There is a need for a collaborative approach in ensuring proper implementation and monitoring of the reintegration and rehabilitation services for children in conflict with the law. This was highlighted today during the dissemination programme of the reviewed Standard Operating Procedure 2018 on case management for children in conflict with the law. The recommendation was proposed by the justice sector working group.
The reviewed SOP now contains integral roles and responsibilities including accountability of all stakeholders involved in dealing with children in conflict with the law.
“We expect that things could be improved with this review of SOP. There are also some instances where there is no clear responsibility indicated to each sector. So, with this review, we will be able to get a lot of collaboration and holistic approach from each sector and also accountability that each of the sectors will take into,” said Kinley Dorji, Programme Officer of the National Commission for Women and Children.
He added that early interventions are crucial in carrying out correcting measures for children in conflict with the law which requires collective responsibility.
59 participants from relevant stakeholders attended the event.
“Through this dissemination program, it will help not only in understanding the nature of our mandates and principles that different stakeholders and institutions had been mandated by the Child Care and Protection Act but also helps in bringing certainty, consistency and collaboration among different institutions,” said Leki Tshering, Registrar of the Royal Court of Justice of the Thimphu District Court.
“In schools, we have to deal with children who come in conflict with the law. Today’s dissemination of standard operating procedures has given me a clearer understanding to support and provide services to them,” said Karma Tenzin, School Guidance Counsellor of Zilukha Middle Secondary School.
NCWC has already disseminated the SOP to relevant stakeholders in Samdrup Jongkhar and Phuentshogling. They will disseminate the SOP to relevant agencies of the central district soon.
According to NCWC, the number of children in conflict with the law in the country is 136 this year, an increase of 57 compared to last year.
Tashi Yangden
Edited by Sonam Pem
