Program Manager (Training, IEC & Advocacy):

He/she shall be responsible for coordinating and supervising all training and capacity building programs for functionaries under ICPS at State level. With the assistance of Program Officer (Training), he/she shall be responsible for assessing the training needs of all functionaries (Government & NGOs) and allied systems (including police, judiciary, concerned government departments, voluntary organisation and general public), and accordingly plan, coordinate and implement training and capacity building programs at State levels. He/she shall liaison with NIPCCD and its regional centres and other training institutions of the central/state governments for the purpose of training and capacity building at the state level.

Program Officer (Children in Need of Care and Protection, CNCP):

He/she shall function under the overall supervision of the Program Manager (Child Protection) and shall assist him in coordination of all child protection activities pertaining to children in need of care and protection by the State Child Protection Society (SCPS). He/she shall also be responsible for coordinating with all the DCPU for implementing, supervising and monitoring all child protection activities pertaining to children in need of care and protection at State and District levels.

Program Officer (Juvenile in Conflict with Law, JCL):

He/she shall function under the overall supervision of the Program Manager (Child Protection) and shall assist him in coordination of all child protection activities pertaining to juveniles in conflict with law by the State Child Protection Society (SCPS). He/she shall also be responsible for coordinating with all the DCPUs for implementing, supervising and monitoring all child protection activities pertaining to juveniles in conflict with law at State and District levels.

Program Officer (Training):

He/she shall support the Program Manager (Training,IEC & Advocacy) in coordinating and supervising training and capacity building programs for functionaries under ICPS at State and district levels. He/she shall provide assistance in assessing the training needs of all functionaries (Government & NGOs) and allied systems, and assist in planning, coordination and implementation of all training and capacity building Programs at State levels.

Program Officer (IEC & Advocacy):

He/she shall support the Program Manager (Training, IEC & Advocacy) in coordinating and supervising all IEC and advocacy initiatives on child protection at State and district levels. He/she shall provide assistance in assessing the need for IEC materials and other necessary tools for effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all child protection programs at State and district levels in coordination with the DCPU.

STATE ADOPTION RESOURCE AGENCY(SARA)

In order to support CARA in promoting in-country adoption and regulating intercountry adoption, ICPS provides for establishing of a State Adoption Resource Agency(SARA) in every State/UT as a unit under the SCPS, to coordinate, monitor and develop the work of adoption and render secretarial and administrative assistance to the State Adoption Advisory Committee(SAAC)

SARA shall liaison with DCPU at District levels and provide technical support to the Child Welfare Committees in carrying out the process of rehabilitation and social reintegration of all children through sponsorship, foster-care, in-country and intercountry adoption. The specific roles and responsibilities of SARA shall include:

(i) Functioning as the State level Resource Centre to coordinate, monitor and develop the adoption program in the State;

(ii) Facilitating the setting up of SAAs, provide legal recognition to SAAs and maintain a comprehensive list of such agencies;

(iii) Ensure that all adoptions/permanent placements of children are done in accordance with the Laws & Guidelines of the Supreme Court of India and Government of India;

(iv) Promote in-country and regulate inter-country adoptions in coordination with CARA;

(v) Maintain a centralized web-based database of adoptable children with the help of DCPU as a part of the child tracking system;

(vi) Maintain a centralize web-based database of prospective adoptive parents with the help of DCPU;

(vii) Supervise the work of SAAs and ensure coordination between them within State;

(viii) Ensuring that all PAPs are registered at SAA/ SARA;

(ix) Providing comprehensive adoption data to CARA on monthly basis;

(x) Ensuring sensitization of all agencies and allied systems;

(xi) Enhancing capacity of those working in the adoption system;

(xii) Taking necessary punitive action when malpractices occur in the adoption program whether by licensed/recognized adoption agencies or by unlicensed individuals or organizations;

(xiii) Advocacy and awareness for promoting adoptions in the State;

(xiv) Developing and disseminating IEC materials.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE ADOPTION RESOURCE AGENCY(SARA)

Program Manager (Adoption, Foster Care and Sponsorship):

He/she shall be responsible for coordinating and supervising all non-institutional care programs at the State level. He/she shall supervise the adoption program, foster care and sponsorship services for children in need of care and protection carried out in the State with the help of the District Child Protection Units, Child Welfare Committees, and SAAs. He/she shall ensure implementation of all the duties, roles and responsibilities envisaged for the State Adoption Resource Agency including:

(i) Coordinate, monitor and develop the adoption program in the State;

(ii) Facilitate the setting up of SAAs where they do not exist and recommend to CARA for registration

(iii) Facilitate the setting up of SAAs, provide legal recognition to SAAs and maintain a comprehensive list of such agencies;

(iv) Ensure that all adoptions/permanent placements of children are done in accordance with the Laws & Guidelines of the Supreme Court of India and Government of India;

(v) Promote in-country and regulate inter-country adoptions in coordination with CARA;

(vi) Maintain a centralized web-based database of adoptable children with the help of District Child Protection Units as a part of the child tracking system;

(vii) Maintain a centralized (state-specific) web-based database of prospective adoptive parents with the help of District Child Protection Units;

(viii) Supervise the work of SAAs and ensure coordination between them within State;

(ix) Ensure that all PAPs are registered at DCPU/ SAA/ SARA;

(x) Provide comprehensive adoption data to CARA on monthly basis;

(xi) Ensure sensitization of all agencies and allied systems;

(xii) Enhance capacity of those working in the adoption system;

(xiii) Take necessary punitive action when malpractices occur in the adoption program whether by licensed/recognized adoption agencies or by unlicensed individuals or organizations;

(xiv) Advocacy and awareness for promoting adoptions in the State;

(xv) Develop and disseminate IEC materials.

Program Officer:

He/she shall work under the overall supervision of the Program Manager (Adoption, Foster Care and Sponsorship) to assist him/her is supervision and monitoring of all the adoption programs, foster care and sponsorship services for children in need of care and protection in the state.

DISTRICT CHILD PROTECTION UNITS(DCPU)

ICPS envisages setting up a District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in each district as a fundamental unit for the implementation of the scheme.

Functions of District Child Protection Unit (DCPU):

The DCPU shall coordinate and implement all child rights and protection activities at district level. Specific functions of the DCPU shall be to:

(i) Contribute to effective implementation of child protection legislations, schemes and achievement of child protection goals laid out in the National Plan of Action for Children. In doing so, the DCPU will follow national and state priorities, rules and guidelines.

(ii) Ensure that for each child in need of care there is an individual care plan and that the plan is regularly reviewed. Monitor the implementation of the plan.

(iii) Identify families at risk and children in need of care and protection through effective networking and linkages with the ICDS functionaries, Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAA), NGOs dealing with child protection issues and local bodies, viz. PRIs and Urban Local Bodies, etc.;

(iv) Assess the number of children in difficult circumstances and create district specific databases to monitor trends and patterns of children in difficult circumstances;

(v) Map all child related service providers and services at district for creating a resource directory;

(vi) Identify and support credible voluntary organizations to implement program components of the ICPS;

(vii) Support implementation of family based non-institutional services including sponsorship, foster care, adoption and after care;

(viii) Ensure effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and its Amendment Act, 2006 at district/city levels by supporting creation of adequate infrastructure, viz. setting up JJBs, CWCs, SJPUs in each districts and homes in a cluster of districts as required;

(ix) Ensure setting up of District, Block and Village level Child Protection Committees for effective implementation of programs, as well as discharge of its functions;

(x) Facilitate transfer of children at all levels for either restoration to their families or placing the child in long or short-term rehabilitation through sponsorship, kinship care, in country adoption, foster care, inter-country adoption and placement in institutions;

(xi) Facilitate effective implementation of other legislations for child protection in the district, viz. Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA) 1956; Guardians and Wards Act (GAWA) 1890; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986; Child Marriage and Restraint Act 1979 and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1986, Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994, Protection of children from Sexual Offence Act,2012, CPCRC Act,2005 etc. and any other Act that comes into force for protecting child rights;

(xii) Network and coordinate with all government departments to build inter-sectoral linkages on child protection issues, including Departments of Health, Education, Social Welfare, Urban Basic Services, Backward Classes & Minorities, Youth Services, Police, Judiciary, Labour, State AIDS Control Society, among others;

(xiii) Network and coordinate with voluntary and civil society organizations working in the field of child rights and protection;

(xiv) Develop parameters and tools for effective monitoring and supervision of ICPS in the district;

(xv) Supervise and monitor all institutions/agencies providing residential facilities to children in district;

(xvi) Train and build capacity of all personnel (Government and Non-government) working under child protection system to provide effective services to children;

(xvii) Encourage voluntary youth participation in child protection programs at district, block and community levels;

(xviii) Organize quarterly meeting with all stakeholders at district level including Childline Services, SAA, superintendents of homes, NGOs and members of public to review the progress and achievement of child protection activities;

(xix) Liaison with the SCPS, SARA and DCPUs of other districts;

(xx) Provide secretarial support to the DCPC;

(xxi) Maintain a database of all children in institutional care and non-institutional care at the district level. This Data Management System will ultimately be uploaded onto a comprehensive, integrated, live database for children in care and in need of care in the country- the TrackChild.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DISTRICT CHILD PROTECTION UNITS(DCPU)

District Magistrate:

The District Child Protection Units (DCPU) shall function under the overall administrative control and supervision of the District Magistrate of the concerned district. The District Magistrate shall be responsible for effective implementation of ICPS and all other child protection policies and programs at the district level. He/she shall also be the co-chairperson of District Child Protection Committee (DCPC). The DCPC shall be chaired by the Chairperson Zila Parishad.

District Child Protection Officer (DCPO):

The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) shall function as the head of the DCPU and shall be responsible for carrying out all day to day functions of the DCPU at the district level. The DCPO shall be appointed either by deputation or on contract. In districts where a district level officer of the ICPS implementing department (Social Welfare/Women and Child Development) is available he/she shall function as the DCPO. In districts where such officer does not exist, the post of DCPO shall be filled by deputation/contract.

The DCPO shall coordinate and supervise implementation of the ICPS and all other child protection activities at district level including monitoring and supervision of all institutions/agencies/ projects/programs/NGOs and shall report to SCPS at the State level. For the purpose of coordinating non-institutional care program at district level, he/she shall report to SARA at the State level. The DCPO shall be responsible for coordinating development of an Annual District Child Protection Plan, resource directory  of child related services and child tracking system at the district level.

He/she shall also be coordinating and networking with all the line departments/ officers including:

(i) District Magistrate,

(ii) District Judge,

(iii) Superintendent of Police,

(iv) Child Development Project Officer (CDPO),

(v) Labour Officer, Education Officer,

(vi) Chief Medical Officer (CMO),

(vii) Municipal Authorities and

(viii) Members of Zila Parishad and other local bodies.

Besides, he/she shall also coordinate with:

(i) Voluntary Organizations,

(ii) Hospitals/Nursing Homes,

(iii) Child Welfare Committee,

(iv) Juvenile Justice Board,

(v) Childline Services

(vi)Other authorities at district level who have direct or indirect impact on child protection programs/services.

He/she shall head the Home Management Committee of every institution in the district and recommend suitable institutions for release of grants from the SCPS. He/she shall conduct a monthly review meeting with all stakeholders including representatives of community and local bodies as well as media.

Protection Officer (Institutional Care):

Under the supervision of the DCPO, the Protection Officer (Institutional Care) would ensure effective implementation of child protection programs and policies relating to children in need of care and protection at the district and local levels. He/she shall be responsible for ensuring effective institutional/residential care services at the district level for all children in need of care and protection. Every district shall have a maximum of three Protection Officers (Institutional Care) on the basis of geographical spread and child population of the district. In case the Child Welfare Committee has a heavy case load, the State Government can appoint one full time Protection Officer to the Committee.

The specific roles and responsibilities of a Protection Officer (Institutional Care) shall include:

(i) Identify families and children at risk to prevent destitution of children and arrange/provide them necessary support services like counselling, access to health care, education, vocational skills etc., with the support of the outreach worker working under him/her;

(ii) Carry out a situational analysis of children in difficult circumstances, collect and compile data on different dimensions of the child protection problems in terms of number of children requiring support, number of children in institutions and the kind of services they need;

(iii) Carry out a resource mapping exercise and develop a District Child Protection Plan and resource directory of child related services at the district level on the basis of data collected;

(iv) Ensure setting up and management of the child tracking system of all institutional care program including Open Shelters in the district;

(v) Support CWC in the process of inquiry and restoration of children;

(vi) Ensure registration of all child care organizations/institutions/agencies housing children under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 and its Amendment Act, 2006;

(vii) Supervision and monitoring of all child care organizations/institutions/agencies, both Govt. & NGO run (with or without support), housing children and ensure implementation of minimum standards of care;

(viii) Supervision and monitoring of other child protection programs being implemented at district level;

(ix) Identify training need and arrange for training and capacity building of personnel (both Governmental and Non-Governmental) involved in institutional care at district level in coordination with State Child Protection Unit;

(x) Preparing and submitting a monthly report to the DCPO.

Protection Officer(Non-Institutional Care):

Under the supervision of the DCPO, the Protection Officer (Non-Institutional Care) would ensure effective implementation of the non-institutional components of ICPS relating to sponsorship, foster-care, adoption, after-care and cradle baby scheme. Every district shall have a maximum of three Protection Officers (Non-Institutional Care) on the basis of geographical spread and child population of the district. The specific roles and responsibilities of a Protection Officer (Non-Institutional Care) shall include:

(i) Identify families and children at risk to prevent destitution of children and arrange/provide them necessary support for non-institutional care, where required;

(ii) Support SARA in identifying adoptable children from the district and preparing a district-level database of adoptable children;

(iii) Promote and facilitate adoption in the district with the help of SAA by:

a) Registering and maintaining database of adoptable children and PAPs for in-country adoption;

b) Promoting in-country adoption within the district;

c) Monitor adoption placement and ensure that the SAAs provide post placement support and follow up.

(iv) Ensure that all adoptable children in all Child Care Institutions (CCIs) are brought into the adoption system;

(v) Carry out family based non-institutional care through foster care, sponsorship and after care programs;

(vi) Carry out resource mapping and contribute in development of a District Child Protection Plan and a resource directory of child related services for non-institutional care at the district level on the basis of data collected;

(vii) Function as the Nodal Officer for the child tracking system in the district;

(viii) Support CWC in the process of inquiry and restoration of children;

(ix) Supervise and monitor all child care institutions including SAAs in the district

(x) Coordinate with SARA and SCPU for training and building capacities of all personnel (Government and Non-government) involved in non-institutional service to children;

(xi) Submit quarterly report to the SARA on status of adoption program in the district.

Legal cum Probation Officers:

Under the supervision of the DCPO, the Legal cum Probation Officer shall coordinate and supervise all the programs and activities relating to Juveniles in Conflict with law. He/she would provide support to JJB at district levels. Every district shall have a maximum of three Legal cum Probation Officers4 on the basis of geographical spread and child population of the district. In case the Juvenile Justice Board has a heavy caseload, the State Government can appoint one full time Legal cum Probation Officer to the Board. The specific roles and responsibilities would include:

(i) Collect and compile data on dimensions of the juvenile delinquency in the district;

(ii) Attend proceedings of the JJB regularly;

(iii) Support JJB in conducting inquiries;

(iv) Prepare and submit social investigation reports;

(v) Maintain case files and other registers;

(vi) Escort juveniles to a home/fit person/fit institution from the JJB;

(vii) Undertake follow up visits of juveniles released under supervision and after release;

(viii) Establish linkages with voluntary sector for facilitating rehabilitation and social reintegration of juveniles.

The Legal cum Probation Officer should have a legal background and a good understanding of child rights and protection issues. He/she would be responsible for providing free legal aid services to children/juveniles. He/she shall also provide necessary support to the CWC and JJB in the legal matters relating to all children coming under the purview of the Juvenile Justice Act as and when required.

Counselor:

Each Child Protection Unit at District level shall have a counselor for providing counseling services to children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection as well as their parents and families. The counselor shall also work with the CWC and JJB at district level as and when required.

Social Worker:

Each Child Protection Unit shall have two Social Workers (one woman) who would be responsible for coordinating field level activities in their respective cluster of sub-divisions as assigned by the DCPO. These Social Workers shall be assisted by the Outreach Workers for carrying out field level interventions. The two Social Workers, of which one shall be a woman, shall also assist the SJPU in discharging their duties as and when required.

Outreach Workers:

Each Child Protection Unit at district level shall have three Outreach Workers reporting to Protection Officers and Legal cum Probation Officer. Each Outreach Worker shall assist their respective Officer in carrying out their roles and responsibilities.

They shall work as a link between the community and the District Child Protection Unit and shall be responsible for identifying families and children at risk and offer necessary support services. The Outreach Workers shall also be responsible for developing good networking and linkages with the anganwadi workers and members of panchayat/local bodies at community/block levels. They should also encourage volunteerism amongst the local youth and involve them in to the child protection program at block and community levels.

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEES(CWCS)

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 makes it mandatory to establish one Child Welfare Committee in each district as the final authority to dispose of cases for the care, protection, treatment, development and rehabilitation of children in need of care & protection and to provide for their basic needs and protection of human rights.

To facilitate the setting up of CWCs in every district and to ensure their effective functioning, the scheme shall provide adequate infrastructure and financial support to the States/UTs.

The functions and responsibilities of the Committee

• Taking cognizance of and receiving the children produced before it;
• Conducting inquiry on all issues relating to and affecting the safety and wellbeing of the children under this Act;
• Directing the Child Welfare Officers or probation officers or District Child Protection Unit or non-governmental organisations to conduct social investigation and submit a report before the Committee;
• Conducting inquiry for declaring fit persons for care of children in need of care and protection;
• Directing placement of a child in foster care;
• Ensuring care, protection, appropriate rehabilitation or restoration of children in need of care and protection, based on the childs individual care plan and passing necessary directions to parents or guardians or fit persons or childrens homes or fit facility in this regard;
• Selecting registered institution for placement of each child requiring institutional support, based on the child’s age, gender, disability and needs and keeping in mind the available capacity of the institution;
• Conducting at least two inspection visits per month of residential facilities for children in need of care and protection and recommending action for improvement in quality of services to the District Child Protection Unit and the State Government;
• Certifying the execution of the surrender deed by the parents and ensuring that they are given time to reconsider their decision as well as making all efforts to keep the family together;
• Ensuring that all efforts are made for restoration of abandoned or lost children to their families following due process, as may be prescribed;
• Declaration of orphan, abandoned and surrendered child as legally free for adoption after due inquiry;
• Taking suo motu cognizance of cases and reaching out to children in need of care and protection, who are not produced before the Committee, provided that such decision is taken by at least three members;
• Taking action for rehabilitation of sexually abused children who are reported as children in need of care and protection to the Committee by Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police, as the case may be, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012;
• Dealing with cases referred by the Board under sub-section (2) of section 17;
• Co-ordinate with the police, labour department and other agencies involved in the care and protection of children with support of the District Child Protection Unit or the State Government;
• In case of a complaint of abuse of a child in any child care institution, the Committee shall conduct an inquiry and give directions to the police or the District Child Protection Unit or labour department or childline services, as the case may be;
• Accessing appropriate legal services for children;
• Such other functions and responsibilities, as may be prescribed.

JUVENILE JUSTICE BOARDS(JJBS)

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 makes it mandatory to have one Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in each district to deal with matters relating to juveniles in conflict with law. To facilitate setting up of a JJB in each district and to ensure their effective functioning, the scheme provides adequate infrastructure and financial support to the States/UTs.

The functions and responsibilities of the Board

(a) Ensuring the informed participation of the child and the parent or guardian, in every step of the process; of the Board.

(b) Ensuring that the child’s rights are protected throughout the process of apprehending the child, inquiry, aftercare and rehabilitation;

(c) Ensuring availability of legal aid for the child through the legal services institutions;

(d) Wherever necessary the Board shall provide an interpreter or translator, having such qualifications, experience, and on payment of such fees as may be prescribed, to the child if he fails to understand the language used in the proceedings;

(e) Directing the Probation Officer, or in case a Probation Officer is not available to the Child Welfare Officer or a social worker, to undertake a social investigation into the case and submit a social investigation report within a period of fifteen days from the date of first production before the Board to ascertain the circumstances in which the alleged offence was committed;

(f) Adjudicate and dispose of cases of children in conflict with law in accordance with the process of inquiry specified in section 14;

(g) Transferring to the Committee, matters concerning the child alleged to be in conflict with law, stated to be in need of care and protection at any stage, thereby recognising that a child in conflict with law can also be a child in need of care simultaneously and there is a need for the Committee and the Board to be both involved;

(h) Disposing of the matter and passing a final order that includes an individual care plan for the childs rehabilitation, including follow up by the Probation Officer or the District Child Protection Unit or a member of a non-governmental organisation, as may be required;

(i) Conducting inquiry for declaring fit persons regarding care of children in conflict with law;

(j) Conducting at least one inspection visit every month of residential facilities for children in conflict with law and recommend action for improvement in quality of services to the District Child Protection Unit and the State Government;

(k) Order the police for registration of first information report for offences committed against any child in conflict with law, under this Act or any other law for the time being in force, on a complaint made in this regard;

(l) Order the police for registration of first information report for offences committed against any child in need of care and protection, under this Act or any other law for the time being in force, on a written complaint by a Committee in this regard;

(m) Conducting regular inspection of jails meant for adults to check if any child is lodged in such jails and take immediate measures for transfer of such a child to the observation home; and

(n) Any other function as may be prescribed.

SPECIAL JUVENILE POLICE UNITS(SJPUS)

The Juvenile Justice Act 2000 provides for setting up of Special Juvenile Police Units in every district and city to coordinate and upgrade the police interface with children. All the police officers, designated as juvenile/child welfare officers in the district or city, are members of the SJPU.

As a statutory requirement, the ICPS shall provide for two paid social workers in each SJPU for supporting the unit. The District Child Protection Unit shall appoint these social workers and depute their services to the SJPU as and when necessary. Of the two Social Workers, at least one should be a woman and another having expertise in child protection.

The functions and responsibilities of the Special Juvenile Police Unit:

• The Special Juvenile Police Unit and Child Welfare Officer at the police station will handle cases of both juveniles in conflict with law and children in need of care of protection and the social worker at the Special Juvenile Police Unit shall be the first line of intervention in all cases, as far as possible.
• The Special Juvenile Police Unit shall coordinate and function as a watch-dog for providing legal protection against all kinds of cruelty, abuse and exploitation of children and report instances of non-compliance for further legal action.
• The Special Juvenile Police Unit shall take serious cognizance of adult perpetrators of crimes against children and ensure that they are apprehended immediately and booked under the appropriate provisions of the law.
• The Special Juvenile Police Unit shall ensure the registering, linking and monitoring of information regarding missing children received at the police station, and shall investigate immediately.
• The Special Juvenile Police Units shall work with voluntary organisations, local governing bodies, community based organisations in identifying juveniles in conflict with law as well as reporting cases of violence against children, child neglect, child abuse and exploitation.
• The Special Juvenile Police Unit shall maintain a list of NGOs/voluntary organisations in their respective jurisdiction, and shall monitor the activities to prevent all crimes against children specifically trafficking, illegal adoption and detention of children.
• The Special Juvenile Police Unit to establish & maintain contacts with experts from various fields with the right credentials for their assistance/cooperation in child related matters, as and when required.