Gangtok, December 05 (IPR): The Women, Child, Senior Citizens and Divyangjan Welfare Department organised a two-day programme on ‘State Consultation on Learning and Sharing of Aftercare Practices in India’ in collaboration with UNICEF India at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok, today.
Additional Secretary, Planning and Development Department-cum-Programme Director, Sikkim Inspires Ms Rohini Pradhan, in her address, underscored Sikkim Inspires as a flagship socio economic initiative of the State Government, developed with support from the World Bank to create better economic opportunities for women and youth.
With technical support from UNICEF, the state organised its first ever consultation to shape this intervention, guided by inputs from care leavers, caregivers and experts. A core principle of Inspires is participatory planning, ensuring that interventions are based on the real needs expressed by beneficiaries rather than assumptions. The consultation promoted open communication, providing language support and offering participants the option to share feedback verbally or in writing.
During the programme, Child Protection Specialist Mr Prabhat Kumar delivered a presentation on ‘Listening, Learning, and Reflecting: Experiences of Care Leavers.’ He outlined the key aspects of aftercare, emphasising that it supports the transition from care to independent adulthood, and that care leavers have a right to support, not merely goodwill.
He highlighted the key entitlements of care leavers, including,
* A personalised aftercare plan tailored to their goals.
* A designated functionary for regular guidance and check ins.
* Housing support, including assistance in finding, retaining or funding safe accommodation.
* Education and training support, such as grants, fellowships and tuition assistance.
* Financial guidance, including budgeting support and emergency assistance.
* Health and well-being services.
“Aftercare is your safety net, use it, shape it, and remember that you do not have to transition alone,” added Mr Kumar.
The programme also featured an interactive session that encouraged active participation from care leavers.
The first session focused on amplifying the voices of youth and understanding their journey from care to independence, under the theme ‘Listening, Learning and Reflecting: Experiences of Care Leavers.’ It aimed to deepen awareness of the challenges, strengths and aspirations of young people transitioning out of care. The session highlighted the importance of listening to their lived experiences, learning from their insights and reflecting on how support systems can be strengthened. By centring their perspectives, the session underscored the need for responsive aftercare services, empathetic guidance and policies that empower care leavers to build confident, stable and self-reliant futures.
The second session engaged participants in small group discussions using participatory tools such as journey mapping, problem tree analysis and appreciative inquiry. These methods encouraged active engagement and helped participants reflect on the realities faced by care leavers. Through journey mapping, groups explored key milestones and challenges in the transition to independence. Problem tree analysis helped identify root causes and consequences of the issues experienced, while appreciative inquiry highlighted strengths, successful practices and opportunities for positive change.
The third session brought all groups together to present the key findings and priorities emerging from the youth focused discussions. Each group shared insights gathered through the participatory exercises, highlighting common challenges, support gaps and opportunities to strengthen aftercare systems. The presentations emphasised youth driven recommendations, reflecting their aspirations for accessible guidance, stronger emotional and financial support, and policies that recognise their unique needs.
The programme had the presence of representatives from Aide et Action, Ms Nupur Pande and Mr Pranab Panging, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF, Ms Chetna Desai, Joint Director, Government of Chandigarh, Mr Nandalal Chaudhary, Udayan Care, Leena Prasad, care leavers, child protection officials and functionaries, and NGO representatives from both local and national organisations.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK