è NATIONAL AND STATE POLICIES FOR CHILD
PROTECTION:
v NATIONAL POLICY FOR CHILD PROTECTION:
1. Child Protection in India:
o
All
children deserve a happy childhood free from violence, exploitation, and
discrimination.
o
India, with
over 472 million children (nearly 40% of the population), recognizes child
protection as an investment in the nation’s future.
o
The
Constitution of India prioritizes children’s rights and well-being.
2. Legal Framework and Acts:
o
India is a
signatory to the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child.
o
Key acts
for child protection:
§ Juvenile Justice Act (2015)
§ Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
Act (2012)
§ Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic
Techniques Act (1994)
§ Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act
(2005)
§ Right of Children to Free and Compulsory
Education Act (2009)
§ Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006)
§ Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act
(2016)
3. Current Policy Approach:
o
The current
policy draws from constitutional provisions, international treaties, and
existing laws.
o
Aims to
create a child-centric environment by preventing and responding to exploitation
and neglect.
o
Provides a
framework for institutions (government and private) to safeguard and promote
children’s welfare.
♦ Guidelines for Organizations Institution
and Establishments:
· Institutions and
organizations should create child protection policies and codes of conduct
aligned with national guidelines and legislation.
· All employees/ contractual
workers must sign the declaration for child protection and agree to abide by
it.
· It should be based on the
premise of zero tolerance of child abuse and exploitation.
· Employees and contractual
workers must treat children with empathy and respect, regardless of any
differences.
· Always listen to children
and respect their views.
· The organization’s code of
conduct emphasizes that staff members must always treat children with respect
and empathy.
· They should avoid using
inappropriate language or behavior, refrain from developing exploitative
relationships, and never place children at risk of abuse. Reporting any
concerns promptly is essential.
· Every organization should
assign specific staff members to ensure child protection procedures are in
place and promptly report any abuse or neglect.
· The CHILDLINE 1098
and the contact details of designated officer for child protection must be
displayed appropriately.
· Conduct mandatory child
protection orientation programs for all employees.
· Anyone within the
organization who abuses or exploits children should face legal consequences.
· Any suspect form of child
abuse, including online abuse, child marriage, or discrimination, report it to
Child Line 1098, the police, or the Child Welfare committee. The informant’s
identity will be protected and kept confidential,
· In case of emergency where a
child is in immediate danger, provide accurate details about the child’s
location and circumstances. Help the child as best as possible and seek
immediate medical attention if needed. Simultaneously, inform Childline 1098
and the police about the situation and the child’s whereabouts.
· Always wait for the
appropriate authority for taking action or act on their advice and guidance.
· Professionals who provide
services to children must follow child protection policy for reporting and
taking action if they become concerned about a child safety and welfare.
· Be aware of the care and
support services for children like CHILDLINE 1098, Special Juvenile Police
Unit, Child Welfare Committees, Childcare Institutions, One Stop Centres, Drug Rehabilitation Centres, Hospitals, Mental
Health Care Providers and other such services for children.
· Corporate houses and
industries must establish and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure that
industry or subsidiaries are not using child labour in any form.
· Organizations working with
children must conduct thorough strict background checks for all employees,
volunteers, and anyone in regular contact with children.
· Organizations working
directly with children should train employees on child rights, the provisions
of the POCSO Act (2012), the JJ Act (2015), and other relevant legislation.
Employees must prevent corporal punishment, bullying, and any form of abuse. They
should also recognize signs of child abuse, exploitation, or neglect.
· Medical establishments and
professionals cannot refuse treatment based on gender, sexual orientation,
disabilities, caste, religion, or any other status. Refusing care to survivors
of sexual violence or acid attack is legally offensive.
· Organizations working with
children should create age-appropriate modules to educate children about child
abuse, online safety, and available support services.
· Organization which
undertakes research and collect data on children directly from children or
indirectly from parents or community must ensure that children are not harmed
or traumatised in any way during the process. All results staff must be trained
or ethical raptors and child friendly procedures.
· Child friendly zones must be
developed in all places for public dealing.
v TAMIL
NADU STATE POLICY FOR CHILD PROTECTION:
The Tamil
Nadu State Policy for Child Protection is a vital initiative aimed at ensuring
the well-being and safety of children in the state. Here are the essential
aspects of this policy:
ª
Holistic
Development and Safety:
·
The policy
emphasizes holistic development within a secure environment for every child.
·
It seeks to
empower children, enabling them to reach their full potential.
ª
Guiding
Principles:
·
The policy
draws its guidelines and principles from international standards, including the
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
·
It aligns
with national policies such as the National Policy of 2013, the National Plan
of Action 2016, and the UNS 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
ª
Challenges
Addressed:
·
Despite
commendable progress, challenges persist, including child marriage, child labour,
crimes against children, and juvenile delinquency.
·
The policy
aims to tackle these issues effectively.
ª
Mission and
Objectives:
·
The
policy’s mission is to protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
·
It ensures
access to quality healthcare and education for all children.
·
Upholding
the principle of “Leave No One Behind,” it encourages children to express their
opinions.
ª
Comprehensive
Approach:
·
The policy
takes a multipronged approach, covering survival, growth, development,
protection, and participation.
·
By
addressing these dimensions, it creates a robust framework for enhancing
children’s lives.
The state recognizes the need for equitable access
to life, survival, health and nutrition for all children. The policy outlines a
range of strategic approaches to achieve these goals, including -
· Prioritizing investment in
the first 1000 days of a child’s life to ensure a healthier future.
· Addressing key determinants
of child mortality and morbidity such as health, nutrition, water and
sanitation.
· Strengthening public health
system to provide quality care for maternal newborn and child health.
· Ensuring universal access to
early childhood care and development through Anganwadies.
· Preventing HIV infections
and providing appropriate care for infected children.
· Promoting behavior changed
to improve childcare practices.
· Timely interventions for
preventing disabilities and offering early deduction and treatment.
ª Education:
The TNSPC underscores the right to education
for all children. The policy is designed to.
· Facilitate holistic
development, emphasizing strengths and empowerment.
· Ensure safe and secure
learning environments.
· Provide access to formal
schooling, especially for 5-year-olds.
· Make quality secondary
education affordable and accessible.
· Incorporate gender equality,
life skills and value education.
· Promote digital education in
a safe and age appropriate manner.
ª Protection:
Protection of children from abuse, violence
and exploitation is the paramount goal of TNSPC.
· Strengthen community - based
mechanisms for child protection.
· Implement “zero tolerance”
for violence against children.
· Introduce child protection
and safeguarding policies in local bodies and schools.
· Strengthen child protection
systems and alternative care.
· Build disaster and emergency
management system for child protection.
ª Participation:
The TNSPC recognizes children’s capacity to
form views and participate in matters concerning them. The policy aims to
· Inform children of their
rights and provide opportunities for skill development.
· Promote platforms for
children to express opinions and needs.
· Create opportunities for
children to engage in relevant issues.
· Strengthen community - based
organizations and partnerships.
v SIGNIFICANCE OF TAMIL NADU STATE POLICY FOR
CHILDREN, 2021:
♦ Holistic development - The Tamil Nadu State Policy for Children
takes a holistic approach, addressing health, education, protection, and
participation to ensure child well-being.
♦ Rights based approach -
The Tamil Nadu State Policy for Children, rooted in the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ensures children’s inherent rights by translating
them into practical actions, safeguarding their well-being.
♦ Sustainable development goals - The
Tamil Nadu State Policy for Children aligns with Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), emphasizing quality education and child protection.
♦ Community Centric approach -
The Tamil Nadu State Policy for Children prioritizes community-based
mechanisms, involving families, local bodies, and civil society organizations
to create a safe and nurturing environment for children.
♦ Prevention & intervention - The
Tamil Nadu State Policy for Children proactively prevents harm by addressing
child marriage, child labor, abuse, and neglect. It also provides effective
interventions and support mechanisms.
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