Support Abandoned Intellectually Disabled Children

Since our last report, six new children, including Shivani whose story follows, have joined our family. All are under five years old. This joy underscores a deepening crisis. Child abandonment in India is soaring, with a 25% increase in just two years,according to the Women and Child Development Ministry. Millions of children are without a loving family.

India has responded to the crisis by establishing Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), promoting adoption and foster care, and launching the Integrated Child Protection Scheme. Awareness campaigns and legal reforms are also underway.

Non-governmental organizations like Sri Arunodayam serve as crucial partners to the government in addressing the crisis of child abandonment. Collaborating closely with the CWCs, we rescue and rehabilitate abandoned children, particularly those with intellectual disabilities. Our comprehensive care includes providing safe shelter, nutritious food, quality special education, and essential healthcare rehabilitation therapies and training. And through our one-of-a-kind Special Mom program, we also empower vulnerable families by offering counseling and skill development training. This proactive approach aims to prevent child abandonment by strengthening family units. We remain committed to advocating for policies and programs that address the root causes of child abandonment and create a safer, more nurturing environment for all children.

Shivani’s Story

Shivani is a shining example of the children we're privileged to support. Her story began on August 18, 2023, when her teenage mother gave birth in a hospital at Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Facing immense challenges, her mother relinquished custody to the CWC in Cuddalore just four days later. Despite initial hopes for adoption, a subsequent medical evaluation revealed a brain malformation, necessitating specialized care. This is when she was sent to our home.

Since joining our family on November 18, 2023, Shivani has received comprehensive medical attention, including physiotherapy and early intervention therapies. Our medical team meticulously administers her medications and a dedicated caregiver provides support with daily living activities, including mobility, hygiene, and feeding. A dedicated team focuses on her strengths, ensuring she thrives despite her challenges, and her care plan is periodically assessed to optimize her overall health and well-being. Today, Shivani is a paragon of resilience, demonstrating that with proper support, every child can reach their full potential.