TARA’s new initiative — the TARA Family Intervention Programme

According to official data from the Mission Vatsalya programme released at the end of 2024, an estimated 60,000 children in Delhi are living on the streets or in conditions of severe neglect, yet only 1,216 of them were placed in protective institutions in 2023–24 (The New Indian Express, 15 December 2024). In other words, barely 2% of vulnerable children are receiving institutional care. Most remain with their families due to a lack of resources and knowledge about their situation, as well as a lack of available places in institutional care.

With this in mind, TARA launched TARA Family Intervention (TFI), a programme offering an alternative care intervention. TFI works with vulnerable families to address their specific problems related to parenting, household economics, hygiene, and the safety of their children, as defined with the magistrate.

Specialised social workers at TARA provide this long-term monitoring in direct contact with the Child Welfare Committees and District Child Protection Officers (DCPOs). This provides an immediate and specific response to dangerous situations within families.

A committed team

To build this new protection model, TFI relies on a complementary and dedicated team:

• Komuha Jajuo, head of family programs, coordinates and supervises the entire programme.
• Anju Kurian, a case worker dedicated to TFI, follow up with the families on a daily basis and writes the reports.
• Ranjeet Maurya, a field worker, conducts home visits and remains the direct link with the families.
• Pranav Choudhary, psycho-social counselor, supports children and their loved ones in their journey of resilience.

First concrete results

TFI is already taking action on the ground. For example, an eleven-year-old child who was a survivor of child labour and had no documents was able to obtain a birth certificate and enrol in school. Another child, who had been out of school for a year following a family tragedy, was able to return to class thanks to the support of their mother and the TFI team. Three girls who had been abused received support and protection, and their families received support and increased awareness.

The Story of Kashish

One of our long-time residential care beneficiaries, Kashish, recently came of age and was able to join her grandmother, with whom she now lives. She continues her schooling in good conditions from home, supported by the TFI team, who are ensuring a safe transition and ensuring her well-being.

The goal of this program, as always at TARA, is to protect and educate as many children as possible, in the most effective way possible. However, nothing would be possible without our sponsors and partners. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the trust you place in us.