Chennai, April 2, 2025: The Government of Tamil Nadu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SOS Children’s Villages India to implement a Foster Care Programme, a non-institutional care initiative for children in need of protection. The agreement was signed between Thiru. Johny Tom Varghese, I.A.S., Director, Department of Child Welfare & Special Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Mr. Sumanta Kumar Kar, CEO, SOS Children’s Villages India.
The Foster Care Programme aims to provide children with a safe, loving, and nurturing environment through a certified foster family model. The initiative ensures that children who cannot live with their biological families receive holistic care, helping them grow in a secure family setting.
Mr. Sumanta Kumar Kar emphasized the importance of family-based care, stating, “Every child deserves a loving home. This partnership is a major step in promoting non-institutional care programs. By focusing on foster care, we are not only giving children a home but also ensuring they grow up with emotional and social support. We are proud to work with the Government of Tamil Nadu on this transformative initiative.”
Programme Rollout and Implementation
In the first phase, the programme will be launched in six districts of Tamil Nadu—Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai—providing holistic development for 60 children and empowering their foster caregivers. The initiative will focus on training caregivers, structured mentorship, and compliance with child protection guidelines under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
As part of the partnership, SOS Children’s Villages India will provide technical expertise, training, and mentoring support, while the Government of Tamil Nadu will oversee implementation through District Child Protection Units (DCPUs). This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to ensuring long-term rehabilitation and development for vulnerable children.
Thiru. Johny Tom Varghese, I.A.S., reaffirmed the government’s dedication to child welfare, saying, “Every child, regardless of age, gender, or background, deserves equal opportunities. Childhood is a crucial stage of development, and Tamil Nadu is committed to providing children with a safe, nurturing environment free from violence and discrimination. This partnership will create sustainable solutions that protect children’s rights and ensure they grow up in a secure home.”
With this initiative, SOS Children’s Villages India continues to expand its efforts in community-based childcare, aligning with national and global best practices in child welfare.
