Transforming Lives through Foster Care in India
In 2016, LWB decided to expand our successful family-based care model to India. We knew that implementing foster care there would be challenging due to cultural and administrative difficulties. Despite the government passing national laws to promote foster care, most Indian families and officials still see orphanages as the default solution for children without parental care.
It took us three full years to find a locally-run organization that fit with LWB’s child-centered model for foster care. In 2019, we connected with YCDA (Youth Council for Development Alternatives), who are located in rural Odisha, one of the poorest states in India. For the last six years, we have worked together to help orphaned and vulnerable children grow up in families, not institutions.
Recently, our local team member, Rini, spent time with the children in our foster care program, asking them simple questions about their daily lives, dreams, and favorite things. Their answers, some quite touching, reveal how much a nurturing foster home can mean to a child who once faced uncertainty.
In this story, we’re sharing some of the children’s responses along with a closer look at how foster care in India is helping children in Odisha grow up surrounded by compassion and hope.
Annalisa: Finding Joy in Simple Moments
Question: What is the nicest thing about the rainy season?
“Hearing the ‘tip tap’ of rain while sharing warm snacks with friends.“
Annalisa, age 9, is a bright and affectionate girl who continues to flourish in her foster home in Odisha. She shares a close and loving relationship with her foster parents and siblings, participating happily in daily routines and household activities. Annalisa is healthy and has a good appetite, enjoying her daily meals of rice, lentils, and vegetables along with the occasional favorite snack or cookie.
At school, Annalisa approaches learning with curiosity and enthusiasm, often helping classmates and participating actively in lessons. Her teachers have noticed her growing confidence and dedication. Annalisa is also creative, finding joy in drawing, coloring, and singing. She continues to open up emotionally with her foster family, expressing her thoughts and feelings more freely.
Surrounded by warmth and encouragement, Annalisa is growing in confidence and self-assurance.
Kian: A Bright Smile and Determined Spirit
Question: What is the best gift you have received?
“The applause and congratulations from everyone after winning the long jump competition at school.“
Way to go, Kian! At 12 years old, Kian is a bright and cheerful boy whose smile and positive attitude make him a joy to be around. He is doing very well in Class 7, showing enthusiasm and discipline in his studies. Kian completes his assignments carefully and on time, and his recent win in the school long jump event filled him with pride and confidence.
At home, Kian shares a warm and loving relationship with his foster family, helping with small chores and following their instructions. He enjoys meals like roti and chana masala and can never resist a cookie or ice cream cone as a treat.
Outside of school, Kian enjoys spending time with friends, laughing, playing games, and dancing. He has a fun-loving and cheerful personality, yet he is also thoughtful and reflective. Each morning, he begins his day with a prayer, to help him focus and motivate him for the day ahead.
Supported by his foster family and teachers, Kian continues to develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Paislee: A Heart Full of Music and Imagination
Question: What cheers you up when you are feeling down?
“Spending time with my foster family brings me comfort and smiles.”
Paislee, age 14, is a bright and expressive girl whose friendly nature lights up her home and school. She is excelling in Class 10, balancing her studies with her love for singing and dancing.
Paislee has earned several prizes for her performances, filling her with pride and increased confidence. At home, she shares a close and affectionate bond with her foster family, valuing their encouragement and support.
Paislee has a rich imagination. She dreams of worlds where books can talk and biscuits beg for mercy (before she devours them with a giggle), and she wishes her smile could turn every sad face into a happy one.
These reflections show her playful personality. Surrounded by love and gentle guidance, Paislee is growing into a confident and compassionate young girl.
Weston: Waking Up to Love Each Day
Question: What is the best way to start the day?
“Waking up to my foster mom’s voice.”
Eight-year-old Weston is a sweet and affectionate boy whose shy but cheerful nature endears him to everyone around him. He is making steady progress at school in Class 2, showing improvement in reading and basic arithmetic. At school, he especially enjoys storytelling, songs, and group lessons.
At home, Weston shares a warm and loving bond with his foster family. He enjoys a balanced diet of rice, lentils, and vegetables, and he is growing stronger (and taller!) every day.
Weston loves playing outdoors, running, dancing, and spending time with his friends. He treasures the moments of love from his foster family and finds joy in simple pleasures — playing in the rain!
With the support of his foster family, Weston continues to flourish, growing into a curious and confident young boy.
The Heart of Foster Care in Odisha
Each of these children’s thoughts and stories reflects something beautiful: the power of love to bring security, joy, and belonging. In Odisha, foster care is giving children who came from very hard places the chance to laugh freely, dream boldly, and grow up surrounded by care. Most importantly, they now have the chance to simply be children.
With every meal shared, every hug given, and every word of encouragement spoken, lives are being transformed. We’re deeply grateful to every supporter whose compassion allows children in Odisha to experience not just a home, but a true family—one filled with warmth, guidance, and hope for the future.