CM Rekha Gupta Approves Aftercare Scheme for Youth Leaving Institutional Care

New Delhi, 10 May 2026– Delhi Chief Minister  Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced the launch of the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons on the occasion of Mother’s Day, saying the government’s responsibility does not end with providing shelter and protection to children. The aim, she said, is to ensure that every child and young adult gets the opportunity to build a safe, dignified and self-reliant future without ever feeling abandoned or unsupported. The Delhi government has earmarked Rs 3.5 crore for the scheme in the current financial year.

Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister visited the Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar, where she spent time interacting warmly with children living at the facility run by the Women and Child Development Department. During the interaction, she shared details of the new aftercare initiative and said Delhi currently has 88 Child Care Institutions (CCIs), operated jointly by the government and various NGOs. These institutions provide care, protection, education, rehabilitation and essential support to children up to the age of 18. She also noted that Delhi already has two aftercare homes, one for boys and one for girls, where young adults above 18 are provided accommodation, food, educational support and other basic facilities to help them transition towards independent living.

CM Rekha Gupta said the government’s approach goes beyond institutional care and focuses on preparing children for life ahead. Children in care are being provided education, life skills training, vocational courses, career exposure, counselling, emotional and behavioural support, personality development, career guidance and rehabilitation planning so that they can confidently lead safe, healthy and dignified lives after becoming adults.

The Chief Minister pointed out that every year nearly 150 to 200 young people leave child care institutions after turning 18. While they receive support within institutions, many struggle once they step out, whether in continuing education, acquiring skills, finding employment, dealing with financial difficulties or starting an independent life. Several of them also lack family support or a secure environment. She added that children and young people receiving assistance under sponsorship and foster care programmes also require guidance, education, skill development and rehabilitation support as they enter adulthood. The new scheme, she said, has been designed to provide structured assistance to all such young adults.

Keeping these challenges in mind, the Delhi government has approved the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. 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.

Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance for higher education and college studies, along with access to skill development and vocational training programmes. The government will also focus on connecting young people with internships and employment opportunities. Financial support and a monthly stipend have also been included in the scheme. In addition, beneficiaries will receive mentoring, counselling, career guidance, rehabilitation support and assistance required for independent living. Emergency and case-specific support will also be provided wherever necessary.

The Chief Minister said the Delhi government has allocated Rs 3.5 crore in the 2026-27 financial year to ensure effective implementation of the scheme. Beneficiaries will be identified through need-based assessments, and individual care plans will be prepared for each eligible young person. Regular monitoring and review of aftercare services will also be carried out at both the state and district levels.

CM Rekha Gupta further announced that a State Aftercare Committee, headed by the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, will be constituted to oversee policy-making, monitoring and supervision of the scheme. At the district level, District Aftercare Committees headed by the respective District Magistrates will assess rehabilitation needs, review individual care plans and recommend necessary support for beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister said the Delhi government will continue working with various departments and partner organisations to connect aftercare youth with internships, jobs, skill programmes and livelihood opportunities. “Mother’s Day reminds us that every child deserves protection, care, guidance and the opportunity to move forward in life. The Delhi government stands firmly with every child and young person who needs support to build a better future. Our effort is to ensure that no young person feels alone after leaving institutional care and that every child gets an equal opportunity to become self-reliant,” she said.