Orphan Care

India is home to 25 million orphans in the 0-17 years’ age-group (UNICEF). A considered estimate would suggest that approximately 100,000 are institutionalized; this includes several infants (newborns) and children below the age of 6 years, who remain in orphanages/adoption agencies owned/ subsidized by the Government or, run by private charities/NGOs. Unfortunately except for only about 3500 children (0-6 years) who get adopted per year, all others are left behind in Government Institutions/ orphanages where the quality of care at best, is poor! Overcrowding, malnutrition, poor sanitation, indifferent health and inadequate education, are common features in most orphanages. Child abuse is widely prevalent. Rehabilitation outcomes are abysmally poor.

Unfortunately, the subject of institutionalised child care does not seem to feature on any active agenda; a comprehensive list of orphanages across India is not available. Nor, is there a  head count of all children who are institutionalised.  Also, it is believed that many children in need of care, particularly girls,   do not reach the institutions at all.