Providing Night Shelter for Homeless Children in India: Challenges and Considerations
India, a country known for its vast cultural and social diversity, is also grappling with the issue of homeless children sleeping on footpaths. The idea of providing night shelter to these children is commendable but comes with its own set of challenges and risks. This article aims to address these concerns and provide guidance for individuals and organizations considering taking on this initiative.
The Reality of Homeless Children in India
The homeless children in India face a multitude of challenges that prevent them from leading a dignified life. Many of them are devoid of formal education and civility in manners. To survive, they resort to various menial jobs such as rag picking, begging, and sometimes are involved in illegal activities such as stealing, smuggling, drug trafficking, petty crimes, prostitution, child trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, chain snatching, being henchmen, and forced begging.
Due to the adversities they face, many of these children turn to drugs to cope with hunger and deprivation. This dependency can lead to a cycle of addiction, further complicating their lives and making it difficult for them to break the cycle of poverty and violence.
Legal and Safety Concerns
One of the primary concerns when considering providing shelter to homeless children is the potential backlash from the authorities and the public. These children, despite their plight, are often reclaimed by the police or recognized as wanted by various authorities. When people, whether they are police or other authorities, come to retrieve these children, they might end up at your doorstep, leading to a series of problems.
These children, having a place to stay, might request food and money for their addictions. If not fulfilled, they may resort to theft, damaging your property, or even harming you or your family members. The situation can escalate to dangerous levels if a dispute arises among the children, leading to violence or sexual abuse, such as a juvenile raping a child or an underage girl while in your shelter.
Considering the inefficiencies and potential biases of law enforcement and other authorities in India, the consequences of such an interaction can be dire for both the children and their potential benefactors.
The Importance of Legal Compliance
Given the potential risks and legal implications, it is crucial to understand that setting up a shelter for homeless children legally is a complex process. There is no random or haphazard way to do this. There is a license and a process that must be followed strictly. This involves obtaining the necessary permissions, adhering to health and safety standards, and ensuring the well-being of the children under your care. Ignoring these processes can lead to legal repercussions and further complicate the situation.
Therefore, unless one is fully equipped to deal with the myriad of challenges that come with sheltering street children, it is strongly recommended to refrain from attempting such initiatives. Instead, one can support existing child welfare organizations and legal shelters that have the expertise and infrastructure to handle these situations.
Conclusion
Providing night shelter to homeless children in India is a noble cause but requires careful consideration of the legal and practical challenges involved. While the intention is laudable, it is essential to proceed with caution and adhere to the necessary legal framework. Supporting licensed and well-established organizations dealing with child welfare is a more sustainable and responsible approach.