Protecting Children in Crisis

In August 2017, a family in the community lost their mother to suicide. The father, struggling with severe alcohol dependence, had no income and was unable to care for the five children left behind.

SNEH Foundation’s community workers were alerted to the situation and immediately worked with the Child Welfare Committee to assess the family’s condition. The three youngest children — Soham (3 years), Jamuna (7 years), and Renuka (12 years) — were placed in Maher, a rehabilitation institute providing a safe environment with education, nutrition, and care.

The two older children were kept under close monitoring by SNEH’s team, with regular visits and counselling support to prevent further deterioration.

The Mhetre family’s case reflects the importance of rapid community response and institutional networks in protecting children from the ripple effects of family crisis.