On June 2, 2025, the Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of the challenges faced by children transitioning out of institutional care, following a letter from residents of Balika Grah, Alwar, highlighting severe hardships due to the non-receipt of government grants.

Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand emphasized the vulnerability of “care leavers”—youths exiting child care institutions (CCIs) upon turning 18—who often lack stable identities, permanent addresses, or support systems. The Court noted that, despite comprising only 1% of the population, care leavers are 25% more likely to engage in criminal activities compared to the general populace.

The Court highlighted that, under Section 41(1) of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, CCIs are entitled to receive grants for each resident child. However, due to poor coordination between central and state authorities, these funds were not disbursed, exacerbating the challenges faced by care leavers.

In response, the Court directed the District Collector of Alwar and the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority to inspect Balika Grah, record statements from residents and staff, and investigate the reasons behind the halted grants. They were also instructed to ensure that no child is deprived of basic necessities due to administrative lapses.

This development underscores the urgent need for effective implementation of existing laws and policies to support care leavers in their transition to independent living.

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