Preparation for Social Reintegration Among Young Girls in Residential Care in India

Abstract

This study focuses on the preparation for social reintegration of young Indian girls about to leave their residential care homes. It assesses the level of preparation by capturing the perception of readiness of 100 girls in institutions: whether they expect to complete higher education, and whether they believe they have acquired such skills as searching for a job, managing finances, problem solving, and maintaining satisfactory relationships. It also explores the impact of different factors, such as the present age of the girls, their self-esteem, and the availability of support networks, on the preparation for their social reintegration. Overall, the findings revealed that the girls felt better prepared with life skills and access to housing after leaving care, but were not so hopeful about their psychological well-being and ability to access higher education, social support, employment, and financial independence. Factors such as age, educational qualifications, self-esteem, and availability of support while in care had a positive relationship with their preparation for social reintegration. Interestingly, the girls’ level of preparation varied significantly across the eight residential care homes studied. The study is intended to help address gaps in the existing literature and to play a significant role in informing future legislative decisions.

Re-thinking Aftercare-Beyond Short-Term Residential Facilities

“…In many countries, age is seen as the criteria for leaving care but at 18 years, most of the youth are not emotionally ready for transition at that age (Tweddle, 2005). Many a times, the children are not aware of the process of leaving care, which leaves them confused and unprepared (Dutta, 2018). A study of children who had left group homes showed that 46.8% of the care leavers, particularly women, found the transition process difficult (Schiff, 2006).…”

“…Some data state that 80% 1 of children placed in institutions, globally, are not orphans but are separated from their families due to various reasons whereas others suggest that this number is as high as 90% (International Development Cooperation, 2001). In a study in India, it was found that 76 out of 100 girls from institutions, participating in the study, had parents or relatives (Dutta, 2018). Another study of the Homes for Intellectually Challenged children in Maharashtra showed that 39% of children in these Homes were not orphans (Maharashtra State Coordination Committee for Child Protection, 2011).…”

Young Adults Transitioning from Institutional Care to Independent Living: The Role of Aftercare Support and Services

“…As the results show, most of the care leavers were living in accommodation provided by the CCI/aftercare program, with only 11% living alone and independently in rented accommodation. These residential aftercare programmes counteract the global trend towards de-institutionalisation and are ill-equipped to prepare care leavers for independent life, in general (Dutta, 2018). Yet, institutional-type living was found to be the most common type of accommodation afforded to aftercare receivers and only few organisations opted to search for scattered rental housing for care leavers.…”

Social Support Networks for Youths Aging Out of Residential Care to Promote Positive Transition Outcomes – A Scoping Review

“…Despite the existence of many programmes that prepare care-leavers for the transition to independent living and legal developments that strengthen their position in society and the housing market, care-leavers faced at least three hindrances to acquiring stable housing in Flanders: a lack of affordable housing; a lack of access to (non-residential) social assistance; and personal difficulties in coping with living independently. Dutta, S. (2018). India.…”

“…Studies (Mhongera & Lombard, 2018;Takele & Kotecho, 2020;Van Breda & Pinkerton, 2020) have shown that many young people, unable to meet their basic needs once they age out of care, end up living in poverty, committing a crime, taking substances and experiencing early parenthood. Moreover, the low-income status among youths aging out of care was found to exacerbate challenges in the areas of housing and employment, resulting in a higher risk for poor mental health (specifically relating to substance abuse) and physical health (Dutta, 2018;Dickens, 2018;Frimpong-Manso, 2020). Therefore, they often find themselves becoming entangled with the criminal justice system (Sekibo, 2020).…”