Training held for CWC, JJB members on protection of child rights

A two-day training program organized by the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights for members of child welfare committees (CWCs), juvenile justice boards (JJBs), district Crime Branch nodal officers and district child protection officers (DCPOs) began here on Monday.

Inaugurating the programme, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development Sharmila Mary Joseph emphasized that the interests of children should be given priority while taking decisions or giving orders regarding children. Necessary support must be provided to prevent children in need of care and protection from becoming children in conflict with the law. Mechanisms should be established to identify and solve children’s problems in schools and homes.

Inspector General of Police S. Ajeetha Begum, who was the chief guest, called for setting up of a single panel bringing together departments and agencies involved in child protection. He said information regarding children can be made available to the police, CWC, JJB, DCPUs and legal services authority and monitored through the dashboard.

Authorities should not view their interventions against children as fulfilling their duties. Instead, Begum said, children should be treated and protected like family members.

Commission chairman KV Manoj Kumar, who presided over the training, underlined the need to ensure the best interests of children. He said those working in child-related fields should be familiar with various laws. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring their security in cyberspace. Mr. Manoj Kumar said that awareness about this should be created among children and parents.

On the second day of the training, on Tuesday, issues related to children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with the law; rehabilitation and repatriation of children; and difficulties in disclosing details about children under the Right to Information Act. This will be followed by an open discussion by Mohan Roy, Professor of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Kollam.