Kupwara : As per the strategic Action Plan 2024 of JK Legal Services Authority, an awareness programme regarding Juvenile, Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Prevention of Child Exploitation was on Wednesday held at S.M City Hall, Kupwara.
The programme was conducted by District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in collaboration with the Juvenile Justice Board Kupwara under the supervision of Chairperson, DLSA (Pr. District & Session Judge) Kupwara, Shazia Tabsum and under the guidance of Secretary DLSA/Sub-Judge, Kupwara, Manzoor Ahmad Khan.
The programme was aimed at generating awareness among the participants about various Constitutional Provisions specific to children and their rights besides develop a conceptual understanding of various rights of children and child protection policies and procedures, and gain an in-depth understanding of the psychosocial context of children in need of care and protection (CNCP) including legal frameworks.
Resource Person, Imtiyaz Ahmad empanelled Lawyer with DLSA Kupwara, gave an insight on the history behind enactment of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and also highlighted the prevention of child exploitation and to combat the alarming issues of child abuse and trafficking. He also stressed on the trauma faced by the child victim and the importance of their mental health and sought the intervention of the Support Persons to mitigate the survivors from being re-traumatized.
He emphasised the significance of understanding the constitutional framework of child rights and child protection. He also provided valuable insights into the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act and urged the attendees to gain a comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Para Legal Volunteer, Irfan Ahmad Shah touched on the various provisions contained in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
PLVs were also apprised that while acting as Support Persons, they have to provide pre-trial counseling and to accompany the child victim for recording of the statement and also to familiarize the child victim with the Court and its environment.
The programme was attended by Staff Members of JJB Kupwara, Angan Wadi Workers, Para legal Volunteers, DLSA Kupwara, and other participants.
