Children in the street and slum-connected communities often face vulnerable circumstances that can endanger them. Through the Protection Programme, HOPE aims to provide protection and safety to these children in need of care and safety. HOPE’s Protection programme comprises:
HOPE’s Residential Child Care Centres (RCCCs) aim to provide a holistic environment to vulnerable children in need of care and protection. The children in HOPE’s residential care are all aged between 6-18 years of age and have been entrusted in HOPE’s care through and by the CWC (Children Welfare Committee).
Each child care centre is well equipped with a child-friendly atmosphere and infrastructure that responds to a child's individual needs. Every child is provided with quality nutrition, education, healthcare, counselling, recreational, and sports activities and vocational and skill-building training.
HOPE understands the role of family in a child’s life and through the deinstitutionalization initiatives, it reunites the children with their families, or extended family members, following family strengthening interventions.
Children who are orphans, abandoned, and surrendered are provided alternative rehabilitation through the family adoption process and family foster care.
Currently, HOPE supports the following residential child care centres:
Abandoned at only 6 years of age, a small Jakir was forced to move into his aunt’s all by himself. Unable to care for him, Jakir’s aunt handed him over to the police wherefrom he was handed over to the Child Welfare Committee.
Jakir was then placed at Ashirbad Boys’ Home in 2015 after being transferred from another child care institution. Here, Jakir was provided with all the necessary steps to ensure his holistic care and development. He was enrolled in formal school and encouraged to take up sports and other co-curricular activities. Additionally, psychosocial support was also extended to Jakir.
Gradually, Jakir started taking an active interest in the activities around him. He enjoyed sports, especially Karate. At the International Karate Competition held in July 2024, Jakir won 3 gold medals and one bronze medal across different categories.
Jakir is now a thriving middle-schooler. His merit and determination are inspiring.
HOPE’s Mother and Child Care Unit (MCCU) supports vulnerable mothers and children. Under this project, medical and psychological aid is extended to both mother and child. Children also receive immunisation, regular health check-ups, and are enrolled to creches and formal schools to ensure their overall growth and development. Mothers are empowered financially through vocational training courses to earn independently and support themselves and their children.
Mother and Child Care Unit focuses on family strengthening initiatives. It strives to rehabilitate mothers and children to their estranged families. Through all these endeavors, HOPE ensures a safe and healthy life for both mother and child.
Sabita Mohanty, a 45-year-old woman, was rescued by Anandapur Police from homelessness and provided temporary shelter at MCCU. Medical evaluation revealed dehydration, low haemoglobin, weakness, and other health issues. Initially, Sabita exhibited severe depression, self-talk, hallucinations, and refusal to eat or drink. She was admitted to HOPE Hospital for saline treatment and later received medication from a physician, stabilizing her physically. However, her mental health concerns persisted.
Provisional diagnosis of schizophrenia was made by the Institute of Psychiatry's doctor, and medication continued. After three months, Sabita began interacting with others, attending counselling sessions, and participating in household tasks, vocational classes, and recreational activities. Her background revealed that she was an ex-staff nurse at Ruby General Hospital, holding several nursing degrees from a reputed Odisha hospital. She shared that after her estrangement from her partner she had experienced severe distress leading to mental health issues.
Following advocacy with Balasore Police Station, Sabita’s father reunited with her, and she was restored to her family in September, in the presence of Anandapur PS personnel. Before leaving, Sabita requested three months' worth of medication, acknowledging its importance for her mental health. She expressed gratitude, committing to re-join work and support her family, particularly her elderly parents. Post-restoration, Sabita confirmed that she had started working again and expressed her gratitude.
Sabita’s remarkable transformation inspired others, demonstrating resilience and the impact of comprehensive support. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and social workers ensured her recovery, highlighting the importance of community intervention in mental health cases.
HOPE’s aftercare programme comprises Ashaneer Women’s Home (Hope Hostel) and Aftercare Support for Boys Above 18 years of age. The aim of this programme is to enable the smooth transition of young adults after residential child care support. These two projects extend legal, financial, education, and vocational training support to the young adults. The programme oversees that the young adults are empowered financially to support themselves and their communities.
Malka experienced severe physical and mental abuse while she stayed with her family. She was also sexually abused. Malka informed her mother about the situation. However, her concerns were dismissed. Helpless and hopeless, Malka ran away from her home. She was soon rescued by the police and produced before the Child Welfare Committee. She was then placed at one of HOPE’s residential child care centres to ensure her safety and protection.
At the residential child care centre, she received all kinds of support. She gradually recovered and participated in different activities. Malka also joined the tailoring unit to gain more skills. She was also enrolled in class X under the National Institute of Open Schooling Board to complete her education.
After she turned 18, Malka started residing at Ashaneer Women’s Home (Hope Hostel). Here, she continued receiving support. She joined HOPE Café as a trainee and trained there for 6 months. After completing her training, she got a job at a café.
She is now earning and lives in a rented accommodation. Malka’s story is that of courage and determination.
HOPE’s Child Watch programme is an outreach programme that works exclusively with the street and slum connected communities. Child Watch sensitises the community and children through the Child Vigilance Community and Community Watch Group. Together, the team and the community safety network ensures children’s fundamental rights, their safety, protection and holistic growth and development.
Raju, a young boy, lived on the streets with his mother and sisters. His mother worked as a house-help, struggling to make ends meet. Though enrolled in school, Raju spent his days gambling and getting into trouble. He preferred earning quick money that gave him a sense of independence. Raju’s behaviour and actions greatly worried his family.
Everything changed when the Child Watch team found him on the streets. Raju admitted he'd dropped out of school and had no interest in returning. Instead, he wanted to live the way he had been. Encouraged by the Child Watch Tea, the worried family placed Raju in a rehabilitation center. They hoped a structured environment would bring guidance to his life.
Over time Raju’s outlook began to shift. The routine at the rehabilitation centre though challenging at first gradually brought stability. Raju started to engage in various activities such as meditation, games, and education.
After three months, Raju returned home a different person—physically and emotionally transformed. No longer interested in gambling or quick money, he was eager to continue his studies. Today, Raju attends school regularly. His future is full of promise.
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