Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA)

The organisation takes a firm stand against the plight of numerous children lacking familial care, advocating for Family Based Care as the antidote. Research evidence favours nurturing within a family, in contrast to the bad effects associated with residential care. Addressing this, the organisation champions families as the solution, supporting those at risk of separation through economic empowerment and parenting guidance. It explores diverse family-based care options like Foster and Kinship Care, tailoring interventions to each child's best interest. Collaborating with residential care staff enhances parent-child reintegration strategies, employs preventive "gatekeeping" measures, and delivers crucial family and community services, working towards curbing the long-term societal costs arising from inadequate care.

Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) is committed to Family Strengthening & Gatekeeping, collaborating with vulnerable families to prevent unnecessary separation of children. Through Family Strengthening Programmes, YCDA supports families economically, enhances parenting skills, and facilitates access to social security schemes. Gatekeeping strategies redirect children away from entering alternative care needlessly, effectively reducing entries into Child Care Institutions. This involves evaluating reunification possibilities and determining the most suitable alternative care if needed. YCDA operates at both family and administrative levels, providing essential services for children's well-being while influencing placements, aligned with the authority of Child Welfare Committees in deciding child placements within the Indian context.

YCDA is deeply committed to Education, focusing on Early Education and Primary Education. Collaborating with Save The Children, YCDA enhances early learning experiences in Anganwadis and schools, striving to create effective Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) models that prepare children, families, schools, and the education system. Simultaneously, YCDA supports Government initiatives for Primary Education, aiming for universal enrollment and retention. The organisation tackles challenges like child-friendly teaching approaches, education quality, and school functionality. Through collaborations with School Management Committees and community groups, including Self Help Groups, YCDA strengthens the formal education system. In partnership with Edukans Foundation, YCDA's STAR School project targets specific schools to elevate them as centres of excellence through assessments, focused improvements, teacher training, and community engagement.

YCDA collaborates with APPI and Edukans Foundation to extend their programme in Bolangir, Boudh, and Khordha districts. Addressing the 20.9% adolescent population (aged 10-19), YCDA aims to equip them with essential life skills and sexual education. This phase of life involves significant physical and psychological changes, making it imperative to provide relevant information and skills. Studies underline the likelihood of risky behaviours during adolescence impacting short and long-term health. YCDA's intervention, spanning schools and communities, fosters a positive perception of sexuality, imparts sexual and reproductive health knowledge, cultivates decision-making skills, and introduces features like Adolescent Clubs (UDAAN), Menstrual Hygiene Practices, Peer Modules, and SRHR/CSE training via the Adolescent Resource Centre.

YCDA engages in Child Protection efforts to safeguard children from potential harm and risks to their well-being, focusing on reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring necessary care. Its work aims to prevent children from falling through social safety nets, providing vital support to reintegrate those who do. While protection is every child's right, some are more susceptible to harm and necessitate special attention. Neglecting child protection issues in India, which houses 19% of global children, results in violating their rights and increasing vulnerability to abuse. Despite laws and policies for child protection, a lack of commitment hinders effective implementation, leaving many children deprived and exploited. YCDA collaborates with bodies like Child Welfare Committees and service units to provide immediate aid and lasting solutions, involving children's groups and committees for fulfilling children's rights.