Support for Juvenile Children
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At ICDS, we believe in second chances and the transformative power of care, guidance, and education. In collaboration with government-run state homes across India, we are committed to supporting juvenile children many of whom have faced extreme adversity at a young age.
Our program provides these children with holistic rehabilitation opportunities, including access to quality education, vocational training, mental health support, and life skills development. By fostering a nurturing environment and empowering them with the tools to rebuild their lives, we aim to reintegrate them into society with dignity, confidence, and purpose.
Together with our partners and dedicated volunteers, ICDS is building brighter futures
Understanding the Crisis: Runaway and Juvenile Children in India
Runaway Children: A Growing Concern
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Bengaluru Division Rescues: In 2024, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued 294 runaway children (245 boys and 49 girls) in the Bengaluru division alone. These children often flee due to family disputes or in search of better opportunities. ​
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National Efforts: Since the inception of the 'Nanhe Faristey' initiative in 2018, the RPF has rescued over 84,000 children across India, with 11,794 rescues reported in the previous year. ​
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Academic Pressure: Approximately 70% of runaway children leave home fearing parental reaction to poor academic performance, highlighting the immense pressure faced by students.
Juveniles in Conflict with the Law
Children in Adult Prisons:
Between January 2016 and December 2021, over 9,600 children were found to be incarcerated in adult prisons across India, indicating lapses in the juvenile justice system.
• Legal Framework: The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, provides for the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law, emphasizing a child-friendly approach in adjudication and disposal of matters.
Children in Child Care homes
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Runaways from Homes: Between 2015 and 2018, 203 cases of children running away from child care homes were registered across 11 states and union territories, underscoring the need for improved care and monitoring. ​
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Children of Single Parents: A significant number of children in shelter homes are placed there by single parents. For instance, Karnataka has over 10,000 such children, reflecting socio-economic challenges faced by single-parent families. ​
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These statistics underscore the critical need for comprehensive support systems for vulnerable children. ICDS, in collaboration with state homes, is dedicated to addressing these challenges through holistic rehabilitation programs, ensuring every child has the opportunity for a better future.
How ICDS Supports Juvenile Children
ICDS believes that every child deserves a future , regardless of their past. Through our Juvenile Sponsorship Program, we provide critical support to children in conflict with the law, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity, care, and opportunity.
What Sponsorship Covers:
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Educational Support
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Enrollment in formal schools or open schooling systems
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Access to tutors, learning materials, and digital education tools
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Bridging courses for dropouts and slow learners
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Vocational Training & Skilling
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Tailored skill development programs in areas such as carpentry, tailoring, computers, and hospitality
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Certification support to aid future employment
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Counseling and Mental Health Care
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Regular counseling by certified psychologists
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Group therapy, life skills sessions, and emotional resilience workshops
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Nutrition and Basic Needs
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Daily nutritious meals and hygiene kits
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Seasonal clothing, shoes, and personal items
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Legal and Rehabilitation Support
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Legal aid for children requiring representation
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Guidance for reintegration into families or independent living
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Mentorship and Social Reintegration
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One-on-one mentorship by trained volunteers
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Opportunities for community service and positive peer engagement
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Why Sponsorship Matters
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Over 9,600 children were found in adult prisons in India between 2016–2021 — often due to lack of representation and support.
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Many runaway children are victims of abuse, poverty, or trauma, and land in state homes without hope or guidance.
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Sponsorship transforms their trajectory, offering hope, structure, and purpose.
Be a Changemaker
With as little as ₹2,000/month, you can sponsor the rehabilitation journey of a child and become part of their story of transformation.
✔ Get regular updates on your sponsored child’s progress
✔ Meet the child (virtually or in person) through ICDS-supervised interactions
✔ Receive impact reports and photos biannually
Together, let’s give every child a second chance.