Since 2016, TARA has conducted an annual impact assessment to measure how children and families progress through our programmes and over time. These assessments guide our decisions, strengthen our practices and ensure accountability to the children we serve.
In accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act, the names and identifying details of children have been changed to protect their identity.
Impact assessment 2024–2025
Our latest impact study highlights measurable progress in education, protection, health and family stability among children supported through residential care, community outreach and aftercare.
Key findings
TARA’s impact assessments combine educational outcomes, psychosocial monitoring, health indicators and family-strengthening progress. The results confirm that long-term, individualised support significantly improves children’s well-being and stability.
- Improved school retention and academic progression.
- Better health and nutrition outcomes through regular medical follow-up.
- Strengthened family environments through counselling and home visits.
- Reduced exposure to abuse, neglect and exploitation.
- Increased autonomy and employability among young adults leaving care.
Stories of change
Beyond numbers, the impact of TARA is reflected in the individual journeys of the children and young adults we support.
Faisal and Shabana
After a four-month intervention involving legal action and coordination with authorities, the siblings were rescued and returned to school, slowly rebuilding their confidence.
Anisha
Found alone on the streets at three years old, severely malnourished. With TARA’s care she regained health, learned Hindi and English, and developed emotional stability.
Sonarika
A survivor of human trafficking. With academic support and personalised mentoring, her English performance improved significantly and her self-confidence grew.
Aman
Arrived at age four with pneumonia and severe neglect. Today, he is recognised at school for his generosity and is an active member of his football team.
Life after TARA — independent young adults
Growing up in TARA’s homes is only the beginning. As young adults, former beneficiaries continue their journey towards independence — pursuing studies, employment and personal goals. We asked one of our TARA Boys, Shyamu, to interview them. Here are their stories:
Rakesh benefited from TARA’s residential care programme until 2017. Today he works as a sports advisor in a major retail store, guiding customers and developing strong communication and customer-service skills.
His aspiration
Rakesh dreams of building a safe and stable home for his entire family.
His core value
Integrity — for him, it builds trust, credibility and meaningful connections with others.
Vinay joined TARA in 2012 after a childhood marked by cerebral palsy and cardiac issues. Through adapted activities and emotional support, he rebuilt confidence. In 2016, TARA facilitated a critical heart surgery.
His aspiration
Vinay dreams of living independently and one day working in the public sector.
His core value
Kindness and care for others — helping people and spreading positivity.
Sunil joined TARA in 2008 at the age of 12. He now works as a maintenance supervisor, overseeing property maintenance and coordinating teams while balancing ongoing studies.
His aspiration
Building a secure home and pursuing a career in public service.
His core value
Trust — “Trust takes years to build and seconds to break.”
Javed joined TARA in 2009. After earning a degree in Tourism & Hospitality, he returned as a social worker and teacher at the Outreach Centre, drawing on his own life experience.
His aspiration
Continuing his work in the social sector while exploring a Himalayan programme with TARA Boys.
His core value
Education — the value he considers most transformative.
Jaan grew up in TARA until 2015. Today he is an office administrator in Delhi, managing invoices and day-to-day organisation, saving towards a Master’s degree in Human Resources.
His aspiration
Exploring new opportunities and building a stable future for his family.
His core value
Courage — “Rising after every setback and continuing to move forward with dignity.”
Research and learning initiatives
TARA also develops research and participatory projects to better understand the experiences of children who have faced violence, displacement or life on the streets. These initiatives help inform our programmes and contribute to broader conversations on child protection in India.
Be part of the change
Every child supported by TARA represents a long-term commitment to protection, education and empowerment. With the support of sponsors, partners and volunteers, we continue to help children grow into confident, independent adults.