Udayan Ghars (Children’s Homes)

About the Programme

We believe that every child needs the warmth of family love. The ‘Udayan Ghar Programme’ derived from the idea of ‘Sunshine Homes’ is a unique group home model founded on the core concept of ‘L.I.F.E’, an acronym for ‘Living in Family Environment’. The purpose of these Ghars is to nurture Out-of-Home Care (OHC) children including once parentless, abandoned or abused children in need of protection.

An ‘Udayan Ghar’ is a loving residential home, where vulnerable children are cared for in a compassionate family environment. A close-knit group of around 12 children of the ages 6 to 18 live as a unit in these group homes called Udayan Ghars, with separate Ghars for boys and girls. We currently have two multi-unit homes as well.

The programme functions upon the belief that children must be ensured a good education, nutritious food, great physical and mental health and plenty of opportunities to grow.

A committed team of care givers consisting of ‘Mentor Parents’ that are lifetime volunteers, professional social workers and other child or mental health care professionals work together to provide the love, protection and guidance that children need to flower. The homes are based in middle class neighbourhoods, and this facilitates a lot of community participation and interaction. Udayan kids flourish as they turn into productive and responsible members of society.

The first Udayan Ghar was set up in 1996. Today, there are 14 Ghars spread across 4 states in India.

Programme Objective

Uplifting Vulnerable Children

We nurture children who lack the protection of their primary caregivers through the Udayan Ghar Programme. With access to mentoring support, parental guidance, nutritious food, education, extracurricular activities, clothing and physical and mental health care, our children develop into self-reliant, socially abiding and responsible citizens of tomorrow. The values we instil in our children inspire them to make a positive difference in society when they grow up.

Family ties that bind

A child’s family is his or her first exposure to the world. Children acquire abilities and learn about value systems through parents and siblings. Most children that come to Udayan Ghars have lost the protection of their families. The programme builds a loving and supportive family environment for at-risk children. Living life in such an environment reinforces the importance of family in the hearts of children and promotes social integration. Knowing they have a family to turn to in their hour of need increases their belongingness, self worth and sense of security. Our children and young adults learn to form healthy and safe relationships, and one day have families of their own!

Guaranteeing Quality Education

At Udayan Ghars, children have abundant opportunities to hone their progress based on individual talents, academic interests, skills and aptitudes. Udayan Care prepares and registers children living in Ghars in the most appropriate educational and vocational institutions and they are supported throughout the course of their enrolment. The Ghar team encourages children to work hard. The paired dedication of children and the care giving team results in our children thriving at school and in the vocations they sign up for!

Fostering Physical and Positive Mental Health

At Udayan Care, we look after the physical, mental and emotional well being of children by addressing their unique health and psychological needs. Children that come to Udayan Ghars have often suffered malnourishment, illness and unimaginable trauma, which stems from past exposure to loss, neglect or abuse. Regular health check ups, timely inoculations and a well-researched mental health care setup are in place at the Ghars, supplemented by accessible trauma informed care. This helps address any physical and emotional issues and cultivates psychological resilience in our children; they grow feeling loved, understood and optimistic about the future, and develop into responsible citizens.

All-rounded Development

A stable environment teamed with loving attention, plenty of opportunities, trainings, camps and recreational activities encourage proper physical and psychological development of children under the long-term care of Udayan Ghars. We motivate children to advance their innate talents and pursue hobbies, as well as to play sports and experience the wonders of creativity through various forms of art. Udayan children value diversity and believe in mutual respect regardless of socio-economic brackets such as gender, race, ethnicity, economic status, caste or religion.

Aftercare and Permanent Rehabilitation

We have set up the Aftercare programme to support our children from Udayan Ghars over the age of 18 until they reach financial independence, thereby ensuring a ‘continuum of care’ even after they reach adulthood. Udayan Care remains by their side, adjusting them to their jobs and marriages as per their needs, talents and education. Children from Ghars remain a part of the Udayan family for life—long after they are well-settled adults.

Catalysing change

We facilitate visionaries that are inspired to establish and manage Udayan Ghars voluntarily. We also enable volunteers to become long-term parent figures, or Mentor Parents at Udayan Ghars. These are determined individuals with a passionate desire to make a difference, who apply the experience they have gained with their own kids to make a lasting impact on the lives of children.

We also promote initiatives involved in the setting up of alternative care for the rehabilitation and development needs of children in need of protection and care.

Research

Udayan Care has been a pioneer in child protection and care for over twenty years. Our constant endeavour is to lead the movement for the rights and mental well being of children, adolescents and youth. In order to augment and share the practical experience we have gained over the years, we have conducted several internal and external research studies, which might be advantageous for other organizations, professionals and government agencies working in the field of child welfare.

Some of our internal researched include ‘Assessment of Mental and Physical Health of OVC’s in Residential Care Organizations: A Longitudinal Study’; ‘Remediation of Cognition in Kids to Overcome Neglect (ROCKON) 2015-16’; ‘Quality of Life of Care Givers and its Impact on delivery of Services for Children Living in Child Care Institutions: 2015-16’ and ‘Assessment of Personal, Social, Educational and Interpersonal Needs of the Children ( 10 to 18 years) Living across Foster Care Homes: A Longitudinal Study (2011 onwards)’.

Restoration

At Udayan Care, we believe that it is in the child’s best interest to remain with the biological family as long as the well being of the child isn’t compromised in any way. We leave no stone unturned to restore the child to his or her family as early as possible. Some cases allow us to unite the child with his or her family in a short time span, however, certain cases may take as long as 7 years or longer. Reintegration of children with their families is a continuous process at Udayan Ghars. We have reunited 300 children with their families in the last three years.

What makes us different

Individualised Care

We realize that each child is unique and needs special attention; therefore we have a limited number of children living in each Ghar. Every child has their own individual care plan, made in consultation with the child in question and the care giving team at the child’s Ghar, yielding a 360-degree approach. Children develop a sense of trust and bonding with the team they are entrusted with; even children that are new to an Udayan Ghar adapt quickly with the special attention they get.

Mentor Parents are long-term, committed and passionate volunteers, experienced in raising children. They fulfill the role and responsibilities of a parent at Udayan Ghars, guiding and loving children like their own. They bring continuity and stability into the lives of their Udayan children, giving them the opportunity to form long-lasting and meaningful relationships. Mentor Parents inculcate family values, look after the physical and mental well-being of children and even manage the finances of the Udayan Ghar!

Caregivers stay with the children day and night. They look after the household chores and the daily care, while addressing the childrens’ safety, personal hygiene, nutrition and health, as well as fostering community support and participation.

Social Workers are responsible for the legal concerns regarding the care of children. They counsel caregivers and children, often serving as a link between the various stakeholders. The entire team is further supported and supervised by a centralised team based at the Head Office, as well as external mental health specialists.

Care for Physical and Mental Well-being

Our team of doctors and mental health experts includes specialists in different fields of healthcare. Renowned doctors from different specializations, psychoanalysts, psychologists and psychiatrists who have worked with children and adolescents are a part of the team. Our staff also includes social workers and counselors that are trained in the protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable children.

Mentor Parents and care givers involved in the daily upbringing of children contribute to their well being significantly, by creating an environment for every child where he or she feels safe. Any concerns are promptly addressed at Udayan Ghars. The Individual Progress Plan (IPP) is an important document maintained for each child for tracking progress.

The team that looks after Udayan children undergoes regular trainings and participates in interactive workshops that are conducted by experts in the domain of child physical and mental health. Ensuring that the team is sensitized and their knowledge is up to date enables our children to receive empathetic guidance at every step of the way towards independence.

Quality Education

Several prestigious schools have partnered with us to ensure that our children get educated in the best traditions of learning, whether formal or vocational. By believing in our work and offering free ships or heavily subsidized fees, they have been indispensible in guaranteeing our children their right to quality education. At Udayan Ghars, children are given all the support they need to excel at school. Mentor Parents and volunteers assist children with their homework, and we bring in tutors for children needing extra help. Our children perform well in examinations — many go on to join esteemed universities and colleges to pursue higher studies. Childrens’ educational plans are developed with their participation and are discussed in the monthly committee meetings.

Vocational Training

Our emphasis lays on empowerment and self-reliance through vocational training, as many youngsters join us at a later stage of their life and are first generation learners. At times, despite intensive efforts, a child is unable to adapt academically. In such a case we address the child’s special needs by seeking the best course of action for him or her.

Aftercare

Children are not fully capable of fending for themselves at the age of 18. To address this concern, we have established 2 aftercare facilities — Jagshanti Udayan Ghar in Greater Noida for girls and one in Gurgaon for boys. Also, some of the children are living in alternate living accommodations like hostels, paying guest lodgings and scattered housing. Udayan Care’s Aftercare Programme eases the transition of children into adulthood, making them responsible and self-reliant in the process. The aftercare model provides a sense of security while supporting their educational, emotional, housing and financial needs. Through aftercare, young adults are taught the life skills they require to survive, sustain, grow and flourish independently and re-integrate into mainstream society.

Opportunities for Growth

Striking a balance between academics and extra-curricular activities is integral to a child’s overall progress. At Udayan Ghars, children are given ample opportunities to develop their potential during childhood while having fun and exploring new avenues of growth. Kids are encouraged to participate in sports, arts, public speaking, dance and other activities. Summer and winter camps are organised annually. A few of our children have even had the opportunity to travel overseas courtesy our corporate partners and international volunteers! All Indian festivals and national days are celebrated with great gusto and with a secular spirit. The kindness of many people ensures that our children celebrate their birthdays just as any other child of their age would. Birthday cakes, endless treats, new clothes and visits from well-wishers make their day special.

Alumni Network

Due to their life-changing experience at Udayan Ghars, our alumni return to meet their siblings and Mentor Parents, even after migrating successfully from their homes. They keep their ties with Udayan Care strong, by donating and working for the organization or mentoring the younger ones. This results in a robust alumni network children can fall back on at any time, with Udayan Ghar their home away from home for life. Our ties continue to bind even after they leave our care. Often these young adults become alumni and receive further mentoring as they get married, have children and pursue their careers.

Researching Our Work with Child Participation

At Udayan Care, we consistently assess and re-examine our strategies to build effective models. We have conducted a variety of studies to examine the ‘perceived and met’ mental and physical health needs of our resident children and caregivers. For example, ‘Assessment of Mental and Physical Health of OVCs in Residential Care Organizations: A Longitudinal Study (2013 onwards)’ was a research project which examined both the short-term physical and mental health outcomes of Udayan Care children and alumni, seeking to understand how these physical and mental health needs change over time. Another pilot study, ‘Quality of Life of Caregivers and its Impact on Delivery of Services for Children Living in Child Care Institutions: 2015–16’ explored the relationship between caregivers’ quality of life and delivery of services for children living in Child Care Institutions.