Empowering Care Leavers in India: Creating Inclusive Workplaces
INTRODUCTION Care leavers refer to the youth who have transitioned out of care upon attaining 18 years of age after living in alternative care, primarily a Child Care Institution in India. Once they leave the childcare homes, they face several problems, including employability and workplace challenges. As has been evidenced by several studies and also emphasized in the Mission Vatsalya policy scheme of the Govt. of India, Aftercare is meant for all young persons who, during their childhood, have grown up in any form of Alternative Care and had to leave them upon attaining 18 years of age. This transition for a young person leaving the childcare setting and moving to independent living throws up various challenges and offers opportunities as they go through these situational and emotional changes. This transition period is delicate because if young persons remain unsupported during this time, opportunities available to them may be lost. Under this policy, state governments have to...