Section 60 in The Juvenile Justice (Care And Protection Of Children) Rules, 2007
60. Abuse and exploitation of the juvenile or child.
(1)Every institution shall have systems of ensuring that there is no abuse, neglect and mal-treatment and this shall include the staff being aware of what constitutes abuse, neglect and mal-treatment as well as early indicators of abuse, neglect and mal-treatment and how to respond to these.(2)In the event of any physical, sexual or emotional abuse, including neglect of juveniles and children in an institution by those responsible for care and protection, the following action shall be taken:-(i)the incidence of abuse and exploitation must be reported by any staff member of the institution immediately to the Officer-in-Charge on receiving such information;(ii)when an allegation of physical, sexual or emotional abuse comes to the knowledge of the Officer-in-Charge, a report shall be placed before the Board or Committee, who in turn, shall order for special investigation;(iii)the Board or Committee shall direct the local Police Station or Special Juvenile Police Unit to register a case, take due cognizance of such occurrences and conduct necessary investigations;(iv)the Board or Committee shall take necessary steps to ensure completion of all inquiry and provide legal aid as well as counselling to the juvenile or child victim;(v)the Board or Committee shall transfer such a juvenile or child to another institution or place of safety or fit person;(vi)the Officer-in-Charge of the institution shall also inform the chairperson of the management committee and place a copy of the report of the incident and subsequent action taken before the management committee in its next meeting;(vii)in the event of any other crime committed in respect of juveniles or children in institutions, the Board or Committee shall take cognizance and arrange for necessary investigation to be carried out by the local Police Station or Special Juvenile Police Unit;(viii)the Board or Committee may consult Children's Committee setup in each institution to enquire into the fact of abuse and exploitation as well as seek assistance from relevant voluntary organisations, child rights experts, mental health experts or crisis intervention centres in dealing with matters of abuse and exploitation of juveniles or children in an institution.
