Last week Shelter was proud to welcome India’s leading foster care advocate Vasundhra Sharma who was here on a “how-to” mission for her country where foster care was previously unheard of.
Vasundhra, who is an attorney with a Ph.D. in Institutional Care, first heard about the concept of foster care in 2003 and wondered why it was unknown in India with an estimated 30 million orphans. Traditionally children needing care stayed with family members or within their community, but as times have changed, most are now institutionalized.
In 2004, Vasundhra made her first trip to the U.S. to learn more about foster care. Upon her return, she was instrumental in initiating India’s first laws introducing the new concept on behalf of children. She became a member of the International Forster Care Organization (IFCO) and opened her own non-profit Centre of Excellence in New Dehlhi.
“While progress has been made,” said Vasundhra,”it’s the ’how to’ that’s missing.” Shelter staff shared procedures for licensing, critical forms, and other procedural necessitites to get a sound system in place.
“It makes us appreciate in comparison the programs we have in the U.S.,” said Carina Santa Maria, Shelter’s Executive Director who is also a member of IFCO.
Not only will Vashundhra bring back knowledge to India, but to other countries without foster care, such as Turkey, who have asked her to be a consultant. Vashundra’s trip to Shelter was another step in international cooperation that was a step forward for children everywhere.