The government will soon amend the Juvenile Justice Act to improve the quality of care at Children's Homes and prevent abuse of inmates. A statement from the Women and Child Development, WCD Ministry said, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 will be amended to make non-registration of Children's Homes, a punishable offence. Under this Act, All the Children's Homes would be subject to stringent scrutiny and monitoring. The statement was issued after WCD Minister Krishna Tirath held a meeting with officials from Ministries of Home Affairs, Health and Family Welfare, Labour and Employment and Human Resource Development, to discuss the measures to prevent child abuse. Mrs Tirath expressed her concern over
various incidents of abuse and exploitation of children that have been reported by the Media in the recent past. She emphasised the need for stepping up coordination among Departments, Ministries, state governments and the civil society in order to avoid occurrence of such incidents.
The Minister also informed officials that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Bill which has been passed by the Cabinet, will be re-introduced shortly in the Rajya Sabha. Mrs. Tirath also informed that Childline Service, a 24-hour telephone helpline service for children in distress, has been expanded to more than 200 locations now.
Officials from National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), National Commission for Women (NCW) and voluntary organisations were also present in the meeting.