SC takes note of COVID-19 infection among children in TN shelter home

Supreme Court on Thursday took te of 35 children testing positive for COVID-19 in a government-run shelter home in Tamil Nu and sought a status report from state government including steps taken to protect remaining children.

A bench of justices L Nswara Rao, Krishna Murari and S Ravindra Bhat also sought a status report from different state governments on steps taken to protect children in shelter homes amid pandemic, and also compliance of its April 3 order in this regard.

top court said that Juvenile Justice Committees of high courts will circulate a questionnaire among state governments and collect ir feedback about protection of children from COVID-19 in shelter homes. More than 35 children and five staff members have tested COVID-19 positive in a government-run shelter home in Royapuram locality in Tamil Nu.

On April 3, top court h taken suo motu (on its own) cognizance of condition of children in protection, juvenile and foster or kinship homes across country amid coronavirus outbreak and h issued directions to state governments and various or authorities to protect m.

top court h said as COVID-19 pandemic is intensifying in country, it is important that urgent measures are taken on a priority basis to prevent spre of virus in child care institutions (CCIs), children in need of care and protection (CNCP), children in contact with law (CICWL) in observation homes and children in foster and kinship care.

It h said juvenile justice boards (JJBs) should consider steps to release all children alleged to be in conflict with law residing in observation homes on bail unless re are clear and valid reasons t to do so.

top court h issued directions for child welfare committees (CWCs) across country and said y would monitor cases telephonically of children sent back to ir families and coordinate through district child protection committees and foster care and option committees for those in foster care.

top court h directed JJBs and children's courts "to pro-actively consider wher a child or children should be kept in CCIs, considering best interest, health and safety concerns".

It h said video-conferences or online sittings can be held to prevent contact for speedy disposal of cases and JJBs should ensure that counselling services are provided for all children in observation homes.

top court h directed that all state governments shall circulate information to CCIs about how to deal with COVID-19 immediately, with instructions that awareness about it is spre in a timely and effective manner.

It h asked states to stay prepared for a disaster or emergency situation that may arise and start developing a system to put in place trained volunteers who could step in to care for children.