Importance
The family is the basic unit of society, whose main function is to provide for and care for the needs of its members. The family may include parents, children, and grandparents. However, the family is not always able to meet the needs of all its members on its own.
The interrelationship of family and society
Young children in the family need formal education, all members need health services, and external resources for entertainment and skill development. To fulfill these needs, institutions like schools, hospitals, entertainment centers, and training centers are created in the society. Cooperation of the family and society is necessary to access these services.
Challenges in India
Many families lack financial resources, which prevents them from accessing community services. Some children, youth, and the elderly are separated from their families and struggle to meet their own needs.
Responsibility of government and society
The government runs special programmes and institutions for people in vulnerable situations that address the needs of children, youth, and the elderly. It also collaborates with the private sector and non-governmental organisations.
The need for a holistic approach
It is important to adopt a holistic approach to meet the needs of all, so that maximum and proper utilization of all services can be ensured.
Basic Concepts
We focus more on children, youth, and the elderly because these are 'vulnerable' groups in society. 'Vulnerable' means individuals or groups that are more likely to be affected by adverse circumstances. When the needs of these groups are not met, they become vulnerable.
Why are children sensitive?
Children are extremely vulnerable as childhood is a period of rapid physical, mental, social, and emotional development. Development in one area affects all other areas. Hence, it is very important for children to have a holistic view of proper food, shelter, health care, love, and stimulation.
Children's special sensitivity
Some children live in difficult circumstances where their basic needs such as food, health and care are not met, which can stunt their development and have a lasting impact on their lives.
The situation of children in difficult circumstances
Children living in difficult circumstances require special care and protection. These include abandoned children, street children, abused children, disabled children, drug addicts, and children affected by natural disasters or insurgency.
Juvenile Justice Act, 2000
The Juvenile Justice Act (2000) is the primary framework for children's rights and justice in India. It deals with two types of children: delinquent children and children in need of care and protection. The Act establishes institutions for prevention of juvenile delinquency, rehabilitation, and care and treatment with a child-friendly approach.
Children in need of care and protection
Under the Act, children in need of care and protection include orphans, homeless, victims of abuse or neglect, disabled, sick, those with special needs, victims of sexual exploitation, drug abuse or child labour, and children affected by natural calamities or insurgency.
Institutional Programmes and Initiatives for Children
Several programmes and services have been launched by the Indian government and non-government organisations to address the needs of vulnerable children. These aim to provide children with a healthy, safe, and empowered life.
1. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
It is the world's largest early childhood program, which addresses the health, nutrition, and education needs of children under 6 years of age. Nutrition, health services, non-formal education, immunization, and vitamin A supplements are provided through Anganwadi centers. More than 41 crore children are benefiting from this scheme.
2. S.O.S. Children's Village
The SOS organisation provides family-based care to orphaned and abandoned children, where a 'mother' takes care of 10-15 children in each home. The aim is to raise the children in a stable environment and make them self-reliant. These villages remain connected to the community and contribute to society.
3. Government Children Home
The government has established three types of children care homes:
(a) Observation Home: Children are temporarily kept until their parents are traced.
(b) Special Home: Custodial arrangement for juveniles in conflict with law below the age of 18 years.
(c) Juvenile/Children Homes: Children whose parents are untraceable or who do not return to their families.
Services like home, education, and vocational training are provided here. These homes are run in collaboration with the government and non-government organizations.
4. Adoption (adoption)
Adoption is an age-old tradition in India, but it is now legalized. The Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) lays down guidelines for the adoption process and ensures the rights and welfare of children. Government and non-government organizations facilitate the process.
Why are youth vulnerable?
- Youth are people aged 13-35 years. They can be divided into two subgroups:
- Adolescents (13-19 years)
- Young adults (20-35 years)
As of 2016, 40% of India's population consisted of youth. The progress of the country depends on how the youth are involved in the growth and development of the nation.
Puberty: A sensitive period
Adolescence brings physical and mental changes that affect health and self-esteem. It is a time of preparation for livelihood, marriage, and family life. Peer pressure and competition can increase stress, which sometimes leads to addiction. Problems and lack of information related to sexual and reproductive health are also a major challenge.
Particularly vulnerable youth groups
- Rural and Tribal Youth
- young people who have left school
- Adolescents, especially teenage girls
- Young people with physical or mental disabilities
- Orphans and street children
The needs of youth
Education and skill development, gainful employment, clean environment, health services, and protection from exploitation are essential for every child. They should have the opportunity to participate in social, cultural, and economic activities and to take part in sports, physical education, and adventure activities.
Programs for youth in India
In India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports runs several programs and schemes to encourage and develop youth. Their aim is to empower youth to contribute to social, economic and national development.
1. National Service Scheme (NSS)
It aims to involve students in social service and national development. The activities include road construction, environmental protection, tree plantation, health and cleanliness drives, and vocational training like sewing and knitting. This helps the weaker sections of the society and contributes to relief work.
2. Nehru Yuvak Kendra
Its objective is to empower rural youth and promote national integration, secularism, and self-reliance. It includes activities such as setting up youth clubs, vocational and leadership training, rural sports and cultural programs, increasing literacy and developing skills.
3. Adventure Activities
Activities such as mountaineering, trekking, sailing, swimming, and cycling aim to develop courage, teamwork, endurance, and risk-taking ability among the youth. The government and voluntary organizations provide financial assistance for these activities.
4. Scouts and Guides
Its objective is to develop a sense of loyalty, patriotism, and social service among children and adolescents and to promote physical and mental development. For this, training, rallies, and jamborees are organized.
5. Commonwealth Youth Programme
It aims to provide a platform for youth to participate in the development process and to enhance cooperation and understanding among Commonwealth countries. It includes the Asia Pacific Regional Centre, Chandigarh.
6. Promotion of national unity
Its objective is to connect the youth with the historical and cultural heritage of the country and to promote cultural exchange between the states. For this, camps, seminars, and cultural programs are organized.
Why are the elderly vulnerable?
Senior citizens are people who are 60 years of age or older. In India, the population of this category is increasing rapidly. Life expectancy which was only 29 years in 1947 has now increased to 63 years. The number of elderly people in India is second only to China.
status of old people in india
Nearly 80% of the elderly live in rural areas, making it challenging to provide services. The proportion of elderly women is 51%, and the number of people over the age of 80 is increasing. In addition, about 30% of the elderly live below the poverty line.
challenges faced by the elderly
The elderly face health problems such as weakened physical strength, immunity, vision and hearing problems, arthritis, and disability. Emotionally, they struggle with loneliness, isolation, and a feeling of being a burden on others. Small and nuclear families lack the time and resources to care for them. Also, many elderly are financially dependent on their children for livelihood.
Positive characteristics of the elderly
Many elderly people over the age of 60 still work, especially where retirement age is not fixed. They are respected in many families and their opinions are valued. Their experience and knowledge can be used as valuable human resources.
Government initiatives
The National Policy of 1999 was formulated to ensure healthy and meaningful lives for the elderly. It provides schemes and programmes to meet their economic, health, and social needs.
Some programs for the elderly
In India, the government, non-governmental organizations, and local institutions are running many programs to care for the elderly and improve their lives. Their aim is to provide assistance to the elderly according to their needs.
Key programs and services
The basic needs of the elderly, such as food, shelter, and health services, need to be met, especially for abandoned elderly. Programmes are run to improve their relationship with children and youth. They are encouraged to lead active and productive lives. Services such as old age homes, day-care centres, and support centres are made available. Also, awareness and research on their needs and problems are encouraged.
Special services and features
Old age homes provide food, shelter, and care for the elderly, and rest homes for those with serious illnesses are available. Multi-service centers provide day care, education, recreation, and health services. Mobile medical units deliver medical services to rural areas. Day care centers provide specialized care for Alzheimer's patients. Physiotherapy, mental health services, and assistive devices such as hearing aids are provided. Programmes are also organized to train caregivers and to make children aware of the problems of the elderly.
National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS)
The objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to destitute elderly people. Its benefits are available to those persons above 65 years of age who do not have any source of income. State governments can also provide additional assistance in this.
Preparing for a living
If you want to work for children, youth, or the elderly, you can become a manager or in-charge in an organization or start your own organization. This requires extensive knowledge and skills.
