CM unveils scheme for youth leaving institutional care at 18

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday launched the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons to provide continued support to youth leaving institutional care after they turn 18 by assisting them with higher education, skill development, and employment opportunities.

Ms. Gupta made the announcement during her visit to the Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar, a facility run by the Women and Child Development Department, where she interacted with children.

Speaking on Mother’s Day, she said the government has earmarked ₹3.5 crore for the scheme in the current financial year.

“The primary objective of the scheme is to provide continued support, guidance and opportunities to youth leaving institutional care so they can move towards independent, secure and dignified lives,” said the CM.

Asserting that the government’s responsibility does not end with providing shelter and protection to children, she said the scheme will be implemented under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance for higher education and college studies along with access to skill development and vocational training programmes.

Monthly stipend

“The government will also focus on connecting young people with internships and employment opportunities. Financial support, mentoring, counselling, career guidance, support for independent living, and a monthly stipend have also been included,” Ms. Gupta said.

She said the government’s approach goes beyond institutional care and “focuses on preparing children for life”.

Noting that nearly 150 to 200 young people leave child care institutions every year after turning 18, the CM said many struggle with continuing education, finding employment, and managing financial difficulties. “The new scheme has been designed to provide structured assistance to all such young adults,” she said. The beneficiaries will be identified through need-based assessments and individual care plans.

Meanwhile, Delhi Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh announced a special five-day rescue campaign across the national capital, which starts from Monday, to rescue needy, helpless, and destitute individuals and shift them to Apna Ghar Ashrams for treatment, care, and rehabilitation.