Bridging the Aftercare Gap: A Call to Action for Care Leavers in India
January 30, 2025, 4:28 pm
Location: United States, California, San Francisco
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1946
Total raised: $100K
In the heart of Mumbai, a significant gathering took place. The “Ahvaan: A Call to Action” conference brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders focused on aftercare services for young people transitioning out of institutional care. Organized by Catalysts for Social Action (CSA), A Future for Every Child (AFEC), and UNICEF, this event aimed to address a pressing issue: the lack of support for care leavers in India.
Imagine a ship setting sail without a map. That’s how many care leavers feel when they age out of institutional care at 18. They are cast adrift into a world that often seems indifferent to their struggles. Aftercare services are meant to be the lifeboat, providing resources like education, vocational training, and mentorship. Yet, two-thirds of these young adults remain unaware of the support available to them. This gap is a chasm that needs bridging.
The conference attracted over 130 participants, including government representatives and NGOs from 13 states. This was a historic moment, as four major NGOs united under a shared vision to tackle the aftercare crisis. CSA’s Aftercare Program, one of the largest in the country, has already reached over 2,500 care leavers across five states. Their experience has shown that effective aftercare is not just a dream; it can be a reality.
The statistics are sobering. Without proper aftercare, care leavers face dire consequences: poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. These young adults often lack the life skills necessary to navigate the complexities of adulthood. The conference sought to change this narrative by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. By pooling resources and knowledge, they aim to create a robust support system that ensures no care leaver is left behind.
Key discussions at the conference highlighted the importance of awareness and access to aftercare services. A representative from UNICEF emphasized the need for a supportive ecosystem. The organization’s #3Cs4EveryChild approach—Convene, Converge, and Catalyse—aims to empower care leavers as they transition into adulthood. This strategy is about more than just providing services; it’s about creating a community that supports these young individuals.
Panel discussions further explored the challenges faced by care leavers. The “Voice of Care Leavers” panel gave a platform to those who have lived through the experience. Their stories underscored the urgent need for improved awareness and access to aftercare services. It’s not enough to have programs in place; young people must know they exist and how to access them.
The conference also addressed the role of government functionaries in building an effective aftercare ecosystem. Representatives from various states shared their insights and experiences, highlighting the need for coordinated action. The “Mission 2030” panel focused on scaling aftercare services nationwide. The goal is ambitious: to ensure that every care leaver receives the support they need to thrive.
Two critical papers were released during the event, offering insights into effective aftercare models. These documents serve as blueprints for future initiatives, guiding stakeholders in their efforts to create sustainable programs. The collaborative spirit of the conference was palpable, with participants eager to share their knowledge and learn from one another.
The need for collective action is clear. The challenges facing care leavers are not insurmountable, but they require a concerted effort from all sectors of society. NGOs, government agencies, and corporate partners must work together to create a unified approach. This is not just a moral obligation; it’s a necessity for the future of these young individuals.
As the conference concluded, the message was clear: the time for action is now. The aftercare gap is a reality that cannot be ignored. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, stakeholders can create a brighter future for care leavers. Every young adult deserves the chance to succeed, to build a life filled with hope and opportunity.
In the end, the “Ahvaan” conference was more than just a gathering; it was a rallying cry. It called upon all involved to step up and take responsibility. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with determination and collaboration, a new chapter can be written for care leavers in India. They can be equipped with the tools they need to navigate the waters of adulthood, ensuring that no one is left to drift alone.
Imagine a ship setting sail without a map. That’s how many care leavers feel when they age out of institutional care at 18. They are cast adrift into a world that often seems indifferent to their struggles. Aftercare services are meant to be the lifeboat, providing resources like education, vocational training, and mentorship. Yet, two-thirds of these young adults remain unaware of the support available to them. This gap is a chasm that needs bridging.
The conference attracted over 130 participants, including government representatives and NGOs from 13 states. This was a historic moment, as four major NGOs united under a shared vision to tackle the aftercare crisis. CSA’s Aftercare Program, one of the largest in the country, has already reached over 2,500 care leavers across five states. Their experience has shown that effective aftercare is not just a dream; it can be a reality.
The statistics are sobering. Without proper aftercare, care leavers face dire consequences: poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. These young adults often lack the life skills necessary to navigate the complexities of adulthood. The conference sought to change this narrative by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. By pooling resources and knowledge, they aim to create a robust support system that ensures no care leaver is left behind.
Key discussions at the conference highlighted the importance of awareness and access to aftercare services. A representative from UNICEF emphasized the need for a supportive ecosystem. The organization’s #3Cs4EveryChild approach—Convene, Converge, and Catalyse—aims to empower care leavers as they transition into adulthood. This strategy is about more than just providing services; it’s about creating a community that supports these young individuals.
Panel discussions further explored the challenges faced by care leavers. The “Voice of Care Leavers” panel gave a platform to those who have lived through the experience. Their stories underscored the urgent need for improved awareness and access to aftercare services. It’s not enough to have programs in place; young people must know they exist and how to access them.
The conference also addressed the role of government functionaries in building an effective aftercare ecosystem. Representatives from various states shared their insights and experiences, highlighting the need for coordinated action. The “Mission 2030” panel focused on scaling aftercare services nationwide. The goal is ambitious: to ensure that every care leaver receives the support they need to thrive.
Two critical papers were released during the event, offering insights into effective aftercare models. These documents serve as blueprints for future initiatives, guiding stakeholders in their efforts to create sustainable programs. The collaborative spirit of the conference was palpable, with participants eager to share their knowledge and learn from one another.
The need for collective action is clear. The challenges facing care leavers are not insurmountable, but they require a concerted effort from all sectors of society. NGOs, government agencies, and corporate partners must work together to create a unified approach. This is not just a moral obligation; it’s a necessity for the future of these young individuals.
As the conference concluded, the message was clear: the time for action is now. The aftercare gap is a reality that cannot be ignored. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, stakeholders can create a brighter future for care leavers. Every young adult deserves the chance to succeed, to build a life filled with hope and opportunity.
In the end, the “Ahvaan” conference was more than just a gathering; it was a rallying cry. It called upon all involved to step up and take responsibility. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with determination and collaboration, a new chapter can be written for care leavers in India. They can be equipped with the tools they need to navigate the waters of adulthood, ensuring that no one is left to drift alone.