Delhi to implement Aftercare Scheme for young persons leaving child care institutions

The Chief Minister visited the Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar, interacted with children living there, and underscored that the government's responsibility extends beyond shelter to ensure ongoing guidance, education, and rehabilitation support.

Delhi currently operates 88 Child Care Institutions and has two aftercare homes (one for boys and one for girls). Approximately 150 to 200 youths leave CCIs each year after turning 18, highlighting the need for ongoing support as they transition to independent living.

Beneficiaries will be identified through need-based assessments with individual care plans. Provisions include education support, skill development, rehabilitation, mentoring, counselling, career guidance, financial support, and a monthly stipend; emergency and case-specific support and internship/employment connections are included.

The government will establish a State Aftercare Committee headed by the secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and District Aftercare Committees headed by district magistrates to oversee policy-making, monitoring, and supervision of the scheme.

On Mother's Day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the launch of the Aftercare Scheme under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, to rehabilitate and support children leaving institutional care after attaining 18 years. The scheme aims to provide continued support, guidance and opportunities, including higher education assistance, skill development and internships with a monthly stipend.

Delhi's budget for 2026-27, tabled in the Legislative Assembly in March 2026, included an allocation of ₹3.5 crore for the Aftercare Scheme to support children leaving institutional care after turning 18.