YAR National Seminar Stresses Family-Centric Care for Children at Risk

The Alfa Pastoral Center at Edakochi hosted the YAR National Seminar on October 3-4, 2024, a landmark event that brought together experts, scholars, and stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for vulnerable youth.

Organized as part of Snehabhavan Don Bosco’s 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations, the seminar themed “Empowering Families and Communities towards Care for Children and Young at Risk” featured renowned scholars presenting research papers on community-based care models, early intervention strategies, and policy reforms.

Panel discussions emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. Delegates from across India attended the seminar, representing various child care organizations and institutions.

A major highlight of the seminar was the release of a comprehensive scientific survey, “50 Years of Empowering Young Lives: A Study on the Progression of Snehabhavan Alumni,” conducted by Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery, Vice Provincial of Sacred Heart Bangalore Province.

The survey traced the journey of young people who received quality education at Snehabhavan over the past five decades, highlighting improved educational outcomes, social mobility, family ties, and civic engagement.

Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery noted, “This survey underscores the critical role of family-centric care in shaping the futures of children at risk.”

The YAR National Seminar concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to prioritize family-centric care, community-based models, and collaborative efforts.