CH NEWS, KOPPAL
Additional District Judge Madhu N.R. said support persons have an important responsibility in protecting children who face sexual offences.
He was speaking after inaugurating a three-day capacity-building programme for support persons in Koppal, being held from August 12 to 14.
The programme was jointly organized by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Legal Services Authority, Women and Child Development Department, District Child Protection Unit and Enpold Trust, Bengaluru. Madhu said support persons, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Rules, 2020, assist affected children during investigation and trial.
He said support persons should submit monthly reports to the Child Welfare Committee on children’s physical and mental health, education and any need to change schools. Such reports can help authorities plan rehabilitation. He also explained that applications for interim relief can be filed in the Fast Track Court on behalf of affected children, and they should receive clear information about available support.
Senior Civil Judge and District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Mahantesh Dargada said support persons provide emotional strength, advice and guidance during trials.
District Child Protection Officer Sindhu Angadi said they must coordinate between children, departments and communities, while protecting children’s dignity and rights. Resource persons Divya Jogi, Khushi Kushalappa and Harish Jogi addressed participants on child protection issues. Support persons and voluntary organisation representatives attended the programme, which concluded with a call for active cooperation in protecting vulnerable children.