The Supreme Court took Suo moto cognizance of the spread of COVID-19 scare in child protection, foster homes where children are kept as per the Juvenile Justice Act and passed certain directions to the concerned authority for ensuring the protection of these children. These directions have been framed on the basis of current information of spread COVID-19.
The Juvenile Justice Committees of every high court shall keep in my mind that these directions are complied strictly and also ensure that the directions issued by the state. In lock down also not violated.
Necessary permissions shall be given by the district authorities to transfer children to their family homes or juvenile justice board or any other authority.
Directions given to Child Welfare Committees (CWC)
The court has issued directions to CWCs to take preventive measures while conducting inquiries/ inspections.
CWCs are required monitoring of case telephonically for those children who have sent back to their families.
An online help desk is to be setup for queries at the state level for children.
Directions given to the Juvenile Justice Board and Children Courts
The Juvenile Justice Boards and Children Courts shall consider measures to prevent the risk of harm arising out of COVID-19 in children residing in special homes, observation homes, etc.
JJB shall take steps to release children on bail alleged to be in conflict with the law unless there are clear and valid reasons for the application of the proviso to section 12 of Juvenile Justice Act 2015.
Online sessions or video conferencing may be held for quick disposal of cases. Counseling services shall be provided at observation homes.
Directions given to the State Governments
All state governments shall communicate information and instructions to all Child Care Institutes about how to deal with COVID-19.
State Government shall ensure that duties shall be performed by all govt. functionaries diligently and any violation of rules and orders shall be viewed seriously and strict disciplinary action shall be taken against the erring officials.
Ensuring of availability of good quality face masks, soap, sanitizers, etc, adequate food, drinking water, etc.
Directions to Child Care Institutes (CCI)
CCIs to comply with the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and to use government helpline numbers on COVID-19 (1075 & 1800-112-545) for queries.
Court has asked CCIs to keep in my mind that no person having symptoms of COVID-19 is allowed to enter in the institutes. Regular handwash and social distancing must be practiced.