Child Friendly Juvenile Police through Social Work Approach

Abstract

The police are the first agency of contact for children in conflict with the law and children in need of care and protection. These children undergo varied problems that are bio-psychosocial, which is beyond their coping, which will lead to children resorting to unacceptable behaviors such as involving in unlawful activities. Department of Women and Child Development, Kerala, with support from NIMHANS, initiated a novel program to provide psychosocial care and support for children in conflict with the law. As part of the program, Special Juvenile Police Officials were trained in psychosocial care for children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with the law. Incorporating social work techniques in training police and skills in practice, especially among the special juvenile police units, will sensitize police on psychosocial problems and care for children that will support better execution of law in favor of children.