At Miracle Foundation India, as we work to ensure that children grow up in safe and nurturing families, we celebrate the dedication of the child protection workforce that makes this vision possible. This month, we recognize the commitment and leadership of Nrupeshbhai Patel, Protection Officer (Non-Institutional Care) from Mehsana district, Gujarat.
Nrupeshbhai’s work focuses on strengthening the district child protection system by building the capacity of counsellors, social workers, outreach workers, and Child Care Institution (CCI) staff on Family Strengthening and Family-Based Alternative Care. He supports teams in documenting detailed information about children and their families to plan appropriate interventions. Nrupeshbhai also works closely with community stakeholders in the district, engaging Gram Panchayat members and teachers to promote family strengthening and community support for vulnerable families.
Nrupeshbhai has been leading the Family Strengthening pilot initiative in Sakari village of Kheralu block, Mehsana, working closely with local leaders, including the Sarpanch, Talati (revenue officer), and teachers. He facilitated the formation and strengthening of the Village Child Welfare and Protection Committee (VCWPC) and organized training to improve its effectiveness. Through this initiative, 33 families with 92 children in need of care and protection have been identified and are now being supported.
In Kheralu, Nrupeshbhai has been ensuring training for ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and Patwaris (village accountant), and conducting monthly reviews with the Block Development Officer to promote the formation of VCWPCs in every gram panchayat. As a result, VCWPCs have now been established in 13 Panchayats. A ‘One Window Awareness Camp’ was also organized in Sakari, bringing together officials from different departments to share information on government schemes, with the process of linking families to these schemes currently ongoing. Additionally, with the support of the VCWPC, 17 children are now receiving financial assistance of up to ₹5,000 for education.
Marking an important milestone for the district, Nrupeshbhai contributed to the District Child Protection Unit’s first tableau on Family Strengthening and Prevention of Child Marriage, presented on Republic Day 2026 in Mehsana, which secured second place among 17 entries.
His commitment is reflected not only in system strengthening but also in individual lives. He identified a family in extreme hardship where a father was caring for four children while the mother was differently abled. With no access to food or education, the children were temporarily placed in a Child Care Institution for their safety. Nrupeshbhai then linked the mother to a disability scheme, supported the father with livestock-based livelihood assistance, and secured educational sponsorships for the children. Once the family stabilized, the children were safely reunited with their parents.
Looking ahead, Nrupeshbhai continues to strengthen prevention and gatekeeping mechanisms by working with Gram Panchayats to build stronger village-level child protection structures and Bal Panchayats, starting with Sakari village. He believes that when communities, systems, and families work together, children can grow up safe, supported, and connected to their families.