Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Program on Child Protection held in Bandipora

BANDIPORA : An Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme focusing on Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) was successfully organized by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Mission Vatsalya, Bandipora, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Bandipora.
The programme witnessed active participation from officials and functionaries of various line departments, reflecting a coordinated approach towards child protection and juvenile justice.
The programme aimed to sensitize stakeholders on the legal, institutional, and procedural frameworks governing child protection, with special emphasis on effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Speaking on the occasion, Protection Officer, District Child Protection Unit, Bandipora sensitized the participants about the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, its objectives, target groups, and the importance of non-institutional care mechanisms. He elaborated on the district-level structures under Mission Vatsalya and highlighted the crucial role of different departments in ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of child protection services. He stressed the need for inter-departmental coordination to safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable children.
Member CWC and Member JJB provided an in-depth overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Child Welfare Committee and the Juvenile Justice Board. They explained the legal procedures and institutional mechanisms for dealing with children in need of care and protection as well as children in conflict with law, emphasizing child-friendly approaches and timely interventions in accordance with the JJ Act, 2015.
Adding a legal perspective, Resource Persons from the DLSA highlighted the vital services provided by the District Legal Services Authority for children falling under the categories of CNCP and CCL. They discussed the availability of free legal aid, counseling, legal awareness programmes, and support services aimed at ensuring access to justice for children and safeguarding their legal rights.
The event was appreciated by participants, who acknowledged the importance of such awareness programmes in enhancing their understanding and capacity to effectively address issues related to child care, protection, and juvenile justice.