In February 2020, Seema* (name changed to protect the identity of the child) went missing from her home in Mumbai. Her parents filed a ‘Missing Complaint’ at the local Police station. 11 days later Seema was traced and was living at a friend’s house. During her conversation with the Police, she said she did not want to return to her family after which the Police presented her to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). When presented to the CWC she once again shared that she didn’t want to go back to her family, she was subsequently placed at a Children’s Home (CH) in Mumbai on the 12^th of March 2020. 

At the CH, Seema seemed well adjusted. During her individual sessions with the social worker and counselor, she shared that she left her house because of a fight with a father where he slapped her. The social worker and counselor continued to conduct individual sessions with her and in a few days, she agreed to meet with her family. Through this meeting, Seema was able to reconcile with her family and shared that she would like to be restored to them. Seema would also be turning 18 on 23^rd March 2020 so the social worker began discussing her discharge with the CWC.

During this time the ‘Janta Curfew’ was announced for the 22^nd of March by the Government of India after which it subsequently announced its Nation-wide lockdown starting from the 25^th of March. Seema had been looking forward to being reunited with her family, but the CWC was firm that no discharges/ restorations would happen during the lockdown period. Her parents also requested that she be restored but the CWC was firm on their decision. They were clear that she (nor any other child) wouldn’t be discharged/ restored till the end of the lockdown.

During a conversation with Seema, post the CWCs decision, she shared, “I didn’t know I would be punished like this for leaving my home. I have no complaints towards this place (referring to the CH she is currently residing at). But didi all I want is to be with my family. I am not used to life at a Children’s Home. I want to be with people I know. Is this too much to ask? I am an adult now and this is a Home for children. How can anyone force me to stay here against my wish?” Seema was hurt and angry, she felt helpless as she added, “The CWC said I was lucky as I am getting everything in this Home during the lockdown. It’s true, but I also want to be in my own home, with my family. I understand everyone wants to protect me from Coronavirus, but the area my parents live in hasn’t had a single case. So then why can’t I go home?”

By the end of April Seema had accepted and reconciled with the fact that she would not be sent back to her family till the lockdown was completely lifted. Post the announcement of lockdown 3.0, Seema during her individual meeting shared, “The government has declared another lockdown, the CWC told me that I might only be discharged in June, but they weren’t sure of that either. I enjoy myself here, we have a lot of activities happening and are busy throughout the day. The other day I told the didi I wanted to listen to English music. She asked me to make a list of the songs I wanted to listen to. I did and gave her the list, they now play those songs too. I like it here, but I miss my family. I thought I would at least get to spend Mother’s Day with Maa but I can’t. I won’t even get to see her. I’ll be spending Mother’s Day with the didi’s here at this Home, not my own.”

“Didi, once I’m out of here, I will tell all the girls I know that they should never leave the house in a fit of anger, I will also tell parent’s not to push their children and force them to take such drastic steps like leaving the house.”

Seema continues to look forward to the day she will be reunited with her family. Much like Seema, there are a number of children living in various Children’s Homes who are waiting to be discharged/ restored to their families or even just to meet their mothers to celebrate Mother’s Day. While a CH may be a safe space for the children at a time like this, are we really keeping in mind their best interests?