Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons: Support for youth exiting childcare institutions

Key facts

• Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons at Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar to assist youth leaving childcare institutions and orphanages after turning 18.
• Eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance for higher education, skill development, vocational training, mentoring, counselling, career guidance, rehabilitation support, independent living assistance, emergency support, internships, employment opportunities at government institutions, financial support, and a monthly stipend.
• The Delhi government approved the scheme under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• The scheme will be overseen by a state aftercare committee, headed by the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and district aftercare committees, headed by respective District Magistrates.
• Delhi currently has 88 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and two aftercare homes, one for boys and one for girls, to support the transition of young adults toward independent living.