For every child to grow up in a safe and nurturing family, it takes more than intent; it takes consistent, on-the-ground effort. At Miracle Foundation India, this work is carried forward every day by dedicated social workers who walk alongside children and families, helping turn this vision into reality.

This month, we recognize the commitment of Praveen Gonsalves, Programme Officer – Family-Based Care (FBC) at Anmol Tangudhama (Child Care Institution), who has been strengthening families and safeguarding children’s rights across Belagavi district, Karnataka.

Praveen has been associated with Miracle Foundation India for the past three years. He began his journey as an Outreach Worker and, over the last year, has taken on the role of Programme Officer, FBC. With over 15 years of experience in child protection, child development, and child welfare, particularly in slum communities, Praveen has built strong, trusted relationships with children, parents, community leaders, and government officials, enabling meaningful collaboration to support vulnerable families. His work focuses on strengthening families through regular home visits, counselling, and linking them to social protection schemes and essential services, ensuring children can access education, healthcare, and other critical support.

Currently, Praveen and his team are supporting 116 families across different stages of care. This includes 43 families where children have already been reintegrated, 47 families under prevention and gatekeeping support to reduce the risk of institutionalisation, and 26 families of children currently living in CCIs, with efforts focused on enabling their safe reintegration.

Improving access to social protection remains a key priority. So far, 37 families have been linked to essential schemes—32 scholarships through the State Scholarship Portal (SSP), 2 housing benefits through the Karnataka Slum Development Board, 2 Upakar scheme (under which selected care-experienced youth and youth from vulnerable communities receive ₹5,000 to pursue their higher education for up to three years), and 1 sponsorship facilitated through the District Child Protection Unit. These linkages are helping reduce financial stress and create more stable environments for children and their families.

Trained in Life Skills Education, Praveen also contributes to strengthening the social service workforce. He has played an active role as an anchor during social workforce trainings and cultural events organized through Anmol and Miracle Foundation initiatives, helping engage communities and promote awareness on child protection.

Through his sustained commitment and collaboration with families and systems, Praveen is helping move children away from institutional care and toward family-based care—where they can grow up with love, stability, and belonging.