CARE LEAVERS

Care Leavers are those youth who have spent their at least or more years growing up in foster care or other out of home-care-settings and have now transitioned to independent living as an adult. After turning 18 they are legally considered as adult expecting to leave care and forcefully integrate in a society to live independently alone. This sudden integration process leads to overwhelming social responsibility multiple challenges and issues for the care leavers. The most prominent problem they face is financial instability or strain. For most, they lack financial support to cover basic living expenses, education costs, or unexpected emergencies, increasing their vulnerability. They often find it hard to deal with social exclusion, which can lead to emotional and mental health problems. Additionally, because of their social complexity, care leavers are more vulnerable to exploitation, sometimes resulting in involvement in illegal activities forcefully.

ACYS

Alternative Care Youth Society (ACYS) a peer support network, with invaluable support from SOS Children’s Village Nepal, was established to address challenges faced by care leavers. This organization represents care leavers from more than 12 different caregiving organizations. Our organization prioritizes care leavers and encourages preventive approaches for their well-being. This organization focuses and encourages underprivileged individuals and those with disabilities to navigate smooth reintegration in an assertive society. Our aim is to advocate and lobby with the state and non-state agencies to support care leavers and facilitate civic-space opportunities to create an inclusive and equitable society by adding efforts for everyone’s benefit. We are developing a unique tech-based platform to assist care leavers with mental health, career guidance, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and accessibility for people with disabilities through national-wise peer network.