At Miracle Foundation India, as we strive towards enabling children to stay with their families and reach their full potential, we honor the incredible social workforce that makes it all possible. This month, we are pleased to celebrate the commitment and impact of Bahan Sarita Kumari, Protection Officer (Institutional Care), Gumla, Jharkhand.
Initially focused on institutional care, her outlook was transformed after participating in the Family Strengthening (FS) and Family-Based Alternative Care (F-BAC) training, a joint initiative by the Government of Jharkhand, UNICEF India, and Miracle Foundation India. Today, she is not only a passionate advocate for FS and F-BAC but also a driving force in reshaping the child protection landscape in Gumla.
Sarita is leading from the front, building the capacities of colleagues and officials across the district. Thanks to her and the team’s efforts, the number of children in CCIs in Gumla has reduced dramatically—from around 48 to just 15. In this trafficking-prone district, she is actively working with her team to trace families of rescued children, prepare them for reunification, and, when necessary, ensure safe kinship. She is not just handling cases; she is setting new standards of care, ensuring every decision is backed by strong Social Investigation Reports (SIRs) and Individual Care Plans (ICPs).
In one case, two orphaned children living with their maternal relatives in a remote village were supported after a concern of neglect was raised, largely due to the family’s limited resources. Sarita and her team engaged with the caregivers through counselling on the importance of education and nurturing care, and facilitated their enrolment under the Mission Vatsalya sponsorship scheme, ensuring monthly financial support. With this assistance, the family could provide school uniforms, study materials, and nutritious meals. Today, the children attend school regularly and are thriving, while their caregivers feel empowered and supported.
Sarita is now championing post-restoration support in Gumla, ensuring children receive financial aid, vocational training, and mentoring to secure their future. She is also pushing for stronger gatekeeping in Gumla to prevent child trafficking, building community-based safety nets through Village Child Protection Committees, and creating linkages with government schemes. Through her tireless commitment and vision, Sarita is showing what is possible when passion meets purpose—proving every day that every child deserves, and can indeed grow up in, a safe and loving family.