Divided by fortune, united by Family
Foster care programme in Udaipur provides new home to children in need of care and protection
In 2019, four siblings had their life shattered. Kishan (14 years), Payal (12 years) Yashraj (9 years) and Prakash (7 years) were left orphans after their mother and father tragically passed away. Their extended family abandoned them – the four were left to fend for themselves and later shifted to a government run Child Care Institution (CCI).
Children need parents in their lives. Their lives are incomplete without parents. They need them to support their education, to support their dreams and endeavours. Children won’t always get this kind of guidance from others.
Under the “Group Foster Care Programme” established by the Rajasthan Government, Radehsyam and Jyotirmai, a family in Udaipur, came forward as foster parents to take care of the siblings.
Radehsyam and Jyotirmai were encouraged by their sons that this was the right step to take. And the two young boys have been tremendously supportive in making their new families members feel cared and loved for.
Radheysham and Jyotirmai were motivated to be foster parents because they themselves had lost their parents. The pain and heartache of being orphans is not something they want other children to experience.
Families who are willing to take in children are few and far between. But programmes like this are encouraging more parents to open their hearts and homes to children who seemingly have little hope in their lives.
UNICEF has provided technical support to the programme. If you want to know more about the programme, please contact your concerned district Child Welfare Committee or visit the office of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) or State Child Protection Society (SCPS).
Learn more here www.fostercaresociety.org
