In recent years, India has seen shift in its approach to child protection, moving from institutional care to family-based solutions. This change is particularly important in drought-prone areas where families face seasonal migration. Parents often leave their children with grandparents or older siblings. This situation leads to emotional strain and challenges such as disrupted education and exposure to child labour.
The Crisis of Seasonal Migration
Seasonal migration affects many families in India. Parents leave for months to work in various sectors. Their children often accompany them or are left behind. Those who stay face heavy responsibilities. They may miss school and lack access to healthcare. This situation can lead to early marriage and child labour.
UNICEF’s Kinship and Community-Based Care Programme
UNICEF, in collaboration with local authorities and NGOs, has launched the ‘Kinship and Community-Based Care Programme’. This initiative aims to keep children in their villages under the care of relatives or community members. The programme is part of a broader strategy to strengthen family bonds and prevent child separation.
Rise in Non-Institutional Care
Data shows a fourfold increase in children receiving non-institutional care from 2021-2024. In 2021-22, 29,331 children were covered. This number rose to 62,675 in 2022-23 and reached 121,861 in 2023-24. The increase is attributed to initiatives under the Vatsalya Mission, which provides financial support for sponsorship and encourage care.
Legislative Progress and National Consultation
Recent consultations have brought into light the importance of family-based care. Stakeholders from various sectors gathered to discuss alternatives to institutional care. The focus is on strengthening families and preventing separation. Legislative efforts are progressing rapidly, aiming to enhance family-based care systems.
Case Studies of Successful Kinship Care
Stories from families illustrate the effectiveness of kinship care. For instance, Dashrat Tambe ensured his granddaughter stayed in school while her parents migrated. Shankar Gaikwad, a former migrant, now supports his nieces and nephews, enabling them to continue their education. These examples show the potential of family-based solutions.
Challenges and Support Mechanisms
Despite the success of kinship care, challenges remain. Families often face financial strain and limited access to services. UNICEF is working to connect these families to welfare schemes related to education and health. Mental health support is also crucial for both children and caregivers.
The Importance of Family-Based Care
Studies indicate that children raised in family settings show better overall growth compared to those in institutions. Family-based care is seen as a more nurturing environment. The focus is on ensuring children are not placed in institutions but rather in supportive family settings.
Future of Foster Care in India
Foster care is still in its early stages in India but is gaining momentum. New guidelines have been introduced to facilitate encourage care. However, a cautious approach is necessary to prepare families and children for this change. Ongoing support and monitoring are essential for successful integration.
Addressing Mental Health Needs
The ‘Manacha Katta’ initiative is being piloted to address mental health needs. Children in institutions often face long-term psychological challenges. Family-based care offers a better environment, but mental health support for children and caregivers is crucial.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of seasonal migration on children’s education and health in India.
- What are the key differences between institutional care and family-based care for children? Explain.
- What is the significance of the Vatsalya Mission in enhancing child protection measures? Comment.
- With suitable examples, explain the challenges faced by families in implementing kinship care in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of seasonal migration on children’s education and health in India.
- Seasonal migration often leads to disrupted education as children may miss school or drop out entirely.
- Left behind children face emotional strain and increased responsibilities, impacting their mental health.
- Lack of access to healthcare services can lead to untreated health issues among children.
- Exposure to child labour and early marriage is a risk for those who stay behind or accompany parents.
- Overall, the cyclical nature of migration exacerbates vulnerabilities in children’s development and well-being.
2. What are the key differences between institutional care and family-based care for children? Explain.
- Institutional care often lacks the personal attention and emotional support that family-based care provides.
- Children in institutions may develop ‘institutional child syndrome’, affecting their psychological well-being.
- Family-based care allows for better social integration and continuity of relationships.
- Studies show children in family settings exhibit better cognitive and emotional development.
- Family-based care is often more cost-effective and sustainable compared to institutional care.
3. What is the significance of the Vatsalya Mission in enhancing child protection measures? Comment.
- The Vatsalya Mission provides financial support for sponsorship, encourage care, and aftercare services.
- It aims to promote family-based care, reducing reliance on institutional solutions.
- The mission has led to increase in the number of children receiving non-institutional care.
- It emphasizes the importance of preventing family separation and strengthening family bonds.
- Legislative frameworks under the mission are evolving to support better child protection systems.
4. With suitable examples, explain the challenges faced by families in implementing kinship care in India.
- Financial strain is a major challenge, as many families struggle to support additional children.
- Limited access to educational and healthcare services can hinder the effectiveness of kinship care.
- Emotional and psychological burdens on caregivers can affect their capacity to provide adequate care.
- Examples like Dashrat Tambe show the struggle to balance work and family responsibilities.
- Community support systems may be weak, making it difficult for families to navigate these challenges.
