TARA Family Intervention: a new programme to protect vulnerable children in Delhi

In Delhi, thousands of children live in neglect or unsafe environments without access to institutional protection. Through the TARA Family Intervention programme, our NGO works directly with families to prevent risk and protect children where they live.

According to official data from the Mission Vatsalya programme released in late 2024, an estimated 60,000 children in Delhi live on the streets or in conditions of severe neglect, yet only 1,216 were placed in protective institutions in 2023–24. In other words, barely 2% of vulnerable children receive institutional care.

Most remain within their families due to a lack of resources, awareness, and available spaces in child protection institutions.

This reality led TARA to launch the TARA Family Intervention (TFI) programme.

Protecting children within their families

TFI offers an alternative to institutional placement by working directly with vulnerable families. Interventions are defined together with child protection authorities to address specific risks.

The programme focuses on:

• parenting support
• child safety and protection
• hygiene and health
• household economic stability
• access to education

This approach is similar to community-based child protection measures used in Europe, where children are supported within their family environment while ensuring their safety.

Specialised social support and long-term follow-up

The programme is implemented by specialised social workers in close coordination with Child Welfare Committees and District Child Protection Officers.

This enables:

• rapid response to situations of risk
• long-term family support
• continuous monitoring of children’s safety and development

A committed team on the ground

The TFI programme relies on a dedicated multidisciplinary team:

• Komuha Jajuo, Head of Family Programmes
• Anju Kurian, Case Worker
• Ranjeet Maurya, Field Worker
• Pranav Choudhary, Psychosocial Counsellor

They conduct home visits, support families, and ensure individual follow-up for each child.

First tangible results

TFI is already making a difference.

An eleven-year-old child who had experienced child labour and had no identity documents obtained a birth certificate and enrolled in school.
Another child, out of school for a year after a family tragedy, returned to education thanks to support from their mother and the TFI team.
Three girls who had experienced abuse received protection and psychosocial support while their families were guided and strengthened.

Kashish’s story

Kashish, a long-time beneficiary of TARA’s residential programmes, recently reached adulthood and moved in with her grandmother.

She continues her education from home in stable conditions, supported by the TFI team, which ensures a safe transition and ongoing well-being.

Protecting more children in India

Through TARA Family Intervention, the goal is clear: protect and educate as many vulnerable children as possible by supporting families directly and preventing situations of danger.

This programme complements TARA’s residential homes and strengthens its child protection model in Delhi.

Support child protection in Delhi

Our work with vulnerable children and families is only possible thanks to sponsors, donors and partners.