Steps to improve Condition of Juvenile Homes

To improve the quality of services in Homes and maintain the standards of care stipulated in the Central Model Rules under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is providing financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) for setting up, upgradation and maintenance of various types of Homes, including Observation Homes and Special Homes for children in conflict with law. The Rules inter-alia specify the standards of physical infrastructure, clothing, bedding, nutrition & diet, as well as rehabilitation measures such as education, vocational training, counselling etc. The Scheme also provides for training and capacity building of all child protection personnel, including functionaries in the Homes, so that they are sensitised and equipped to take care of the well being of the children in their care. The State Governments/UT Administrations are required to ensure, through regular inspection and monitoring, that the institutions are run as per the provisions of the Act and the Rules framed there-under.

This was stated by Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women and Child Development, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.

****

MV