Mumbai, April 5 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government is set to establish help desks within Observation Homes throughout the state to safeguard the rights and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. On Saturday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis endorsed a proposal for the creation of these Help Desks.

The Help Desks will function in partnership with social organizations. A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) – Resource Cell for Juvenile Justice (RCJJ), and the Women and Child Development Department (WCD), Government of Maharashtra, to facilitate the rehabilitation of Children in Conflict with the Law (CCL).

In the initial phase, this initiative will roll out in five districts: Nagpur, Yavatmal, Latur, Pune, and Thane, aiming to assist at least 4,000 children each year.

Ultimately, the program will extend to all districts across the state in partnership with various NGOs.

Key services offered through this Help Desk initiative will include information and guidance on the Juvenile Justice system for juveniles and their families, legal support and referral services for rehabilitation, preparation and submission of Social Investigation Reports, educational support, vocational training, de-addiction programs, 24-hour helpline services, and coordination with Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act entities to expedite the resolution of pending cases.

The Chief Minister emphasized that establishing Help Desks is a step towards treating CCLs with dignity and compassion, providing them with a platform to express their legal and social concerns and receive necessary support.

This initiative aims to guide these children from an early stage, helping them evolve into responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society.

He highlighted that issues related to juvenile offenders extend beyond human rights; they are crucial components of sustainable human development.

The rehabilitation of these children stands as a significant and honorable duty of the Maharashtra government.

The Help Desks will guarantee better comprehension of legal processes, diminish exploitation and misunderstandings, enhance transparency in judicial actions, and empower children, thereby facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

“Numerous children involved in criminal activities come from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds and often lack legal knowledge. Misguidance from lawyers, social stigma, and emotional distress may prevent their access to justice. Parents are frequently uninformed about legal procedures. The Help Desks will provide counseling and guidance to help these children avoid substance abuse.

“Moreover, the Help Desks will offer information and legal process awareness to CCLs and their families, coordinate with Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB), lawyers, Child Welfare Committees (CWC), and other relevant agencies, ensuring consistent service through trained volunteers,” stated the official government release.