securing our children's right to education. At Udayan Ghars, we provide every resource necessary for children to succeed in school. Mentor Parents and volunteers assist with homework, and we bring tutors for those requiring additional support. Our children consistently perform well in exams, with many advancing to prestigious universities and colleges for higher studies. Each child's educational plan is created with active involvement and reviewed during monthly committee meetings.

Vocational Training

We prioritize empowerment and self-reliance through vocational training, particularly for youngsters who join us later in life and are often first-generation learners. Occasionally, despite our dedicated efforts, a child may struggle to adapt academically. In such cases, we focus on addressing their unique needs by identifying and pursuing the most suitable course of action for their personal growth and development.

Aftercare

At the age of 18, children are still not fully equipped to navigate life on their own. To address this issue, we have established three aftercare facilities: Jagshanti Udayan Ghar in Greater Noida for girls, one in Gurgaon for boys, and an additional facility in Sant Nagar. Additionally, some children are accommodated in alternative living arrangements such as hostels, paying guest lodgings, and scattered housing. Udayan Care's Aftercare Program facilitates the transition to adulthood, helping these young individuals become responsible and self-sufficient. This aftercare model offers a sense of security while addressing their educational, emotional, housing, and financial needs. Through this program, young adults acquire essential life skills necessary for independent living, enabling them to thrive and reintegrate into mainstream society.

Opportunities for Growth

Balancing academics and extracurricular activities is essential for a child's holistic development. At Udayan Ghars, children have numerous opportunities to explore their potential while having fun and discovering new avenues for growth. They are encouraged to engage in sports, arts, public speaking, dance, and other activities. We organize summer and winter camps annually, and some of our children have even had the chance to travel abroad thanks to our corporate partners and international volunteers. All Indian festivals and national holidays are celebrated with enthusiasm and a spirit of inclusivity. The generosity of many individuals ensures that our children can celebrate their birthdays just like any other child their age, complete with birthday cakes, delicious treats, new outfits, and visits from well-wishers, making their special day truly memorable.

Alumni Network

Thanks to their transformative experience at Udayan Ghars, many of our alumni return to visit their siblings and Mentor Parents even after they’ve successfully moved on from their homes. They maintain strong connections with Udayan Care, often contributing through donations, working with the organization, or mentoring younger children. This fosters a robust alumni network that the children can always rely on, with Udayan Ghar remaining their lifelong home away from home. Our bonds continue to strengthen even after they leave our care, and many alumni receive further guidance as they embark on new life stages, such as getting married, starting families, and building their careers.

Conducting research on our efforts involving child participation

At Udayan Care, we continually evaluate and refine our strategies to develop effective care models. We have conducted various studies to analyze our resident children and caregivers' "perceived and actual" mental and physical health needs. One such study, "Assessment of Mental and Physical Health of OVCs in Residential Care Organizations: A Longitudinal Study (2013 onwards)", focused on both the short-term and long-term health outcomes of Udayan Care’s children and alumni, aiming to understand how their physical and mental health needs evolve. Another pilot study, "Quality of Life of Caregivers and its Impact on Delivery of Services for Children Living in Child Care Institutions: 2015–16", examined how caregivers' quality of life influences the care and services they provide to children in Child Care Institutions.