Corporate Firms Can Adopt Children Homes As Part of CSR
Earlier this year in April, the Government of India enacted the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act, 2015. This was done with the aim to initiate services in institutions, regular inspection of facilities for children and bring forth solutions for improvement. The scheme requires funds to carry-out its plans, and has asked corporate houses to initiate adoption under their as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) under its “Adopt a Home” scheme has encouraged corporate houses and individuals to adopt juvenile homes. “The idea behind the scheme is to provide a vehicle by, which corporate and individuals can take up some initiative that helps make a difference in the lives of the children living in such homes. The support provided will enhance their physical, emotional, intellectual, social and moral development,” said a WCD ministry official.
In 2012, from 39,822 juveniles apprehended for offences under Indian Penal Code and Special & Local Laws, only 9,677 (24.3%) were sent to Observation Homes and Special Homes.
In 2013, with a 9% increase (43,506) in cases registered under the Act only 21% minors guilty of lawful offences found shelter. The percentage figure decreased to 19.7% in 2014, whereas the number of cases increased to 48,230.(Source: Ministry of Women and Child development) Deemed by the appalling conditioning of juvenile homes due to infrequent and inadequate funds, the government’s decision to seek help of CSR funds is a step in the right direction.
With an upgrade in the amount of money spent on each child (from existing Rs. 750 to Rs. 2000 per child every month), the government plans to address the basic needs of improvement in the personality and dignity of children.
Section 53 of the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act allows new sectors for investment of CSR funds such as, skill development training through non-formal education, counseling and vocational training with rehabilitation and re-integration services. Additionally, development in infrastructure of homes, waste management, sponsoring higher education, social and economical support during natural disasters and support homes for the differently-able can be areas of consideration for corporate firms and individuals.
The District Magistrate will head, coordinate, monitor and manage the program. Under section 8, the Juvenile Justice Board is required to perform monthly visits to residences of the convicts and recommend solutions for improving the quality of services. Further, the State Government will appoint committees for mandatory inspection of homes housing children, at least once in three months.
A recognition certificate will be provided to corporate firms for their contribution to the juvenile home by the WCD based on information received from the State Government. 
Balbir Aulakh is a second-year Mass Media student. He is extremely passionate about Football and Cricket and an enthusiastic writer about various aspects of these sports.
A past intern-reporter at IBN-7 and contributor to The Hard Tackle and WhatCulture Sport, Balbir happens to have a brief experience of working in the field of Search Engine Optimization, too. Based in Mumbai, he covers the fortunes of various football clubs across the city for Football Counter and in the process, living a dream. He is interested in the relationship between psychology and football. Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.
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