In a collaborative effort to engage with all stakeholders working in the space of
child protection, a workshop was organised by non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) to discuss alternative care, family strengthening, deinstitutionalisation and
gatekeeping.
Snehalaya joined with three other leading NGOs: Prerana, Catalysts for Social Action and Miracle
Foundation, who are leading the way in the transition to alternative care and family strengthening in Maharashtra. The ay-long workshop, titled ‘Understanding Family-Based Alternative Care Models’, was held in Nashik on 16 December. The event brought together members from District Women and Child Development Department (DWCD), members of Child
Welfare Committees (CWC) and District Child Protection Units of the Nashik Division, Child Care Institutions (CCI), and NGOs working on child protection across Maharashtra.
Chandrasekar Pagare, Divisional Commissioner of Women and Child Development, Nashik, emphasized the significance of family as the primary right of the child. He stressed on the collective commitment to family strengthening, echoing the sentiment that institutions are an alternative, not the optimal solution. Priti Patkar, co-founder of Prerana, highlighted the workshop's focus on family-based alternative care, deinstitutionalization, and gatekeeping. The participants engaged in discussions and presentations, emphasizing the need for a cohesive
approach to ensure the well-being of children.
Sunil Dusane, District Women and Child Development Officer, Nashik, gave a catchy phrase, 'One hour for the Family'. He said, today TV and mobile phones have snatched the time spent with families, if we start dedicating one hour with the family, it will go a long way to strengthen it. Mr Dusane proposed allocating dedicated family time, fostering bonds and reducing the necessity for childcare institutions. Milind Babar, Chairperson of CWC, Nashik, called for introspection into improving efforts to safeguard children's welfare, emphasizing the holistic perspective needed to support family strengthening.
Govind Beniwal, a UNICEF representative, highlighted the legal framework governing childcare rights and stressed the importance of continuous assessments to determine suitable care options, such as rehabilitation within the family, kinship, adoption or foster care.
Satyajeet Mazumdar, Director of Advocacy, Catalysts for Social Action, shared insights from a conversation with a young care leaver, shedding light on the challenges and experiences within child care institutions.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to collaborative efforts, increased sensitisation, and capacity building to strengthen families and reduce reliance on institutional care.
