Jharkhand plans POCSO support panels in 24 districts

RANCHI: Jharkhand is preparing panels of support persons across all 24 districts to help children affected by sexual offences and their families access essential services, legal assistance and emotional support.

The first batch completed a two-day training programme held on October 14 and 15 at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) in Ranchi.

The Jharkhand State Child Protection Society (JSCPS) organised the programme in collaboration with UNICEF Jharkhand and the Centre for Child Rights at the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi.

The training focused on the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the POCSO Rules, 2020, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibilities of support persons.

Linking children and families with essential services

Sessions covered the psychological impact of child sexual abuse and the support required during police investigations, medical assistance and judicial proceedings. Participants were also sensitised to the importance of maintaining confidentiality and communicating with children in a sensitive, child-friendly manner.

The programme highlighted the need for coordination with Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), police, healthcare providers, mental health services and other relevant departments. Support persons are expected to help children and their families navigate these systems and access assistance in a timely manner.

Vandana Shejwalkar, deputy secretary of the child protection society, said the role of a support person extended beyond providing emotional support to a child. They also served as a link between the child, the family and the services available to them.

She emphasised inter-departmental coordination, timely referrals and respectful, child-friendly assistance throughout the process. No child should be denied access to support or rights because of a lack of information or access to services, she said.

Case studies used to explain responsibilities

Resource persons included Khushi Kushalappa of Enfold Trust, UNICEF Jharkhand child protection specialist Priti Srivastava, Prof. (Dr.) K. Syamala of NUSRL’s Centre for Child Rights, UNICEF child protection officer Gaurav, Dr. Tabrez and Narendra Sharma.

Case studies, group exercises and interactive discussions were used to explain the processes involved in the appointment of support persons, documentation, follow-up and coordination with stakeholders.

During the concluding session, Srivastava cited a real-life case to underline the need for timely assistance, appropriate guidance and coordinated services for affected children and their families. Timely intervention and sensitive support are essential to an effective child protection system, she said.

Statewide panels expected to strengthen child protection

The proposed panels across all 24 districts are expected to improve access to assistance for children covered by the POCSO Act and their families.

The initiative seeks to strengthen coordination among child protection agencies and other service providers, helping children navigate the legal and support systems while safeguarding their dignity, privacy and rights.

The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the availability of trained support persons, timely referrals and coordination among the agencies responsible for delivering assistance.