COVID-19 Impact: 64% children in childcare institutions sent home; says UNICEF

It had said juvenile justice boards should consider steps to release on bail all children who are alleged to be in conflict with the law and residing in an observation home unless there are clear and valid reasons not to do so.

Following the directives from the Supreme Court, as many as 1.46 lakh children or 64 per cent of those in childcare institutions have been sent back to their families as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus pandemic, the UNICEF said. The top court had taken suo-motu note in April of the condition of the children in protection, juvenile and foster or kinship homes across the country amid the pandemic, issuing directions to the state governments and other authorities to protect them.
It had said juvenile justice boards should consider steps to release on bail all children who are alleged to be in conflict with the law and residing in an observation home unless there are clear and valid reasons not to do so.

The SC juvenile justice committee and the UNICEF during a conference had reviewed and ook stock of the actions taken by various states on child protection during the pandemic, as per the statement.

"Since the passing of the Supreme Court order in April 2020, 64 per cent children in need of care and protection who were in Child Care Institutions have been restored to their families (1,45,788 out of 2,27,518)," the United Nations child rights body said.

"About 60 per cent children in conflict with the law (5,155 out of 8,614) were also released to their parents," the UNICEF said, adding that at least 132 children from childcare institutions across the country reportedly contracted COVID-19.

Women and Child Development Ministry Secretary Ram Manohar Mishra said: "We need to focus on the quality of services and their impact on the lives of children, and appealed States to draft a detailed district action plans with the support of children."

Read More: