For a child returning from a Child Care Institution (CCI) to Family-Based Care, going home is only one part of the journey. A child’s needs can change over time, and family circumstances can change too. Being emotionally ready, helping the family understand the child’s needs at each stage, and ensuring they have the support to care can be just as important.
Roshni (name changed) from Maharashtra entered a CCI in June 2024 after her father’s death and her mother’s remarriage. She initially lived with her grandmother, who was later unable to continue caring for her. Moving into the CCI marked another period of adjustment for Roshni, as she navigated a new environment while processing the experiences she had been through. During this time, she became withdrawn and struggled to express her feelings.
To help Roshni feel safe and gradually rebuild trust, the team began by listening rather than rushing to find answers. Counselling gave her a safe space to talk about her relationships, choices and hopes for the future at her own pace. Her mother and grandmother also received counselling and regular support, helping rebuild communication and trust within the family. Over time, follow-ups and assessments helped determine not only whether the family was ready to provide care, but whether Roshni herself felt emotionally ready to return. In June 2026, she was reintegrated into family care when both she and her family were prepared for the transition.
Roshni is now primarily cared for by her grandmother, with continued support focused on her emotional well-being, education, family adjustment and overall development. As her grandmother depends mainly on daily-wage labour and farming for their livelihood, she was guided on accessing government welfare schemes, social security benefits and essential documents, including a ration card. She now receives financial assistance through the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana.
As Roshni grew more confident about her future, she began exploring opportunities to build her independence. With the team’s guidance, she joined a youth orientation and workshop to explore education, skills, employment and livelihood options. This eventually connected her with an organization through which she is now pursuing an Industrial Accounts Diploma in another city, with support for her course fees, accommodation, food, travel and other educational expenses, along with job placement after completion. Her grandmother continues to support her, visiting her regularly to check on her accommodation, education and well-being.
For Roshni, this is more than a course; it is a step towards the independent future she hopes to build, with her family by her side. Her journey shows that successful reintegration requires more than returning home. Counselling and mental health support can be equally important in helping children process difficult experiences, rebuild trust and feel emotionally ready to reconnect with their families.
Miracle Foundation India supports children and families through these transitions, recognizing that lasting reintegration depends not only on where a child lives, but also on how safe and supported they feel along the way.