Problem Statement

In India, a significant number of children are at risk of being separated from their families due to various socio-economic factors, including poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate community support systems. This separation often leads to children being placed in institutional care, which can have long-lasting negative impacts on their emotional, social, and psychological development. Despite the known benefits of family-based care, there is a lack of awareness and support for alternatives to institutional care, resulting in the continued separation of children from their families and communities.

Significance

The “Family is where I belong” campaign addresses a critical gap in the current child welfare landscape in India. Few reasons are stated below:

1. Child Development: Research consistently shows that children thrive best in family environments. By promoting family-based care, we can ensure better emotional, social, and cognitive development outcomes for at-risk children.
2. Cultural Preservation: Keeping children within their families and communities helps maintain their cultural identity and social connections.
3. Long-term Social Impact: By strengthening families and communities, the campaign contributes to building more resilient societies that can better support vulnerable children.
4. Alignment with International Standards: The campaign aligns with global best practices and international conventions on children’s rights, particularly the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children.