The Juvenile Justice Act And Its Ground Realities
- IJLLR Journal
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Mriduverdhan Singh, Institute of Law, Nirma University
Jaiverdhan Singh, Amity University, Noida
ABSTRACT
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, despite its well-intentioned and comprehensive framework, faces significant challenges in achieving its stated goals of care, protection, and successful reintegration of children into society. This paper critically examines the on-the-ground implementation of the Act, highlighting major emergent problems that hinder its effectiveness. A pervasive issue is the lack of vocational skills among juveniles exiting the system, which severely impedes their reintegration into mainstream society by limiting employment opportunities. Furthermore, mental health and substance abuse issues are alarmingly prevalent among juveniles within the system, often left unaddressed due to systemic deficiencies like a shortage of qualified mental health professionals and inadequate staff training in juvenile detention centres. These centres, intended as rehabilitative spaces, frequently fail to provide specialized reformative programs, leading to ill-treatment and further perpetuating mental and physical health issues.Additionally, Childline Services, a crucial component of the juvenile justice framework, is experiencing fundamental operational problems following its transition from NGO partnerships to full government control, particularly concerning funding for transport and awareness campaigns. Drawing on primary data collected through extensive interviews with stakeholders—including members of Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, social workers, and juveniles themselves—as well as field visits to relevant organisations in a district of Rajasthan, this study provides a pilot analysis of these implementation realities. This research offers practical, cost-effective, and easily implementable solutions derived from consultations with all parties involved in the system. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a paradigm shift in the Act's interpretation, moving beyond mere "care and protection" to encompass "love, growth, and awareness," thereby fostering an environment where juveniles can truly thrive rather than merely survive.
Keywords: Juvenile Justice Act, Child Rehabilitation, Mental Health in Juveniles, Vocational Training, Childline Services
