Section 16 in The Maharashtra Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2002
16. Establishment of Children's Home.
(1)The State Government may set up in every district or a group of districts, either by itself or by recognizing or certifying any of the Child Welfare Institutions as Children Home for children in need of care and protection in the manner specified under section 34 of the Act.(2)A Separate homes and facilities should be maintained and provided for boys and girls of(i)0 -6 years of age (mix boys and girls),(ii)7-12 years of age,(iii)13-18 years of age.(inclusive of both the ages)(3)Each Children's Home shall have a Child Care Centre or Child Guidance Clinic. The activities of Children's Home shall involve the participation of the community voluntary organisations and Non-Governmental organisations etc.(4)The Schemes pertaining to development, education, health, etc., shall be linked with the activities of Children's Home.(5)A Medical Officer should visit and examine the children in the home at least twice a week to provide the required medical care.(6)The activities of such centre shall focus on, -(a)Family based services, such as foster family care, adoption and sponsorship.(b)Specialized services in conflict or disaster affected areas to prevent neglect by providing family Counselling, sponsorship, play groups; etc.(c)Provision of child-line and emergency outreach service through 1098, a free phone facility for children.(d)Linking up with Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to cater to the needs of the children below six years.(e)To establish linkages with organisations and individuals who can provide support services to children, and(f)To encourage volunteers to provide for various services for children and families to become guardian.(7)There shall be adequate lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling arrangements, drinking water and toilets, in terms of age appropriateness and hygiene.(8)The children's home shall provide education to all children according to the age and ability and as per requirement.(9)Every children's home shall make available useful vocational training under the guidance of trained instructors or through external sources. The home shall develop networking with Institute of Technical Instruction, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Government and Private Organisations with expertise or placement agencies.(10)Each home shall have the services of a trained counsellor. The services of Child Guidance Centres, Psychology and Psychiatric Departments or similar agency may also be availed.(11)Each home must have recreation facilities including indoor and outdoor games, music, television, picnics and outgoing, cultural programmes etc.(12)The in-charge, counsellor along with the child welfare office, case worker or social worker shall prepare a care plan for every child in the home. The care plan shall be reviewed from time to time for appropriate development and rehabilitation including options for restoration to family or foster care or adoption and review shall not be delayed beyond a year. The focus shall be on providing family and community based re-integration programmes. It is advisable to consult with the children while determining their care plan.
