The Back-to-Home method

Below is detailed description of the approach to the Back-to-Home program. It is important to realise that each path is different and that due to Nepalese culture is not always possible to apply a strict protocol.

Step 1: Introduction and integration.

We get to know the children on the streets; we try to find out what their situation is, how they live and if they have any direct resources (parents), so we help the child home. Often this is not the case and we have some meetings with the child on the street to establish trust with the child. Many children are living on the streets as they have already lost their trust in adults and sometimes even prefer to stay living on the streets. Almost always the child fears to go alone with us to the Rainbow Home. These children are often severely physically neglected. The first treatment starts with very basic care, washing, cleaning, a doctor’s visit and the purchase of appropriate clothing and new shoes. Because whilst living on the streets, the children have had no structure (night life and daytime sleep), we allow them one or two weeks to adapt, we expect nothing from them during this time. They do not immediately go to school, but need to regain their energy and slowly integrate. They are often exhausted and sleep for days. We build up a relationship with the child during this period and often the real story comes to light after a few weeks. Usually this is much worse then we initially thought.

Step 2: Explore Back-to-home opportunities.

In cooperation with the police and other local authorities, we arrange (from day 1) the documents required for the care of the children. Then we look for resources within the network of the child, and work in collaboration with other contacts, police, Village Development Committees, etc. This period can take weeks as there is no national registration system and in particular small children often do not know exactly where they are from.

Step 3: Meet possible carers

This is the preliminary phase which is primarily catered around intensive counselling. We meet as many times as necessary with the potential caregiver, without the initial involvement of the child. Central to this process are: The underlying problems with the motivation and direction of the child, Clarifying the Back Home program, clarifying the underlying vision, clarifying empowerment objectives (if desired), Guidance on ways to develop economic capacity.

Step 4: Drafting contract and commitment of the route.

The contract includes: a roadmap tailored to the situation, including date. Other supplies (e.g.: a private company for management training, a cook for restaurant training). The circumstances of the families’ budget. To achieve global goals and minimum requirements before the child can be returned home (sometimes an alcohol program, minimum income, living arrangements, etc). An appropriate follow up program adapted to the situations with coordination / monitoring mechanisms (often local police / community board).

Step 5: Execution path

This is a work phase, in which intensive supervision is provided until the minimum contract specifications are met.

Step 6: Rehoming, Evaluation and follow up

We provide intensive support to the child and the family during the rehoming and until the situation calls. Then, again depending on the situation, we arrange additional family counselling.