Voices from Care Experienced Young Adults
This excerpt is from a conversation between a young adult with lived experience and a practitioner. The young adult was separated from his family because of financial difficulties faced by his parents. His father, a farmer, struggled to support the family and decided to place his child in a Child Care Institute (CCI). The child remained in the CCI for 8 years before being reintegrated with his family. This conversation aims capture the young persons perspective who had no control on the decisions that were being made for him as a child and his reflections of his experience as a young adult.
Introduction: The Journey Back Home
Transitioning from a Child Care Institute (CCI) back to family life is a profound experience, filled with both challenges and opportunities. In a candid interview, a young adult who has gone through this transition shared their experiences, shedding light on the emotional, social, and practical aspects of reintegration.
Life in a Child Care Institute
Reflecting on life in a CCI, the interviewee described it as a place where “we got everything that we need to grow like life skills, proper food diet, regular health checkup, and many friends.” This structured environment provided a sense of security and community, where they didn’t have to worry about day-to-day survival. “Whenever I think about my CCI life, you just don’t have to think about anything, just do your studies.”
Returning to Family: A Shift in Responsibilities
The return to family life, however, brought about significant changes. “The first thing I noticed was how my family reacted when they saw me.” The interviewee was around 17-18 years old at the time, and family dynamics shifted as they were suddenly expected to make their own decisions. “For the first time in life, I realized that if you live in your family, you have to make 90% of your own decisions.” The fact that when you live in a family you have a part to play was a realisation, one is expected to do chores, give time to each other “initially my parents used always say don’t give him tasks he won’t know” of course it changed over the course of time as he understood what needs to be done. It made the youth very happy whenever his parents showed support for him to study further or motivated him. He understood how family members support one another and make sacrifices for each other.
The Reintegration Process: A Complex Transition
Reintegration was not just an emotional journey but also involved practical steps. The interviewee noted that the process included background checks on their family to ensure they could provide a stable environment. However, they felt the transition was somewhat forced: “In reality, I realized whatever they noticed or that is written in the document, those are kind of saying that you are just being forcibly sent from CCI to home.”
The reintegration process was not without its challenges. The interviewee faced the difficulty of adapting to new social expectations: “I faced the biggest challenge that is adjusting yourself accordingly to how people want to see you. I didn’t care earlier but, in the family, it matters” Living in the family made him understand the financial problems faced by the family, but it became a learning experience: “I faced financial challenges, but that also taught me how you can earn at an early age.” Despite these challenges, the interviewee found ways to cope. They received some support, though limited, from CCI staff, and managed to pursue education with the help of aftercare programs. “I personally started a certificate course because I wanted to do a skilled job, so I made my passion into a profession and now learning with a certificate course.” Another significant change was in daily living conditions, particularly related to diet. In the CCI this was managed by the process to ensure proper nutrition however living in a family it is dependent on the family’s financial condition and understanding of the homemaker of what construes as a nutritious meal. This adjustment reflects the broader challenges of adapting to life outside the structured environment of a CCI. Family relationships also evolved post-reintegration, though not without difficulties. The interviewee expressed that while their family tried to help, the financial instability at home made it hard to meet expectations. “Our family wants us to be like a normal boy… there are lots of confusions and expectations that are not really matching.”
Personal Growth: From Sheltered to Self-Reliant
Leaving the CCI marked the beginning of personal growth and self-discovery. The interviewee admitted that before reintegration, they felt like “just a robot” due to the lack of emotional expression and common sense in social situations. Over time, however, they learned valuable life lessons: “I personally grew in my feelings and how to earn, how to convert your passion into a profession.”
Social Integration: The Struggle to Connect
Social integration post-CCI remained a challenge. The interviewee shared that they struggled to trust others and make new friends: “We are currently not able to trust random people. We chat and lose interest in people because there is no environment like before.” This sense of isolation is a common issue among care leavers, highlighting the need for better social integration support.
Advice for Future Care Leavers
Drawing from their own experience, the interviewee offered advice to others about to embark on the same journey: “Don’t think that you are alone here, just learn how to earn and spend money wisely. How to talk to anyone wisely. Try to be smart, don’t be fooled easily. And last, don’t trust anybody in the world because in this open world, there are lots of people who are always trying to rob you.”
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The insights shared by this care leaver paint a vivid picture of the challenges and growth experienced during reintegration. Their story highlights the importance of extended support, both emotional and practical, to help care leavers successfully transition into independent living. As they continue to navigate the complexities of life after CCI, their resilience and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the strength required to overcome such profound life changes.
These reflections underscore the need for ongoing community support for care leavers. By understanding their experiences, we can work together to create better systems that ensure their successful reintegration into society.
Author: Anamika Viswanath, Lead – Youth Programme, Miracle Foundation India
Disclaimer: The article was originally published on IACN Quarterly – Issue 16 (September 2024). The views expressed in the article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of Miracle Foundation India.
