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Updated - October 31, 2026 08:03 pm IST - Thiruvananthapuram
A State-level planning and training programme on family-based rehabilitation for children in need of care and protection that was organised by the Women and Child Development department recently stressed the importance of prioritising family-based care wherever possible and institutionalisation only when necessary in the best interests of the children.
The two-day workshop discussed identifying reasons that led to children continuing in institutions unnecessarily; support for children who were in a position to return to their families; and strengthening alternative family-based care systems.
As many as 7,719 children live in 417 child care institutions (CCIs) functioning across 14 districts in the State. Family members visit 6,411 of them as per records. At the same time, limitations have been found in providing support to parents of 1,308 children. The importance of reviewing the family circumstances of these children and providing required care and protection were highlighted at the workshop.
It discussed how to strengthen families and ensure sustainable rehabilitation of children through programmes such as Kaval Plus and providing financial and social support and tapping into alternative family-based care options such as care by relative, foster care, and group foster care. Adoption of children who are eligible will also be explored.
A time-bound action plan was prepared for family-based rehabilitation so that the transition from institutional care could be done in a planned and safe manner. The children in CCIs were categorised into those who could be sent back to their families (3,890); to foster care (1,436); group foster care (872); and 226 for adoption. Individual care plans of each of these children will be re-examined and social investigation report prepared to zero in on the most suitable for them and a mechanism to monitor further steps taken in the districts.
The workshop decided to collect details of representatives of departments and institutions to strengthen coordination.
Published - October 31, 2026 08:01 pm IST
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