Reintegration Program
Through the Reintegration Program, SCAI traces, re-connects and reintegrates children back into their families and communities.
SCAI strongly believes that being with one’s biological family wherever possible is a vitally important factor in a child’s physical, mental and emotional well-being and healthy development. A considerable amount of research has shown that long-term separation of a child from their family can have negative long term psychosocial impact. Not only is a child likely to feel lonely, rejected and have a low self-esteem, but is much more likely to commit crime, have drug and alcohol issues, sexual issues, have greater trouble trusting and developing close relationships or reaching their full potential when they are older.
SCAI has reintegrated over 200 children (87%) in our full-time care back into their families and communities.
How our support helps
SCAI helps the child and family through all stages of the reunification process, at the pace that is most suitable for the child. SCAI strives first to trace the families of the children residing in Sunrise Home if they have lost contact with them, then after conducting an assessment of the family, re-connect them. Depending on the location and situation of the family, this is usually done initially over the phone or face to face at our Sunrise Home so the child continues to feel safe and well supported by familiar carers during what is usually a very exciting time, but one which can also be met with a degree of caution from the child.
Following that, we encourage regular contact, and after establishing their home environment is safe, we usually start by sending them to their homes for visits during school and festival holidays whenever possible. This helps both the child and family re-familiarise themselves with each other and strengthen family bonds. It also helps the child become re-accustomed to their local community and surrounding networks.
When the family confirms they are willing to take the child home and the child is happy to go, and we are satisfied that it is in their best interest, the children return to their families. Not all children have parents to go to, so “family” usually includes older siblings aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or other relatives. In rare cases when a child has no extended family to go to, we aim to find the child a foster family they can bond with.
Many of the children SCAI has supported have not had parents to return to, so it has been very encouraging to see so many older siblings and extended family stepping into the role of primary guardian and providing the children a nurturing family home.
Post reintegration support
To enable a smoother transition, help minimise pressure on the child and family and prevent further separation due to financial constraints of the family, SCAI continues to provide education and other basic support as needed, until they are capable of managing themselves.
Physical support
- School materials including uniforms, shoes, bags, books, stationary, fees, tuition
- Short-term support for basic needs such as medical care, clothing, hygiene kits
- Rent assistance, food and basic household goods
Psychological and social support
- Regular visits to the children’s school or college to discuss each child’s progress with their teachers and to meet with the children.
- Regular visits to the children’s homes to monitor the living conditions, assess their progress and provide counselling and support as needed
- Family counselling to address issues of individual members or family relationships.
- Support for parents and guardians to share their issues, express their views, learn about their child’s development, risks they may face, opportunities they have and provide feedback about the program and their experience.
- Life skills, career guidance and other workshops and training to help equip them for their future.
To see the impact your support makes read Our Children’s Stories and Where Are They Now
Make A Difference Today
Thousands of children in Nepal continue to be separated from their families due to trafficking or being enticed away with the promise of a better life and education. Thousands still live in orphanages despite having families, work as child labourer’s or enter into early marriage.
Help us prevent separation and exploitation of vulnerable children and reunite separated children with their families.
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