- The district’s first successful foster care rehabilitation project exemplifies child protection and sensitive governance.
- A child transitioned from institutional care to a family environment and now enjoys love and education with a new family.
The Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki district has achieved a significant milestone in the field of child protection. Through the joint efforts of the district administration, the Women and Child Development Department, and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the district’s first successful foster care rehabilitation program has been completed. This initiative removed a child from institutional care and provided a safe, loving, and family-like environment. This initiative serves as an inspiring example of the effectiveness of alternative care arrangements for the protection of child rights and a better future for children.
- From rescue to rehabilitation, the administration played a sensitive role.
Under the direction of Collector Mrs. Tanuja Salam and the guidance of the District Program Officer and District Child Protection Officer, a special campaign was launched from June 1 to June 30, 2026, to rescue and rehabilitate children living in difficult circumstances. During the campaign, a joint team from the Labor Department, Police Department, and Women and Child Development Department rescued the child from a local restaurant. Investigation revealed that the child’s parents and grandparents had passed away. The child was then presented before the Child Welfare Committee and immediately sent to a children’s home for protection.
- Respect for the child’s wishes
During counseling at the children’s home, the child expressed his desire to live in a family environment rather than an institutional environment. Keeping his wishes and emotional needs in mind, the district administration and the Child Protection Unit initiated efforts to provide him with the love and protection of a family through foster care. The social worker and protection officer (non-institutional care) of the District Child Protection Unit, in coordination with the Center of Excellence in Alternative Care (India), Durg Division, contacted the child’s distant relatives. After counseling, the relatives agreed to keep the child in their family and take responsibility for his bright future.
- Family shelter provided after eligibility and completion of legal process
The Child Protection Unit conducted a home study, interview, and eligibility verification of the potential foster family. Necessary documentary and legal formalities were completed, including obtaining the child’s Aadhaar card. Following the recommendations of the Child Welfare Committee and the approval of the district administration under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, the child was formally handed over to the foster family. Throughout this process, the child’s best interests and secure future were prioritized.
- Getting affection and education opportunity in a new family
Through foster care, the child now finds the love, belonging, and security of a family, replacing institutional life. He is currently living a safe and happy life with his new family. The foster family is taking care of his daily needs as well as his educational needs. He now attends school regularly and continues his education under family protection. This transformation in his life demonstrates that through sensitive efforts and the right alternative care arrangements, children in need can be shown the path to a better future.