MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) & (b): The Ministry of Women and Child Development, has so far, not undertaken a
comprehensive study to ascertain the number of children lodged in various Special Homes
and Observation Homes in the country. However, the Ministry is implementing a Centrally
Sponsored Scheme, namely, Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) for children in
difficult circumstances including children in conflict with law, under which financial
assistance is provided to State Governments/UT Administrations, inter-alia, for
establishment of various kinds of Homes including Observation Homes and Special
Homes for rehabilitation and reintegration of such children. In 2011-12, 183
Observation Homes and Special Homes altogether covering 5613 children were provided
financial support and in 2012-13, 203 Observation Homes and Special Homes altogether
covering 5449 children were benefitted.
(c) to (e): This Ministry does not maintain any data of children released from Special
Homes. However, under ICPS, when placed in such Homes, children are provided with
services required for ensuring their long term rehabilitation, well being and development
such as shelter, food, education, vocational training, counseling etc. Further, the
Scheme also provides for after care services for children leaving the Homes to handhold
them as they transit from institutional to mainstream life. The after-care services for
such children, inter-alia, include housing facilities, vocational training, job
placement, counseling and stipend etc.