Functions of the Committee (Rule 25 of the Juvenile Justice)

Legal provisions regarding functions of the committee as per as rule 25 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rule 2007.

Under Rule 25 of the Juvenile (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2007, the Committee shall perform the following functions to achieve the objectives of the Act, namely:

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(a) Take cognizance of and receive children produced before the Committee;

(b) Decide on the matters brought before the Committee;

(c) Reach out to such children in need of care and protection who are not in a position to be produced before the Committee, being in difficult circumstances, with support from the District Child Protection Unit or State Child Protection Unit or the State Government;

(d) Conduct necessary inquiry on all issues relating to and affecting the safety and well-being of the child;

(e) Direct the Child Welfare Officers or Probation Officers or non-governmental organizations to conduct social inquiry and submit a report to the Committee;

(f) Ensure necessary care, and protection, including immediate shelter;

(g) Ensure appropriate rehabilitation and restoration, including passing necessary directions to parents or guardians or fit persons or fit institutions in this regard, in addition to follow up and co-ordination with District Child Protection Unit or State Adoption Resource Agency and other agencies;

(h) Direct the officer-in-charge of children’s homes to receive children requiring shelter and care;

(i) Document and maintain detailed case record along with a case summary of every case dealt by the Committee;

(j) Provide a child friendly environment tor children;

(k) Recommend ‘fit institutions’ to the State Government for the care and protection of children;

(l) Declare ‘fit persons’;

(m) Declare a child legally free for adoption;

(n) Keep information about and take necessary follow up action in respect of missing children in their jurisdiction;

(o) Maintain liaison with the Board in respect of cases needing care and protection;

(p) Visit each institution where children are sent for care and protection or adoption at least once in three months to review the condition of children in institutions with support of the State Government and suggest necessary action;

(q) Monitor associations and agencies within their jurisdiction that deal with children in order to check on the exploitation and abuse of children;

(r) Co-ordinate with the Police, Labour Department and other agencies involved in the care and protection of children with the support of District Child Protection Unit or State Child Protection Unit or State Government;

(s) Liaison and network with the corporate sector and non­governmental organization for any of the above, including for social inquiry, restoration and rehabilitation as and when required; and

(t) Maintain a suggestion box to encourage inputs from children and adults alike and take necessary action.