Social Welfare Minister launches PAATHAI project to ensure care for children

Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister Geeta Jeevan launched the PAATHAI (personality affirming attitude, transformation, holistic approach intervention) initiative in Chennai on Wednesday.

The initiative is being rolled out by the Children Welfare and Special Services Department in association with PRISM (Prisoners Rights Interventions Support Mission). The pilot project is being implemented at a cost of ₹40 lakh at the Government Observation Home in Chennai for now. The one-year project will provide mental health counselling, behavioural counselling and rehabilitation, treatment of alcoholics and drug addicts, and continuous monitoring services to children who are first-time offenders.

According to an official from the department, the children in the observation homes are trained and counselled however, once they get out due to peer pressure and other factors they are back on the same path. “The project is an effort to ensure that the child does not fall back into old habits and there will be continuous follow-ups with the project staff until they are settled,” the official added.

Speaking about the project, the Minister said, “The child will be given further training and counselling so that they remain on the right path. Soon this project will be extended to other observation homes too.”

PRISM staff, members of the judicial committee, probationary officers, District Child Protection Officers, Child Welfare Committees, psychologists, Skill Development Department and Child Protection Officers will be involved in the effective implementation of it.

Published - December 12, 2024 01:02 am IST