With the sudden interruption of life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some delays in bringing out the conference report. The first priority has to be ensuring the safety and mental well-being of the children. However, while the report is not entirely ready to be brought out yet, work on it has been progressing. So today I would like to give you a sneak-peek at some of the highlights from the report on the outcomes of the Immersive Simulation Lab: Family-Based Care Conference:
The conference attendees included government representatives involved in child protection in Maharashtra including the District Child Protection teams, Child Welfare Committee teams and members of the Government Sponsorship and Foster Care Approval Committees. There were also representatives from UNICEF, SOS Children’s Villages, Miracle Foundation, CSA, Prerana, and Swanath Foundation. A wonderful mix of government and NGO people exchanging ideas and experiences.
A case study of a CCI with 74 children in a semi-urban area that wished to expand their services to include family-based care came alive for the participants. Specifics were outlined such a staff profiles, child profiles, funding sources and the history of the organization. 5 tables were set up with an expert facilitator at each one on the topics of Engaging with Stakeholders, Case Management, Families, Asset Transition and Measurement of Results. Participants were divided into groups and spent 30 minutes at each table filling out a worksheet and discussing (and sometimes arguing) about how the case study CCI would transition to family-based care. There were spirited discussions at all tables with all groups, and many innovative approaches and solutions were discovered in the course of these.
Many of the participants made a point of praising the model of the day, which allowed for meaningful participation and exchange of ideas and experiences. Giving comments like: ‘The methodology of the workshop was very brilliant’ and the ‘table activity is completely new and a nice activity form.’
Comparing the pre- and post-conference surveys, it becomes clear both that at the start of the conference there was already a wealth of knowledge and awareness present, but also that the day has successfully raised awareness and changed minds on a number of issues. Both from remarks during the conference, and from comparing the results of the surveys, what stood out was that at the start of the day, there was little awareness of the need to consider or understanding of the possibility of repurposing the assets of a childcare institution (including buildings, staff, furniture and budget) to be used for family-based care and family strengthening. Various participants from different backgrounds indicated that this concept was completely new to them. A discussion about how donor money can be redirected from care in childcare institutions to family-based care was also an eye-opener for various participants.
After lunch, there was a 35-minute break-out session where Mr Forber-Pratt talked with the Ahmednagar district-level officials, the Snehalaya leadership and a UNICEF child protection consultant. The meeting’s purpose was to brainstorm what non-institutional alternative care (NIAC) options were possible (with particular focus on the district, but with a discussion about the entire state) and where there might be opportunities. All continuum of care options was discussed, and the conclusion was clearly that group foster care and reintegration of children from CCIs into families might be the best. Caution was voiced strongly about the need to move slowly, carefully and in pilot form. Also, the group highlighted that the “easiest” or most likely to succeed cases must be taken up first. The UNICEF representative mentioned that the state is working hard to revise the guidelines for foster care, family sponsorship and aftercare.
The interactive nature of the simulation lab meant that while participants discovered many answers, they were left with many new questions as they walked out of the room. As India moves towards family-based care, demonstration events like this are pivotal to engage the on-the-ground change makers. However, this event, in and of itself is certainly not enough. We encourage the government and civil society to join hands to work on the following eight activities in concert together: Planning, awareness-raising, legislation change, designing financial, service standardisation & quality control, direct practice examples, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation.
If you are interested, the full report will be available soon. When it has been made public, I will include a link to it here.
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