i-India operates two Temporary Homes (Open Shelters) — one for 25 boys, one for 25 girls. These are the first stop for homeless children rescued from the street, providing care until they are reunited with their families or move to a permanent home.
2
Open shelters running
211
Boys sheltered in 2015–16
50
Girls sheltered in 2015–16
160
Child labourers cared for
The two shelters
One for Boys, One for Girls
Boys Open Shelter
Capacity for 25 boys. Operates in conjunction with Child Inn, i-India’s permanent home for boys. Receives child labourers, street boys and runaways.
Capacity for 25 girls. Operates in conjunction with Ganga, i-India’s permanent home for girls. Caters to vulnerable girls including beggars and working children.
Children are brought in through Child Line (1098) or outreach staff at railway stations and street points.
Step 2
First stop — Temporary Home
Children stay here while we work to reunite them with family, or while they stabilise during difficult times. They learn personal hygiene and stop damaging habits such as drug use.
Step 3
Family reunification or permanent home
When possible, the child is repatriated to their family. If not, after a few months they move to Child Inn or Ganga for permanent shelter.
If full
Referred to partner organisations
Should both temporary and permanent homes be completely full, the child is referred to shelter homes run by other organisations.
Why separate temporary homes?
The Benefits of Open Shelters
The rapid turnover of temporary residents no longer unsettles the lives of permanent residents
Children can be socialised, learn personal hygiene and stop damaging habits such as drug use before moving to a permanent home
More children are given a home — capacity is expanded beyond permanent homes alone
A bridge is created between the street and other children’s organisations who may have spare capacity in their homes
This project is implemented under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development of the Government of India, and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of Rajasthan.
