ARE CARE LEAVERS PREPARED TO LEAVE THE CARE AT THE AGE OF 18?

In India, the Juvenile Justice Act was enacted in 2015, under which, children  in need of care and protection can stay in any form of care system till the age of 18 years. The Act also states that any child leaving a Child Care Institution (CCI) on completion of 18 years age ‘may be provided with financial support in order to facilitate child’s reintegration into the mainstream of the society in the manner as may be prescribed’ for three years by placing the children in aftercare. Here, a  care leaver is an adult who as a child, experienced care in a formal or informal alternative care system, and were legally compelled to exit their care setting on attaining the age of 18. For them,  leaving a care home to live on their own for the first time, the experience can be a bit overwhelming and it can be more challenging for those care leavers who don’t have any support and family system. But in India only few aftercare programs are being run to support care leavers with accommodation, higher education, employability, skills training etc. 

In this context, this article explores whether we really want care leavers to leave the care system at the age of 18. Are they really prepared to live on their own? How can we create an enabling environment as a society where care leavers can strive and reap their potential? How can we make services better for care leavers leaving care? What can we do as a society to ensure smooth reintegration of care leavers into the society? What do they expect from law and society and what does the law say?

I am a care leaver and spent my childhood and teenage years in the care system in a protective environment, in Child Care Institutions - All children called Ghar . However, as I turned 18, it was time for me to leave my 'Ghar'(child care institution ) and step out in the real world.  This got me thinking: am I ready to live on my own and build a life for myself. Will I be able to survive out there all by myself and why does the law demand us to do so when it does not for those raised by families. Honestly speaking I too was not ready but blessed to be a beneficiary of an aftercare facility to prepare for independent living but not every care leaver has. Therefore, to write this article, I interacted with 10 care leavers and tried to gather their collective experiences of being part of different child care institutions and summarizing in this article. Now I am going to elaborate some of the challenges that care leavers face at the age of 18 and after leaving the protective environment of the care system.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Leaving the Care Family 

Leaving a familiar environment for independent living can be overwhelming, especially for those without family support. One care leaver describes the anxiety of not being prepared and the immense pressure to navigate the complexities of the real world alone. Aftercare programs offering housing, education, and skills training can be a lifeline, but many lack access to such crucial support.

The Struggle for house and Stability

Care leavers often face discrimination from landlords due to their background, making finding safe and affordable housing a constant battle. Rinki, a care leaver, shared how her background led to job interview rejections. This lack of stable housing and income creates a vicious cycle, pushing some towards homelessness and financial debt.

Education and Skills

Many care leavers enter the care system at an older age, hindering their educational opportunities. Financial constraints force them to prioritize basic needs over higher education, further limiting their job prospects. Additionally, a lack of practical and life skills makes them less competitive in the job market.

The Burden of Unawareness and Isolation

Limited knowledge about their rights and available resources leaves care leavers vulnerable. This lack of awareness can lead them down dangerous paths, engaging in illegal activities or falling prey to exploitation. The emotional toll of isolation is also significant. Many care leavers struggle to find a sense of belonging after leaving the familiar environment of the CCI. 

Saveer (name has changed) after leaving the care, went back to celebrate Diwali with his CCI and they refused saying that he was no longer part of the CCI. Then where does he belong?

The responsibility for supporting care leavers doesn't solely lie with the government. We, as a society, need to work together to create a more welcoming and supportive environment. Several countries, like Russia and Australia offer support to care leavers beyond 18. Russia provides full state support for care leavers pursuing education until they are 23. Australia offers aftercare services up to 25 years old, tailored to individual needs. These models offer valuable inspiration.

Building a Support System

The government and society must collaborate to ensure safe and affordable housing options for care leavers, especially those without familial support.

Providing free counseling and peer support groups during and after leaving the CCI can help care leavers cope with emotional challenges and build a sense of community.

Implementing scholarship programs and reserving seats in universities can increase access to higher education and empower care leavers with valuable skills.

Financial aid and career counseling can help bridge the gap between leaving care and finding stable employment.

Creating opportunities for care leavers to participate in society and advocate for themselves is crucial. Additionally, addressing gender-based discrimination faced by female care leavers is vital.

Ensuring access to essential documents like identification and bank accounts allows care leavers to benefit from government schemes and services.

 Maintaining a database to track care leavers' progress and offer tailored support throughout their transition can significantly improve outcomes.

I believe that once society starts supporting care leavers, there will be a higher possibility of care leavers leading a happy and healthy independent life. Despite various schemes, provision acts and policy, things that could make them live happily and independently is supporting them collectively. Many care leavers shared that only coming together collectively will make an impact which helps care leavers flourish fruitfully. We are all firmly going to put the voices of care leavers by understanding from their experiences. I believe that society should have the same urge for care leavers as they have for their loved one or children that they thrive and grow to become confident young adults and able to find a way in the world.