Behind every stronger child protection system are professionals whose dedication goes beyond their everyday responsibilities. This month, we recognize Meera Gudile, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), from Mumbai Suburban district, Maharashtra, for her commitment to building frontline capacities and advancing family-based care for children across the district.
Since 2021, Meera Gudile has served in this role, overseeing one of Maharashtra’s most complex urban child protection landscapes. With 32 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) across densely populated neighbourhoods and informal settlements, she plays a pivotal role in strengthening systems that help children grow up in safe and nurturing families.
Having been associated with the Family Strengthening and Family-Based Alternative Care initiative since 2019, Meera says the experience transformed her approach to child protection. She leads capacity-building sessions for CCI staff, equipping them to identify risks, strengthen case management, prepare children and families for reintegration, and address complex child protection concerns, including POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012) related cases. She also convenes convergence meetings with CCIs, government departments, and civil society organisations to ensure coordinated support for children and families.
Beyond institutional strengthening, Meera has been instrumental in expanding community-based child protection. Under her leadership, Ward Child Protection Committees (WCPCs) have been established in 121 of the district’s 171 wards. Led by elected representatives and supported by Anganwadi workers, NGOs, and community stakeholders, these committees identify local child safeguarding concerns, facilitate referrals, and strengthen community-based response.
For children preparing for reintegration, Meera’s team works closely with families through counselling, home visits, and case planning. Families are linked to government schemes such as the Bal Sangopan Scheme that provides ₹2,250 per month to help children in need of care and protection grow up in family care when their families are facing difficult circumstances. Partnerships with NGOs and Self-Help Groups further strengthen livelihoods, improve household incomes, and reduce the risk of family separation.
Reflecting on the journey, Meera believes that continued investment in capacity-building is essential. She champions for more district, regional, and interstate learning opportunities that enable child protection professionals to exchange experiences, strengthen collaboration, and improve outcomes for children across the country.