State-Level Foster Family Conference and Workshop Held to Strengthen the ‘Umang’ Foster Care Programme

Minister Laxmi Rajwade Calls on Society to Provide Children with a Family Environment

Raipur, Nov 2025 : A state-level foster family conference and workshop was successfully organised at Hotel Marriott Courtyard, Raipur, under the joint auspices of the Department of Women and Child Development and UNICEF, with the objective of strengthening the “Umang—Foster Care” programme. The aim of this initiative is to make the foster care system more effective, sensitive, and inclusive so that children living in institutional care can receive a safe, loving, and family-like environment.

The programme was inaugurated by the Minister for Women and Child Development, Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade. In her address, she said that due to poverty, illness, family crises, or social challenges, many children are living under institutional care, whereas a child’s holistic development is best nurtured within a family and community. She highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the department has implemented several welfare measures for women and children. In accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the amended rules of 2021, the “Umang” programme is being effectively implemented to promote non-institutional care in the state.

Minister Rajwade emphasised that foster care is a model that provides children with a family environment outside institutional settings. This enables their emotional, social, and psychological development and helps them integrate with mainstream society. She appealed to all sections of society, volunteer organisations, and citizens to support Mission Vatsalya by providing a family environment to more children. She said ensuring a safe future for every child is a collective responsibility.

At present, 51 children from 11 districts are approved under the foster care scheme, including 30 boys and 21 girls. Each child receives a monthly assistance of ₹4,000. More than 90 foster families are registered across the state. In 2024–25, with support from UNICEF, CEAC, and the department, the programme was further strengthened in the districts of Raipur, Dhamtari, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, Korba, Surguja, Raigarh, Bastar, and Kondagaon. Expansion to additional districts is planned for 2025–26.

During the workshop, it was shared that the process of transferring children who have been in institutional care for two years to foster families has been simplified. An educational film titled “I Am Home”, based on the “Umang” programme, is also being produced by Curley Street Media Private Limited to raise awareness about foster care.

Representatives from UNICEF, CEAC, state project managers (SPM), district officials, voluntary organisations, child protection experts, and foster families participated in the event. Prominent attendees included Dr. Varnika Sharma, Chairperson of the Child Rights Protection Commission; Mrs. Shammi Abidi, Secretary, Women and Child Development; Director Mr. Padum Singh Elma; UNICEF child protection specialist Ms. Chetna Desai; CEAC Director Dr. Vasundhara; Ms. Pavitra Chalam from Curley Street Media; Joint Director Mr. Nandlal Choudhary; and Deputy Director Mrs. Neelam Dewangan. Experts held detailed discussions on the challenges, best practices, and future strategies for the foster care programme.

Foster families, voluntary organisations, district officials, and child protection specialists were felicitated during the event. The state-level conference proved to be a significant step towards strengthening non-institutional care systems and providing new hope, safety, and opportunities for children in need.