ORIENTATION VISIT TO DISTRICT CHILD PROTECTION UNIT

District child protection unit is responsible for coordinating and implementing all child rights and protection activities at district level. The DCPU function under the overall administration control and supervision of the concern district who is also the Co- chairperson of district child protection committee. On, 27/11/2023 at 2:00 from MSW department we had been to District child protection unit, Sarkari Balakara Mandira which is located in vijayanagar 4th stage, Mysuru. To understand what kind of children are under DCPU, either children conflict with law, child labor, orphans and child abuse and also to observe how physical or emotional care are being provided ,Psychological counseling and other basic materials like food and clothing services. It is a government institution where orphanages and juveniles are taken care it is a institution where only boys under 18 are under district child protection unit.It works to help children adjust to the society. Speaking at the program, Mr. Raghu (program co-coordinator) explained, “Maharashtra government was the first to start a committee based on welfare of children who are forced into child labors child trafficking etc., in the year 1996. In the year 2006 the Commission for the protection of child right act was passed. Juvenile Justice Act 2015 2(35) (Care and Protection of Children) It was first assented in Bombay, it works 24×7.”Counselor Miss Divya Kumari said that, “DCPU work all over the district. There will be 10 to 15 cases per day; children who are forcibly indulged in child marriage, child labor,orphans, child abuse will be taken under district child protection unit.Child welfare committee developed basic needs, care and protection to these children. Also special juvenile protection officer counseling for family members and children weekly three days:Monday,Wednesday and Friday .Also, discussed some cases of drug addiction under 18.” Later District child Protection Officer Mr. Yogesh N.T. gave immense information. In the year 2012 Protection of child sexual offence (POCSO) started. In the year 1975 Development and protection of women and children act came into existence, there are 36 district child protection units all over the state. There are 38 child care institutions in Mysuru, where 3 child care institutions come under governmental organization and the rest 35 comes under non-governmental organization. Monthly 4000₹ scholarship will be given to single parenting and ₹1000 scholarship will be given to HIV patients.In his key note address, Mr. Mahendra from adoption centre explains the process of adoption like how it works. Adoption centre is open from 1-6 yrs of age. Children who are orphans and abounded can be taken for adoption .Those who are willing to adopt children should apply for CARA (central Adaption Resource).

Maximum composite age of couples should be 75 to adopt 1 to 2 yrs old children Maximum composite age of couples should be 90 to adopt 2 to 4 yrs old children Maximum composite age of couples should be 75 to adopt 4 to 8 yrs old children Maximum composite age of couples should be 110 to adopt 8 to18 yrs old children.

The visit was definitely fruitful, where the social work trainees went with curiosity that was quenched and we came back with our mindful of knowledge based on experience and intelligence .The district child protection officer and other staff members were really kind and accommodative.