Shelter is the immediate requirement for runaway, street, and vagrant children, who are often found in bus stations and railway stations. These shelters also cater to orphaned children, as well as children from woman-headed families and broken homes.

DBAI operates three Shelter Homes, located in Mulluvadi Gate, the foothills of Yercaud, and Nilavaarapatty. Each of these homes serves a specific purpose: rehabilitation shelter, preparatory shelter, and a home for children with HIV/AIDS, respectively.

These Shelter Homes provide a safe and nurturing environment where the children can access both formal and non-formal education. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to build a brighter future. To achieve this, we offer vocational training and guidance, empowering the children to explore self-employment opportunities once they reach working age.

Children are referred to our Shelter Homes by the child rights protection centre and Childline. Currently, nearly 150 children receive accommodation and other essential facilities in our Shelter Homes, enabling them to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment.

The significant number of homeless children, pavement dwellers, working children, and child beggars left to fend for themselves is deeply concerning. Many of these vulnerable children fall victim to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. These harsh life conditions often lead to some of them engaging in criminal activities, substance abuse, and exploitation of others. In response to this pressing issue, the central and state governments decided to establish Open Shelters in urban areas to address the needs of these children. These centres provide a space where children can play, use their time productively and engage in creative activities.

In the Salem district, the government has been supporting DBAI since 2004 to operate an Open Shelter. This centre offers a range of facilities for street and working children, allowing them to access basic necessities and engage in recreational activities. The Open Shelter also focuses on promoting the overall growth and development of these children, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need to build a better future.

The Children’s Parliament functions similarly to the national parliament, offering a platform for children to actively engage in addressing social issues in their communities and to brainstorm suggestions to tackle these challenges. They pass resolutions in the parliament and submit them to relevant government officials for action. The primary aim of the Children’s Parliament is to ensure the participatory rights of underprivileged and marginalised children. By involving them in the decision-making process, the Children’s Parliament empowers these young individuals to voice their concerns and contribute to creating positive change in their communities.

This unique initiative not only provides children with a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and democratic processes but also helps them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. In addition, the Children’s Parliament fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility among participants, encouraging them to become proactive and engaged citizens.

DBAI is committed to creating a child-friendly society through a multi-level approach that emphasises the active involvement of children, civil society, and city administrations. This initiative aims to develop strategies for engaging with city administrations, and give children a strong voice in these interventions.

In the first level, DBAI organises and sensitises children to understand their rights, forming groups that provide them with opportunities to develop leadership qualities and life skills. The focus is also on addressing child protection issues and emphasising the importance of education. At the second level, DBAI creates Civil Society Groups that include local leaders, parents, self-help group members, and NGOs. These groups work together to support and protect children, fostering a collaborative environment where various stakeholders contribute their expertise and resources.

In the third level, advocacy and networking with city administrations are pursued. This involves engaging with local government officials and other relevant authorities to ensure that children’s rights and needs are considered and addressed in city planning, policies, and programs.