JUVENILE JUSTICE (CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN)ACT, 2000

There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace.
-- Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the UN

A juvenile or a child means a person who has not completed the age of eighteen years. (S.2(k), JJA, 2000)

It outlines two target groups: i. children in need of care and protection, and ii. juveniles in conflict with law. To set up the machinery and infrastructure required for the care, protection, treatment, development and rehabilitation of neglected or delinquent juveniles in consonance with international standards.

OBJECTIVES

 To adopt a child-friendly approach in the adjudication and disposition of matters in the best interest of children for their ultimate rehabilitation. To create special juvenile police units with a humane approach. To establish Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees and Homes.

Principles
Principle of presumption of innocence Principle of dignity and worth Principle of right to be heard Principle of best interests. Principle of family responsibility Principle of safety Positive measures Principle of non-stigmatizing semantics, decisions and actions Principle of non-waiver of rights Principle of equality and non-discrimination Principle of right to privacy and confidentiality Principle of last resort Principle of repatriation and restoration Principle of Fresh Start

BODIES ESTABLISHED BY THE ACT

Juvenile Justice Board to deal exclusively and sympathetically with all the legal proceedings relating to children who are in conflict with law. Child Welfare Committees to inquire into child rights violations, and care and protection of children. It may declare a child fit for adoption and refer him/her to an adoption agency (set up by the government) for placement. Juvenile Police Unit has a critical role to play in the cases of both categories of children, CNCP and JCL.

 Juvenile Homes to rehabilitate and train juveniles to be good citizens by providing them food, accommodation, education, vocational training, counseling and other facilities. Observation Homes are the temporary shelter of juveniles who are in conflict with law.

 Children's Homes for the reception of children in need of care and protection during the pendency of any inquiry and subsequently for their care, treatment, education, training, development and rehabilitation. Child Protection Unit whose officers are responsible to ensure that the act is properly implemented.

Delhi Police Juvenile Justice unit Aim- to coordinate and upgrade role of police on all issues
pertaining to care and protection of children or juveniles under the law

POLICE STATE LEVEL Jt. Commissioner of Police (nodal officer) DISTRICT LEVEL Special Juvenile Police Unit headed by Dy. Commissioner of Police POLICE STATION LEVEL Juvenile of Child Welfare Officer

Members of SJPU
Dy. Commissioner of Police JCWO of the rank of Police Inspector Paid Social Worker

Paid Social Worker (Women)

Child or Juvenile Welfare Officer

Agencies created under the ACT/RULES

Jt. CP/CWCState Nodal Unit DCP/Distt. & SJPUDistt. Nodal Unit ShO/JWO PS Nodal Unit Juvenile Justice board Child Welfare Committee Voluntary Organizations/NGOs Probation Officers Child Protection Unit Childrens Home/Shelter Homes- for CNCP Observation Home-JICL, Special home SJPU

Points Of Contact Between The Police And The Child

Child as a perpetrator Child in need of care and protection Child as a victim Child as a witness