Safety steps for shelter homes

Bhubaneswar: The state government has initiated steps to enhance security at shelter homes in Odisha.

A state-level orientation programme for superintendents of children's homes, observation homes, special homes and project coordinators of Open Shelters of Odisha, organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society was held here on Tuesday.

The objectives of the programme was to orient participants on the provisions for maintaining standards of care, safety and security of children living in institutions, de-institutionalisation, non-institutionalised care along with penalty provisions as stipulated in Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Women and child development minister Prafulla Samal emphasised on ensuring quality care, protection and secure life to all children of the state to keep them in a safety net.

"Security is a major concern at the special homes. So we have taken up initiatives that aim to train people on better safety management under expert guidance," said the minister.

Anu Garg, principal secretary of the department, focused on the effective monitoring of every child care institutions on a regular basis.

She also pledged to provide best facilities, not only in terms of infrastructure but also love and care.

"Keeping in view the interest of the children, the state government is implementing various innovative ideas," she said.

"Any unregistered child care institution housing children should be registered according to provisions under the act. Unregistered institutions will be closed down by due procedure," she said.

Officials of the department are also making regular visits to these institutions apart from the district inspection committees headed by additional district magistrates.

Collectors have also been requested to collect intelligence about ongoing activities at such homes through the superintendent of police, while all districts have been requested to create awareness about the toll free women's helpline (181) and childline (1098) so that the inmates can seek help during distress.