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 Sujata Deshmukh, Social Worker and District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) from Satara, Maharashtra.
Since 2020, Sujata has worked as a Social Worker with additional charge as DCPO. Pursuing her orientation has deepened her understanding of child protection, especially in gatekeeping, prevention, family strengthening, and rehabilitation, and has strengthened her case management skills.
One of the most visible outcomes of her work has been the systematic use of Social Investigation Reports and Individual Care Plans at the level of the Child Welfare Committee and across Child Care Institutions (CCIs) in her district. Her consistent efforts have contributed to improved documentation, planning, and decision-making for children in need of care and protection. Every CCI in Satara now has a Child Safeguarding Policy in place and has formed a Children’s Committee, ensuring children’s voices are heard in matters that affect them.
As a champion of family-based care, Sujata has built the capacities of CCI staff by conducting engaging and practical training sessions using role-plays, and other communication techniques. These sessions have boosted the confidence and competence of house parents, supervisors, and caretakers, strengthening the overall care environment within institutions. Sujata has also made significant strides in strengthening families and enabling reintegration. With support from another NGO partner, she helped rehabilitate children from nomadic tribes who were living on the streets, through counseling and follow-up. In Saidapur village, she mobilized parents and community members to facilitate the formation of a Bal Panchayat, introducing children to democratic participation and leadership. The Panchayat has already conducted four meetings, creating a platform for children to express themselves.
Sujata’s work in adoption has also yielded noteworthy results. She and her team identified four older children, aged 10-15, who were ready for adoption—a rare achievement. These children were counseled and matched with families who were also prepared through guided counseling sessions. Similarly, when four orphaned children were rescued from a coal mine in Phaltan tehsil, she ensured their admission into a CCI, medical care, and publication of their details to trace any relatives. Two of these children have now expressed interest in adoption and are being supported through the process.
Looking ahead, Sujata aims to continue strengthening the case management processes in Satara and regularly update the capacity of child protection teams through regular training sessions. She is also committed to deepening community-level engagement and ensuring that children from vulnerable backgrounds are identified early, supported, and reunited with safe and nurturing families.
Through her leadership, clarity of purpose, and dedication to children’s rights, Sujata Deshmukh is helping create a more responsive and resilient child protection system in Satara.