The 1st International Care Leavers Convention 2020 was a landmark gathering — the first of its kind — bringing together care-experienced voices, researchers, practitioners, and policy makers from across the globe on one shared platform.
About the Convention
Udayan Care (India), SOS Children’s Villages, the University of Hildesheim (Germany), and Kinderperspectief (Netherlands) came together with care leaver networks from different parts of the world to convene a Virtual Care Leavers Convention in October and November 2020.
The convention was designed not just as a single event, but as a journey — a series of pre-events building toward a three-day main convention where care leavers could learn, share experiences, exchange knowledge, and engage directly with service providers, researchers, and policy makers.
The convention was made possible through the collaboration of eight organisations committed to care leavers’ rights, wellbeing, and global solidarity.
Care Leavers Association and Network (CLAN), Delhi
An independent youth collective for care leavers in Delhi, India — encouraging peer support, advocating for their rights, and building mentor networks.
Generation Never Give Up (GNG), Sri Lanka
A nationwide peer network in Sri Lanka giving young people leaving care homes the support they need to face independent life.
Kinderperspectief
Committed to children and young people in the Netherlands and Southeast Europe — building better futures together with partner organisations through the perspective of the young people themselves.
Latin American Network of Care Leavers (LATAM)
A coalition of 24 organisations across 11 countries in Latin America working to improve the lives of adolescents and young people in child protection systems.
SOS Children’s Villages
A global federation protecting and caring for children who have lost parental care. Working with communities, partners, and states to fulfil the rights of every child in every society.
Udayan Care
Registered in 1994, Udayan Care empowers vulnerable children, women, and youth across 27 cities in 15 states of India — with a strong focus on aftercare, peer networks, and amplifying care leavers’ voices.
University of Hildesheim, Germany
A research institution internationally recognised for its work on young people’s rights, residential and foster care, and transitions to adulthood — and a founding member of the International Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood from Care.
Zimbabwe Care Leavers Network (ZCLN)
Building capacity and engaging with duty bearers to influence policies and programmes affecting children and young people in residential care across Zimbabwe.
