Mumbai, Jan 31 : The Ahvaan: A Call to Action National Conference on Aftercare Services, organized by Catalysts for Social Action (CSA), A Future for Every Child (AFEC), and UNICEF, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from across the country. The aim was to foster collaboration to bridge the existing aftercare gap and ensure that care leavers receive the support they need for a successful transition to adulthood.

The conference, which saw over 130 participants including 6 government representatives from 13 states, highlighted the importance of aftercare services for young people aging out of institutional care at 18. These services, which provide resources such as education, vocational training, mentorship, housing, and life skills training, are crucial for ensuring that care leavers don’t face challenges like poverty, unemployment, and homelessness.

This event marked a historic collaboration between four key NGOs—CSA, AFEC, Udayan Care, and Sevalaya—working towards a unified approach to aftercare. CSA’s Aftercare Program, one of the largest in India, serves over 2,500 care leavers across five states and more than 60 districts. This program has proven to be effective and scalable, with valuable insights gained from years of experience on the ground.

Key speakers, including UNICEF representatives, emphasized the importance of policy frameworks, partnerships, and creating a supportive ecosystem for care leavers. Through panels on challenges faced by care leavers, effective collaboration, and scaling aftercare services nationwide, the conference aimed to spark collective action to ensure every care leaver receives the resources they deserve.

This conference is a crucial step toward creating a comprehensive aftercare system, where no young adult is left behind, ensuring they have the opportunities to thrive independently.