293 Observation and 47 Special Homes for juveniles functioning in States/UTs
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 (JJ Act) provides for setting up of Observation Homes and Special Homes for juveniles during pendency of inquiry and for reception and their rehabilitation. These homes can be established and maintained by the State Government itself or under an agreement with Voluntary Organisation in every district or a group of districts as may be required. 293 Observation and 47 Special Homes are presently functioning in States/UTs. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has reported that it has registered 71 complaints/cases concerning child abuse/sexual exploitation / torture / ill-treatment /disappearance/ running away of children / lack of residential facilities and other regularities committed in Child Care Institutions (CCIs) including Observation and Special Homes for juveniles during the last three years and current year 2015-16.
Rule 10(C) of Central Model Rules, 2007 under JJ Act, 2000 provides for monitoring of institutions for juveniles by Juvenile Justice Boards and seeking compliance from CCIs in cases of any noticeable lapses and improvement based on suggestion of the Board. Section 35 of the JJ Act, 2000 also provides for inspection of CCIs including Observation and Special Homes by State and District level Inspection Committees. The rehabilitations measures undertaken in CCIs include education, vocational training, counselling, mental health etc., to ensure that the juvenile is reformed and becomes a useful citizen of society.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
