| "You cannot do kindness too soon,for you never know how soon it will be too late." |
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SERVICES
Adoption
Vathsalya's mission statement is reflected in its efforts to help homeless children
find permanent homes, and the love of a family, necessary for their
growth and development. Vathsalya's dedication in this field has been
recognized by the State Department of Woman & Child Welfare and
CARA (Central Adoption Resource Agency), Ministry of Welfare, Govt.
of India, both of which are the licensing agencies for in-country
and inter-country adoption respectively. Over the last 17 years, Vathsalya
has placed over 750 children in loving homes. More than 80 per cent
of our children find homes within the country. Those children, who
cannot find homes within the country for reasons such as skin tone,
age, and medical problems, are placed in international adoption.
Foster Care
Having seen the healthy and beautiful transformation in the children
who are in the temporary care of foster parents, Vathsalya has realized
that institutions should be the last resort for any homeless child.
Since 1990, Vathsalya has been promoting family foster care, which
is best for the emotional and physical development of children. In
fact, more than 70% of our children are in Foster Homes within three
kilometers of the Centre. Foster care has helped our children develop
a distinct identity, coupled with strong socialization and communication
skills. Because most of its children are in foster care, Vathsalya
has been able to ensure better care for other children who live at
the Centre. Since foster care is not popular in India, Vathsalya has
been dedicating its efforts not just at its Centre, but nation-wide.
An initial effort taken was to organize a National Seminar in February
2003 and publishing articles in the media.
Jeevan Karuna
The children at Jeevan Karuna of Vathsalya have a more structured programme. Their
activities include a half day informal school for those below six,
and formal school for the older ones. In the afternoons the teacher
coaches the older children in Math and Science, while the others have
their afternoon siesta. Our committed volunteers spend quality time,
teaching the children different kinds of craft, song and dance. |
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