Aftercare programme is a transition phase between institutional care to reintegration and rehabilitation of orphan and destitute youth which is yet to be implemented effectively in India. Although there are many government legislations and policies to protect child rights, still there is a scope for improvement.
This study details the journey of the Orphan and Destitute Youth in Aftercare Programme in Maharashtra, India. The study was conducted with the orphan youth who left the Seven Aftercare programmes both from Government and NGO-run Aftercare programme. It has discussed their challenges, experiences and support given during and post aftercare while orphan youth started their independent life. The aim of the study is also to propose the framework of aftercare programmes for orphan and destitute youth through the research findings. It shows that the majority of orphan youth have been facing difficulties to get accommodation, employment, continuing their education, and faced stigma/discrimination because of their institutional and orphan background.
The study has brought to the forefront crucial aspects through proposing effective aftercare programme model for the reintegration and rehabilitation of orphan and destitute children and youth. The proposed model discusses early intervention, systematic care and the holistic development of orphan and destitute children and youth and extending the support at initial period while they start living independently in the community.