The Government of Andhra Pradesh has taken the initiative to set up 32 child care institutions (CCI) designated for children whose parents or guardians have either contracted the coronavirus and need medical assistance or have lost their lives to Covid-19.
Andhra Pradesh is the first state to set up institutions of this nature, even though the number of children facing this plight in the state currently is significantly low. However, assessing that this issue might come up in the future, as a lot of parents are testing positive for Covid-19, the state government has decided to take proactive steps to ensure that no child is abandoned in the future and receives proper care and attention.
The CCIs will provide food, shelter and education to the children. For assistance, two helpline numbers, 181 and 1098, have been set up.
Krithika Batra, Director of Women Development, Child Welfare and Zonal Development, stated, “Any child or guardian in need of this assistance can contact these helpline numbers, post which the district-level teams will be sent to the residence of the child and transport the child to the nearest child care institution. Based on the preference of the child, they will be handed over to the kinship care of a suitable guardian, or the child will be moved to the adoption framework. 32 child care institutions with all facilities and a dedicated team are ready to ensure that these children in need of care and protection are given support by the government.”
Recently, three siblings were rescued by a district team, after their parents tested positive for Covid-19. While their father is receiving treatment at a government hospital in Anantapur, their mother is currently taking medication for her symptoms. Their mother had hoped to send her children to their relatives in Hindupur, but had failed as the relatives were reluctant to take them. The district team placed the three children at a CCI, where they were checked upon by the DCPO, Childline District Coordinator, personally.