Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 21: Calcutta High Court Judge, Justice Nadira Patherya suggested sensitizing police personnel on efficient ways to handle children in need and juveniles in conflict with law, and learn the actual cause of their situation or behaviour.
She was addressing a gathering of stakeholders during a sensitization programme organised by the state legal services authority on Juvenile Justice (Care &Protection) Act, 2015 and the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, here on Sunday.
The senior judge observed that the Childline and police played a crucial role in helping children in need, as they were one of the first responders, and therefore required additional training to deal with children and youths.
She also addressed the stakeholders individually and suggested that counsellors also be sensitized on ways to deal with children on an emotional level.
Emphasizing on the requirement of ‘support person’ for children, she advised the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) to take the matter up with the government at the earliest.
“If the state starts now, cases under the POCSO will decrease in years to come,” she said.
Discussions were also held on child marriage, and bonded and child labour.
Earlier, APSLSA member secretary Budi Habung gave an overview of the status of judiciary in the state and of the APSLSA initiatives.
Among others, the programme was attended by Kolkata Training & Development, International Justice Mission, Associate Director Mari Riba, members and staff of the DCPUs, JJB, Child Welfare Committee, Childline, One Stop Centre, Special Juvenile Police unit, Women Help Line, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society, and other NGOs.
