IIHMR University and UNICEF Initiate Dialogue on Behavioural Insights for Foster Parenting

Jaipur, 29th May 2025: IIHMR University’s Centre for Behavioural Sciences, in partnership with UNICEF, organised a two-day Stakeholders Consultation Workshop on “Conceptualisation of a Behavioural Insights-Based Parenting Package for Foster Families”.

In the inaugural session, Dr P.R. Sodani, President, IIHMR University, emphasized the critical need to pay attention to foster care for children. He also emphasized that the Centre for Behavioural Sciences is working towards a parenting package for foster families. Dr. Sodani said the Centre works closely with the government, non-governmental organizations, development partners and communities to improve maternal and child health. He highlighted many challenges for foster parenting, and this consultation would lead to conceptualizing a parenting package on foster parenting.

Mr. Rushab Hemani, Chief of UNICEF Rajasthan, highlighted the importance of promoting awareness about foster parenting among prospective caregivers. He acknowledged the university’s ongoing contributions to capacity building and policy support in this crucial area.

Dr. Mamta Chauhan, Programme Coordinator said that the consultation brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Child Rights, Government of Rajasthan, Child Welfare Committee, Child Care Institution Udaipur, UNICEF, Foster Care Society in Udaipur, Centre of Excellence in Alternative Care, Jatan Sansthan, Action Aid, and others.