Empowering Tomorrow: How India's Care Leavers Are Supporting Each Other
In many parts of the world, turning eighteen is celebrated as a joyous milestone, marking the beginning of adulthood and independence. However, for an estimated 30,000 teenagers in India, this day carries a much heavier weight as they age out of childcare institutions. Often described as being left with no one to claim responsibility for them, these young people face the daunting challenge of navigating the world without a safety net. This transition period is frequently fraught with uncertainty, anxiety, and a profound lack of guidance for those who have spent their formative years under institutional care.
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Girish Mehta and Anisha Sharma, both of whom grew up within the institutional care system, understand this unique struggle intimately. Mehta recalls having only one month to figure out his entire life after leaving the institution in Jaipur that had been his home since he was twelve. Similarly, Sharma, who resided in a Delhi-based home for children living with HIV and AIDS, remembers the overwhelming sensation of being pushed out mid-dream. They both emphasize that they simply were not emotionally or practically mature enough to cope with the sudden transition into the adult world.
Bridging the Gap for Young Adults
A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. – Wade Boggs
Legally, the Indian Juvenile Justice Act mandates that care leavers should receive aftercare support until at least the age of twenty-one, with provisions often extending to twenty-three. Yet, the reality on the ground is starkly different, as the majority of these young adults receive little to no actual assistance once they step out of the institution. Veena Lal, the founder of the organization Karm Marg, warns that without consistent guidance, many of these young individuals risk falling through the cracks of society. This systemic failure to provide for vulnerable youth inspired Mehta and Sharma to build a different path for the next generation.
Motivated by their shared experiences, they founded the Careleavers Inner Circle, commonly known as CLiC, a pioneering tech-enabled initiative built specifically by and for care leavers. Supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund, the organization began its journey in Rajasthan before expanding its reach through a sophisticated digital platform. Today, this vibrant network supports over 3,200 members across four states, powered by a dedicated team of staff and dozens of compassionate volunteers. By fostering a sense of community, they ensure that no young person has to face the transition to adulthood in complete isolation.
The impact of the network starts as soon as a new member joins, as they receive a care kit designed to provide immediate relief and practical support. These kits include essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, and a smartphone, which serves as a vital link to the digital community. Beyond the material benefits, members are granted access to counseling, job placement opportunities, and educational courses. The organization essentially serves as a surrogate family, offering both the tools to succeed professionally and the emotional nourishment needed to heal from the trauma of abandonment.
Building Future-Proof Skills
At the heart of the organization's mission is the belief that preparation for independence should begin long before the eighteenth birthday. A 2019 study revealed that nearly half of the respondents in care institutions felt they had no say in their own future planning. To address this, CLiC conducts intensive workshops for teens aged sixteen to eighteen, helping them develop concrete, actionable plans for their eventual departure from the home. By giving these youth a voice and a roadmap, they empower them to take control of their destinies rather than merely waiting for their time to expire.
The stories coming from these sessions are often eye-opening and underscore the critical need for early intervention. One volunteer, Mausumi Das, shared the story of a young man in Kolkata who was terrified upon learning he would be homeless in just two months. Through these educational programs, volunteers talk youth through their various options, ensuring they have the information required to make informed choices. This prevents the common trap of falling into hasty, often harmful, decisions like forced marriage or unplanned, unsustainable living situations.
To ensure true self-reliance, the network actively partners with major corporations such as the Indian food giant Haldiram’s, which provides professional training and stable employment. These partnerships are crucial, as they turn the abstract concept of employability into a tangible reality for young people who previously lacked connections. Thus far, hundreds of care leavers have gained valuable professional skills through these initiatives, with a large majority successfully securing jobs. These success stories prove that with the right support, care leavers can excel in the modern workforce just as effectively as anyone else.
Healing and Belonging
One of the most persistent hurdles identified by the team is the lack of basic government documentation, such as bank accounts and official identification. Many children in institutional care are never helped to obtain the necessary paperwork, making it nearly impossible for them to secure housing or employment as adults. Mohsin Sheikh, an additional director at the organization, notes that the absence of a permanent address is a significant barrier to getting a government Aadhar card. Despite the slow pace of government intervention, the organization has already helped hundreds of members secure these vital documents, paving the way for their full integration into society.
Beyond the legal and professional assistance, the most profound service provided is the creation of a genuine sense of belonging. Mausumi Das recalls that after leaving her home in Assam, she felt deeply out of place in a world where everyone else seemed to have a family to return to. Finding a community of peers who shared her history was nothing short of a homecoming. This sense of shared experience is scientifically proven to alleviate the deep-seated loneliness, anxiety, and depression that often plague those who grow up in institutional care environments.
The emotional support system at the heart of this network operates around the clock, with members frequently calling each other late at night for guidance or comfort. Because many of these volunteers have successfully navigated the same path, their advice is uniquely empathetic and trustworthy. They provide a safe space where youth can discuss their fears without judgment, effectively filling the emotional void left by the system. Furthermore, through partnerships with platforms like Mpower, they offer professional,, ongoing mental health support for those who need more specialized intervention.
A Future Filled with Hope
The dedication of figures like Veena Lal at Karm Marg highlights that even when individuals leave the home, the need for a mentor never truly vanishes. While institutions struggle to maintain long-term support due to limited resources, the scalable, tech-integrated approach of this community proves that sustained help is possible. The goal is not to keep them dependent, but to provide a network they can rely on while they build their own lives. By combining technology with deep, human connection, they are creating a new, sustainable paradigm for social support in India.
As the sun sets on the workshop sessions in Jaipur, the atmosphere is filled with genuine warmth and promise for the future. Participants share hugs and promises to stay connected, forming bonds that will undoubtedly support them through whatever life throws their way. This growing movement is a powerful testament to the idea that when people come together to support one another, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. We can look forward to a future where every young person has the resources and community they deserve to thrive and achieve their dreams.
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