Second Chance at Love: Grieving Nagpur Couple Finds Healing In Foster Care
Nagpur: After the unimaginable grief of losing their only child, a young software engineer working in Australia, a well-to-do couple from Nagpur found their world turned upside down.
The grief and aching silence, settled like a heavy fog over their lives, lifted recently due to the voice of a 13-year-old girl — their foster daughter — who is bringing light back into their lives.In a deeply moving turn of events, the couple, now in their late 50s, chose to become foster parents under the govt's Foster Care scheme, a lesser-known provision under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Their decision marks the third successful foster care case in the city and a powerful example of how love and purpose can emerge from profound loss.The girl, who was found wandering in Umred taluka at the tender age of six, spent the last seven years in a govt-run home. Though she was safe and cared for, she longed for something more — a family, a home, a place to belong. That longing is finally being answered.After all due procedures and participating in several meetings with the girl to ensure mutual comfort, the couple received approval to take her in as their foster daughter. In the next two days, she will step into a home — not just a house — for the first time in years.The timing adds a layer of poignancy to the moment. Just two days after Mother's Day, the woman — who once feared she'd never get to be a mother again — will finally have the chance to give love, warmth, and guidance to a daughter who needs it just as much.The couple's journey from heartbreak to hope was supported by the tireless efforts of officials working behind the scenes. Under the guidance of district women and child development officer Ranjit Kure, and on-ground efforts by district child protection officer Mushtaq Pathan and protection officer Vinod Shende, the foster care initiative is quietly transforming lives in Nagpur."The girl is excited. She has met the couple a few times and feels comfortable. After following due procedure and multiple meetings with the girl, the foster care was approved. The girl will be handed over to the family in the next two days," said an official closely involved in the process.The district has already seen two successful foster care placements. One child was taken in by a govt employee, and another by a college professor. Both children are now attending English-medium schools and adjusting well to their new lives. Regular follow-ups ensure that both children and parents are receiving the support they need.
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