Delhi GovernmentAftercare SchemeChild Care InstitutionsJuvenile Justice ActWomen and Child Development Department
Delhi Government Approves Rs 3.5 Crore Aftercare Scheme for Youths Leaving Care Homes
Published: May 10, 2026
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The Delhi government on Sunday approved a Rs 3.5-crore aftercare scheme for youths leaving child care institutions after turning 18, offering support for higher education, skill training, jobs, and financial assistance to help them transition to independent living. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was not present, however, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the scheme during a visit to the Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar on the occasion of Mother's Day.
The scheme, called the 'Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons', has been approved under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, with the government allocating Rs 3.5 crore for its implementation in the 2026-27 financial year.
According to the government, nearly 150-200 young people leave child care institutions in Delhi every year after turning 18, struggling with continuing education, finding jobs, arranging accommodation, and managing finances after institutional support ends.
The scheme includes support for higher education, college studies, vocational courses, and skill development programs, as well as a monthly stipend, counselling, mentoring, rehabilitation support, and assistance required for independent living.
The Delhi government said a State Aftercare Committee headed by the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department will oversee policy-making, monitoring, and supervision of the scheme, with District-level committees headed by District Magistrates assessing rehabilitation needs and recommending support for beneficiaries.
The court or government has not announced any immediate next steps, however, the scheme is set to be implemented in the 2026-27 financial year, with officials saying beneficiaries will be identified through need-based assessments and individual care plans will be prepared for each eligible youth.