Section 20 in The M.P. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2003
20. Procedure for detailed inquiry after producing the child before the Committee.
(1)When a child is brought before the committee, the committee shall assign the case to a Probation Officer/Social Worker/Case Worker/Child Welfare Officer/Officer-in-charge, as the case may be, of the home or any appropriate recognized agencies for conducting a detailed inquiry. The producing agent shall be encouraged to participate in the detailed inquiry, so as to avoid multiple inquiries.(2)The Committee shall direct the concerned person/organization the details/particulars to be enquired into for suitable rehabilitation. The direction for the inquiry under Section 33 of the Act must be in Form I. The Committee shall also maintain a list of experts in the field of psychology, counseling, etc. in consultation with the Department of Social Welfare, who are willing to provide such services. The Committee may direct such professionals to furnish a special report about the child in need of care and protection.(3)The detailed inquiry must be completed within 4 months unless special circumstances do not permit to do so in the interest of the child. Under such circumstances written extension must be taken by the Inquiring Officer/agency under Section 33 (2) of the Act.(4)Medical check up/assistance may be done/given if the personnel concerned think fit or if the child specifically requests for the same. Care shall be taken to ensure that such medical examination is conducted in a sensitive manner.(5)Where a child's parents or guardian cannot be contacted earlier, or as mentioned in sub-rule (6) of Rule 18 and, if the child specifically wishes that they not be contacted, the Probation Officer shall make a concerted effort to identify any other fit person accepted and considered appropriate by the child and shall inform him or her of the child's desire to seek assistance under the Act so that he or she can attend the inquiry.(6)The Committee shall make arrangement to send the child to the designated place of safety, or the Children's Home having appropriate facilities, regarding age and sex during the pending detailed inquiry. Children should as far as possible be lodged in a home closest to where they belong, unless it is not in their interest such as in situations of disaster/conflict.(7)The Committee may refuse temporary custody of the child to parents/ guardians if the release is found likely to be against the best interests of the child. Such reasons shall be recorded in writing and further detailed inquiries shall be made for suitable placement.(8)The child may be escorted by a representative of a voluntary organization or a Police Officer, or by any other arrangement deemed appropriate by the Committee. Escort by Police shall be a measure of last resort. The preference shall be given to designated Police Officer or those attached to a Special Juvenile Police Unit.(9)After completion of the inquiry, if the child is ordered to continue in the children's home, the Committee shall carry out an annual review of the progress of the child in the home.(10)Whenever the Committee orders a child to be kept in an institution. It shall forward to the Officer-in-Charge of such institution a copy of its order in Form III with particulars of the home and parents or guardian and previous record.(11)The competent authority may while making an order placing a child under the care of a parent, guardian or fit person as the case may be direct such parent, guardian or fit person to enter into a bond in Form IV with or without sureties.
