Mumbai, India: Vulnerable families across India, whose primary earners are often daily wage workers, have been able to stabilise and steadily increase their monthly incomes through SOS Children’s Villages India’s Family Strengthening Programme (FSP). Families associated with the programme for five years have successfully increased their incomes by up to 322%.
The Family Strengthening Programme is currently operational in 28 locations across 22 states, reaching rural and urban areas alike. Since its launch in 2003, the programme has supported families across the country, positively impacting children and caregivers.
A flagship initiative of the organisation, FSP takes a preventive approach to ensure children grow up with their families of origin rather than in institutional care. The programme works by empowering women caregivers, promoting economic independence, resilience and building an ecosystem of support around vulnerable families.
Said Mr. Sumanta Kar, CEO, SOS Children’s Villages India “Women supported by our Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) have shown remarkable confidence and independence, significantly contributing to household income and decision-making. Strengthened Self Help Groups now maintain a corpus of INR 5–7 lakhs, and every family has access to banking. School enrolment is universal among supported children, with zero dropouts, and families now manage their children’s education and nutrition independently. Regular health check-ups, health camps, and ration support are part of our holistic intervention. Bal Panchayats further nurture leadership among children, encouraging their active participation in awareness and community development activities.”
He added, “In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, SOS India believes the family is the fundamental unit of society and the best environment for the growth and well-being of all members, especially children. We support urban and rural families at risk of breakdown due to socio-economic challenges, enabling them to raise their children in safe, nurturing homes. Our holistic model includes income generation, education, youth employability, healthcare, and access to government schemes. In 2024 alone, we reached 72,616 individuals, including 32,924 children and young people.”