Code: Section 53 – Rehabilitation and Re-Integration Services in Institutions Registered Under This Act and Management Thereof
(1) The services that shall be provided, by the institutions registered under this Act in the process of rehabilitation and re-integration of children, shall be in such manner as may be prescribed, which may include—
(i) basic requirements such as food, shelter, clothing and medical attention as per the prescribed standards;
(ii) equipment such as wheel-chairs, prosthetic devices, hearing aids, braille kits, or any other suitable aids and appliances as required, for children with special needs;
(iii) appropriate education, including supplementary education, special education, and appropriate education for children with special needs:
Provided that for children between the age of six to fourteen years, the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (35 of 2009) shall apply;
(iv) skill development;
(v) occupational therapy and life skill education;
(vi) mental health interventions, including counselling specific to the need of the child;
(vii) recreational activities including sports and cultural activities;
(viii) legal aid where required;
(ix) referral services for education, vocational training, de-addiction, treatment of diseases where required;
(x) case management including preparation and follow up of individual care plan;
(xi) birth registration;
(xii) assistance for obtaining the proof of identity, where required; and
(xiii) any other service that may reasonably be provided in order to ensure the well-being of the child, either directly by the State Government, registered or fit individuals or institutions or through referral services.
(2) Every institution shall have a Management Committee, to be set up in a manner as may be prescribed, to manage the institution and monitor the progress of every child.
(3) The officer in-charge of every institution, housing children above six years of age, shall facilitate setting up of children’s committees for participating in such activities as may be prescribed, for the safety and well-being of children in the institution.
Explanation of Section 53 of the Juvenile Justice Act
Section 53 outlines the services and structure that institutions must follow for the rehabilitation and reintegration of children. These services are meant to help children recover from trauma, learn life skills, and prepare for a better future.
Registered institutions must provide essential care—such as food, shelter, medical aid, and education. Additionally, they must offer services for children with special needs, such as assistive devices and special education.
The law also includes services like vocational training, therapy, recreational activities, and legal aid. To manage this effectively, each institution must have a Management Committee. For children above six years of age, the law encourages child participation through children’s committees.
Key Provisions
- Institutions must provide basic care and specialized support services.
- Education is mandatory, especially under the Right to Education Act for children aged 6 to 14.
- Management Committees oversee operations and child progress.
- Children’s committees ensure child participation and well-being within institutions.
Illustration
Example 1: Rehabilitation Services in Action
A child rescued from child labor is placed in a registered child care institution. The institution provides the child with food, clothes, school enrollment, counselling, and training in computer skills. A personalized care plan is created and monitored by the Management Committee.
Example 2: Children’s Committee in an Institution
In an institution housing 30 children above the age of six, the officer-in-charge helps form a children’s committee. The committee discusses safety, hygiene, and even requests more art supplies for recreation. Their feedback helps improve the institution’s environment.
Common Questions and Answers
1. What are the key services institutions must provide?
Institutions must offer food, shelter, clothing, medical care, education, therapy, life skills, legal aid, and more. The services aim to help children heal and grow.
2. Are these services available to children with special needs?
Yes. Institutions must provide assistive devices, special education, and customized support for children with disabilities.
3. What is the role of the Management Committee?
The Management Committee manages the institution and monitors each child’s progress, ensuring effective implementation of services.
4. Why are children’s committees important?
They give children a voice in their care. These committees promote safety, empowerment, and active participation in institutional life.
5. Is education mandatory under this section?
Yes. For children aged 6 to 14, the Right to Education Act applies. Institutions must enroll them in appropriate educational programs.
Conclusion
Section 53 ensures that child care institutions do more than just house children. They must help children grow, recover, and re-enter society with dignity and strength. With structured services, skilled oversight, and child participation, this section creates a strong foundation for child welfare.
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