Support for Youth Leaving Care (SYLC) – A National Research in India

Children who have lived in childcare institutions, upon turning eighteen, face unique challenges as they transition from residential care to independent life, for example, difficulties in securing housing and identity documents, accessing education, skilling and employment opportunities, and garnering psychosocial support. Lack of support during this transition increases their risk to adversities such as homelessness, unemployment, substance misuse, ruptured social relationships, etc. Studies show that continued ‘Aftercare’ support allows such youth to become independent and enables their reintegration into mainstream society. Based on such studies and research, we have developed a Sphere of Aftercare, essential to a successful transition. The “Supporting Youth Leaving Care (SYLC)”research by Udayan Care explores the continuum from ‘childcare’ to ‘Aftercare’, understands the challenges faced by various stakeholders. Conducted across 5 states, primarily with Care Leavers (CLs), government functionaries, duty-bearers, practitioners from the civil society, the SYLC study shows lack of understanding on the holistic “Sphere of Aftercare”, absence of clarity on stakeholders’ roles, lack of follow-up, monitoring to assess CLs’ outcomes. It shows Aftercare remains largely unaddressed within the child-youth developmental framework. The study recommends policy reforms, as well as solutions to develop a robust Aftercare programme by strengthening implementation of policy and law.