Lack of knowledge hampering child protection programmes: NCPCR

Lack of proper knowledge, little practical training as well as shortage of professionals is hampering the child protection programmes, says the NCPCR.

New Delhi: Lack of proper knowledge, little practical training as well as shortage of professionals is hampering the child protection programmes, says the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

"Most child protection cadres (professionals) don`t have the professional training, commitment and knowledge to be a part of child sensitive and supportive system which is affecting the proper implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)," it said. "Infact, many states are unable to launch programmes for want of personnel to spearhead the services earmarked under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)," she added. The Commission has written to the Ministry of Women and Child development (MWCD) recommending skill building, knowledge management and human resource planning courses for the child protection cadres. According to the letter, a review of the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act and the ICPS revealed paucity of knowledge and skills with the JJ system. The Commission recommended setting up of a National JJ Resource Team comprising of academicians, trainers, practitioners and legal experts to be anchored by NIPCCD to undertake the task of reviewing, planning and executing this massive human resource planning exercise. "Given the plethora of issues faced by children both in rural and urban areas such a trafficking, child labour, child abuse, child marriage, malnourishment etc, it is important for the cadres to have a sound knowledge on conceptual subjects and experience of field realities," the letter said. PTI