Addressing the needs of COVID-19 orphans: A systematic review of governmental programs and initiatives

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, claiming lives and livelihoods, overwhelming healthcare systems, disrupting education, and forcing families to grapple with survival. While communities worldwide have risen to the public health challenge, with social workers risking their lives to protect the most vulnerable populations, including children, the social ramifications of the virus's spread have been devastating and rapidly unfolding. The pandemic's ferocity has orphaned countless children across the nation, robbing them of their parents and forcibly separating them from their families. These traumatic circumstances have left these children in a precarious state, compelling them to seek assistance from government agencies or shelter homes for survival.

In response, various governmental bodies have endorsed innovative jurisdictive and programmatic initiatives to mitigate the impact on children. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the supportive schemes and measures implemented in India to aid these bereaved children orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the multifaceted approaches adopted by the government, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies to address the immediate and long-term needs of these vulnerable children, including their emotional, psychosocial, educational, and financial well-being.

The review highlights the collaborative efforts undertaken to ensure the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of orphaned children into society, fostering an environment conducive to their growth and development. By synthesizing the existing initiatives and strategies, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on effective interventions and evidence-based policymaking to safeguard the rights and welfare of children affected by the pandemic's devastating consequences.