Question : CHILDREN LODGED IN JUVENILE HOMES

(a) whether the Government has undertaken any study to ascertain the number of children lodged in various juvenile homes in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of juveniles who have been released from various juvenile homes during the last three years and the current year after serving their terms, year-wise, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether such juveniles have been properly rehabilitated; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the existing policy of the Government in this regard?

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.