All police stations in the district will soon become counselling centres. Efforts are on to convert all 34 stations in the district into child-friendly institutions.
A workshop conducted for the police officers in the district here on Wednesday underscored the importance of treating children in conflict with the law with special care and responsibility.
Children reaching the police station should be given counselling by the counsellor at the station or the help of the District Child Protection Unit should be sought.
The workshop advised the police officers to ensure that the children in conflict with the law should never feel alienated at the police station. “This workshop is part of ensuring a child-friendly atmosphere in all police stations,” said K.V. Prabhakaran, deputy superintendent of police (DySP), Administration, presiding over the function. Juvenile Justice Board Principal Magistrate and Judicial First Class Magistrate, Tirur, M.R. Sasi inaugurated the workshop.
Social work trainer from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, D. Kavita, is leading the workshop. Juvenile Justice Board member K.A. Rugmini, Child Welfare Committee member Haris Panchily, and District Child Protection Officer Sameer Machingal addressed the gathering.
The District Child Protection Unit organised the training session for the police officers in association with the District Police, Special Juvenile Police Unit and NIMHANS, Bengaluru.
‘Kaval’ scheme
A special scheme titled ‘Kaval’ aimed at ensuring psycho-social protection and development for children in conflict with the law is being implemented in the district. “We are doing everything possible to enhance awareness and quality among our police officers,” said Mr. Prabhakaran.
