Two Days Mental Health Consultation

QIC&AC in association with NCPCR conducted two days consultation on “Positive Mental Health & well Being of children in Institutional care (under the JJ Act) – a rights based approach,” conceived by Udayan Care on 6th & 7th Feb. 2009 at Indian Social Institute. Asset of the prog. was the dynamic involvement of the entire array of those involved in caring & nurturing for the children.
Chief Guest Dr. Prof.. Shanta Sinha, Chairperson NCPCR, honored the programme with her presence. Subsequently, presence of Guest of Honor Ms. Sandhya Bajaj Member NCPCR & Mr. Rajeev Kale, Director, Dept. of Social Welfare, Delhi and the participation of CWC Chairpersons & Members put weight on the immense importance of the issue.
The objectives of consultation was, Firstly, to highlight the mandatory provisions of Mental Health Programmes for all children in licensed child welfare institutions as per the JJ Rules amended in 2007 (rule-46). Secondly, acceptance of Child Protection Policy (CPP) by all child care institutions whether govt. or non govt. to ensure delivery of standard services to the child. Third, to develop the draft manual as per the “Individual Care Plan” according to S-46 and Form XXI (Rule 50 (12)(a), 54(1)(o) and 87(1)(k)) of JJ Rules. Fourth, to highlight the efforts made by caregivers to bring positive change in the lives of children in a difficult environment. Fifth, to develop understanding towards correlation between Socio-Psychological Aspect & Mental Health of children reached in institutions.
Also most importantly, to develop and then pass a Delhi Declaration on Child Protection Policy, which was also done.
To achieve the above objectives, various eminent experts were invited to enrich the programme. On day one, after inauguration by Ms. Sinha, the technical session was started by Mr. Vikram Dutt, (Thematic Head Mental Health QIC&AC), Mr. Vikram Srivastava (CRY), Dr. Kiran Modi (Udayan Care), Mr. Gerry Pinto (Butterflies). In their individual presentations, they put emphasis on the “Mental Health as a Child Rights issue and an integral part of every Child Protection Policy”. This was followed with the presentation on Child Protection Policy developed by members, QIC&AC. On which, Ms. Sinha, secure her views and take some time to have in-depth study of the document before giving any reaction.
Then, Caregivers from various licensed Children Homes (govt. & non govt.) highlighted the problems faced by them to deal with the children in Children Institutions. This session was concluded with the hilarious but heart warming “nukkad natak” presented by volunteers, Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, from the world of caregivers.
The day was concluded by Dr. Deepak Gupta & Dr. Priyanka Goenka (Consultant Child Psychiatrist and Psychologist) with Ms. Shubhra Shahare (Udayan Care) with their presentation on the Listening Skills & Case Studies: leading to Care Vs Control.
At the onset of day two, Dr. Deepak Gupta & Mr. Dhaneshwar Yadav (AIIMS), initiated technical session on “Mental Health of children in institutional care”. They depicted two entirely different perspectives. Former presented his professional psychiatric views and the latter in a more emotional and ground –level involved manner.
Then, Mr. M.M. Vidyarthi, Member CWC, Lajpat Ng. and Dr. Alok Bhuwan, Manovikas Charitable Society join the desk with their documentation related to Individual Care Plan (as per S-46, JJ Rules).
This was followed with the group work activity in which delegates were divided into four groups and asked to reflect their views on the given topic.
Subsequently, Mr. Amod Kanth IPS (Retd.) Chairperson, DCPCR joined the programme. In his address, he shared many anecdotal experiences which all emphasized that a judicious combination of love, care & professional attention went a long way in establishing vigorous growth patterns for children, even though traumatized. He appreciated the joint initiative of QIC&AC and Udayan Care in starting an exercise for superior implementation of the JJ Rules. “Nukkad natak” was also presented before him by the same group on “the importance of listening skills for care givers”. Also, CPP was shared with him to get his assent on the document. Therefore, on behalf of DCPCR he promised all support to facilitate an energetic and self-motivated implementation of JJ Rules and Act.. He was then affixed his own signature on the document which was latter signed by all the delegates presented. Finally, Consultation was ended with vote of thanks by Brig. B.M. Narang, Udayan Care.
Detailed report is available at www.udayancare.org
Some details about the organizers: