FiT Families Together

Udayan Care’s ‘FiT Families Together (FiT)’ project has a specific focus on reintegrating children back into their families and work on preventive measures of family strengthening in 3 districts of Delhi. It builds on the concept of ‘family as the essential unit of care’ for a child, and the institution as the ‘last resort of care’. Thus, it prevents separation of the child from one’s family, by strengthening and supporting the family and enabling them to keep their children and not give them up to institutionalization.  The project provides close and intensive assistance to families and the local community across an indigenous developed framework called the “Circle of Care and Protection” with 10 thematic domains viz. Basic Need & Safety, Household Finances, Physical Health, Mental Health, Education and Vocation, Child Self- Awareness, Community and Social Connections, Legal Entitlements, Positive Parenting and, Hope & Faith

Since October 2021, 90 families and over 500 children and 5000 community members have been supported and the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has also referred cased for support. The project interventions have encompassed assessing vulnerabilities through data collection, developing comprehensive database, resource mapping, and using standardized tools to closely collaborate with families, implementing tailored care plans. It has established sustainable community mechanisms like Children’s Groups, Community Ambassadors, and stakeholder meetings, employing case management for resource mobilization and fostering partnerships, working on participatory principles. Community awareness programs helped engaged through conversations on mental health, menstrual hygiene, positive parenting, Health camps, Aadhar - Identity documentation updation camps. The project has shown unwavering dedication and resilience in its pursuit of reintegrating returning children with their families and supporting communities to be more mindful of the needs and rights of children, and preventing any unnecessary separation of children from their families by strengthening the family structures and supporting their needs and ensuring sustainable family bonds. Essential partnerships with stakeholders, legal entities, and global platforms, has led to significant milestones in education, livelihood support, mental health aid, and impactful awareness campaigns, bringing a paradigm shift in the perception of family care for children but has also amplified essential conversations around mental well-being, gender rights, and positive parenting. It has also unequivocally demonstrated to the child protection system in the district, the value of follow up post restoration and highlighting the imperative role of ongoing family support to phase out institutional care effectively.

The lives of 3 siblings (Heena, Sahil and Alam, names changed)) took a poignant turn when tragedy separated them from their family. The youngest found himself in a Child Care Institution while their two elder siblings remained with their uncle. With the project support, the brother was restored to the family and guided back onto a path of education and skill-building. All of them are today excel academically. The uncle has been supported with livelihood ensuring stable income and counselling sessions have helped them bond with each other. Sponsorship from the government is being given to the children ensuring the uncle is able to care for them adequately. Throughout their journeys, they found newfound independence, supporting their uncle and cherishing moments spent with their extended family. Their story echoes resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of support and opportunity, inspiring confidence and skill development in the face of adversity. "I feel like I am becoming more confident and as well as I am learning many new skills, " says the youngest member of the family.  In another family, Aman (name changed) faced daunting challenges, from health crises to financial strain. Amidst adversity, a network of interconnected interventions emerged with the help of Udayan Care FiT project. From securing medical aid through linkages, crowdfunding and community initiatives to facilitating ration assistance and financial aid for securing the family’s livelihood, their support was unwavering. Tragically, despite efforts, one of their daughter passed away, yet the team's emotional support during the funeral underscored the strength of family and community bonds. Through partnerships with disability organizations, the family secured a loan, aided by budget management sessions and community donations, the family enhanced their existing general shop and is sustaining the family. This shows the power of collective advocacy and solidarity, weaving a safety net that allowed Aman’s family to rise above adversity and rebuild their lives, a poignant testament to the impact of unified community efforts.