The recent launch of the ‘Care Collective – Centers for Excellence’ program signifies a pivotal advancement in promoting family strengthening and family-based alternative care options for children from vulnerable communities and without parental care. In January 2024, Miracle Foundation India facilitated five Centers for Excellence, namely Aarambh in Madhya Pradesh; Cornerstone Children’s Home in Tamil Nadu; and Amhi Amchya Arogya Sathi, New Vision and Vipla Foundation in Maharashtra.
These centers aim to provide essential support and transition children from institutional care to family-based settings while empowering communities to prevent institutionalization through various initiatives. They are locally available to support district child protection systems in achieving state and district action plan targets.
A program orientation workshop was facilitated by Miracle Foundation India for Amhi Amchya Arogya Sathi, New Vision and Vipla Foundation in Pune, Maharashtra, from April 16 to April 18, 2024. These three organizations – now Centers for Excellence under Care Collective – bring a wealth of experience in the realm of child and family welfare. Through comprehensive sessions, participants gained rich insights into essential topics vital for advancing family-based alternative care while each of them shared best practices from their respective ends, creating a rich co-learning environment.
The workshop focused on developing a deep understanding of the roles and responsibilities of teams from the Centers for Excellence which included collaboratively designing and developing key stages of the program in consultation with state government departments and Miracle Foundation India. Additionally, deliberations were held on how to best demonstrate effective case management for safe child reintegration, collaborate with District Child Protection Units and local Child Welfare Committees on gatekeeping and prevention, strengthen families and guide policy and service design in family strengthening and family-based alternative care based on program evidence, all along fostering ownership and accountability.
Distinguished officials, including Rahul More, Deputy Commissioner of Women and Child Development, Maharashtra, and Yogesh Jawade, Assistant Commissioner of Child Development, Maharashtra, provided valuable insights and guidance, shaping discussions and outcomes. The workshop culminated in the formulation of a detailed action plan, with a clear roadmap for future endeavors and emphasizing shared goals towards transforming child care in Maharashtra.