Patna : The Bihar government, UNICEF, Udayan Care and the Bihar Care Leavers Network (BCLN) have joined hands to strengthen support for young people leaving child care institutions, with a focus on education, vocational training, employment, mentorship and social inclusion.
The second State Care Leavers Conclave, held in Patna on Wednesday, brought together care leavers, government officials, development partners, skill development agencies and employers to discuss ways to help young people transition to independent living.
Young people leaving institutional care often face challenges in continuing their education, finding jobs and housing, securing essential documents and achieving financial independence. Participants emphasised the need for coordinated, long-term support to help them navigate these challenges and build stable futures.
Bihar Minister Calls on Young People to Pursue Education and Financial Independence
Dr Shweta Gupta, Bihar’s Social Welfare Minister, encouraged young people leaving child care institutions to pursue education, remain ambitious and work towards financial independence.
Drawing on her own journey of overcoming obstacles to become a doctor, she urged care leavers to challenge self-doubt and make use of available opportunities. She also highlighted the role of emotional support and positive peer networks in helping young people build confidence and independence.
Ms Inayat Khan, Director of the Directorate of Social Welfare, stressed that preparation for adulthood should begin well before children turn 18. She called for appropriate support to ensure their safety, education and access to services during the transition from institutional care.
She added that young people need more than institutional assistance. Access to education, skill development and employment opportunities, along with the confidence to make independent decisions, is essential to their long-term well-being.
Dr Kiran Modi, Founder and Managing Trustee of Udayan Care, emphasised the importance of making care leavers aware of policies and welfare provisions available to them. She also called for their meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives.
Mr Banku Bihari Sarkar, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Bihar, delivered the keynote address.
Care Leavers Call for Mentorship and Greater Participation
A key focus of the conclave was the role of young people in shaping the services and support they receive. Members of BCLN shared their experiences, achievements, challenges and aspirations, highlighting the importance of recognising care leavers as rights-holders.
The network presented its Charter of Love, Care and Support and Mentoring from Duty Bearers, calling for sustained guidance and supportive relationships as young people move towards independent living.
The conclave built on the first State Care Leavers Convention held in 2023 and subsequent efforts to strengthen BCLN and improve aftercare services across Bihar.
Discussions also highlighted the state’s Aftercare Guidelines, notified in 2026, and ongoing efforts to strengthen State and District Aftercare Cells. The programme included recognition of selected care leavers and the screening of a coffee-table book documenting initiatives under Bihar’s Aftercare Programme.
Skill Development and Employment Opportunities in Focus
Participants explored ways to connect care leavers with educational institutions, vocational training programmes and potential employers.
Potential linkages discussed included the Bihar Skill Development Mission, the Education Department’s Career Portal and Career Cards, the Bihar Board of Open Schooling and Examination (BBOSE), the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), the Industry Department, Jeevika and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
Representatives from the hotel industry and other educational and skill development institutions also took part in discussions on livelihood opportunities.
Care leavers’ networks from Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Rajasthan shared their experiences of peer support, networking and advocacy. The exchange offered participants an opportunity to learn from initiatives in other states and explore ways to strengthen BCLN’s role in Bihar.
Roadmap Planned to Strengthen Aftercare Services
The initiatives discussed at the conclave aim to make the transition from institutional care to independent living more structured and responsive to individual needs. They also seek to improve coordination among government departments and other stakeholders while strengthening BCLN as a platform for peer support, leadership and advocacy.
The discussions are expected to inform an action-oriented roadmap setting out priority areas, stakeholder responsibilities and follow-up mechanisms.
The broader objective is to ensure that young people leaving child care institutions receive timely, individualised and sustained support to continue their education, access employment opportunities, achieve self-reliance and participate fully in society
