For thousands in childcare homes, turning 18 is a nightmare. Here's why

Almost half of such young adults fail to find paid work, according to a new study, Beyond 18: Leaving Child Care Institutions - A Study of Aftercare Practices in Five States of India', released in Aug

Bhakti (not her real name) grew up in a childcare home, where she was sent at age four. On turning 18, she was sent to a government-run ‘aftercare’ home, as many young adults are after they turn 18, to help her transition into the “real” world.

The aftercare home arranged her marriage, she said, against her wishes. When the marriage turned abusive, the institution did not help and she took police help to flee her husband’s home. Now 21, Bhakti lives in a working women’s hostel and earns Rs 6,000 per month as an unskilled textile worker. She said she wants