Vulnerable children and the law

Childhood is a time of rapid development in every area (body, mind, feelings, social life), and each area affects the others. Children need food, shelter, health care, love, nurturance and stimulation, all together. Bad experiences in childhood have lasting effects.

All children are vulnerable, but some much more: those whose basic needs are not met. The book points to widespread malnutrition, street children, too few pre-school places, children dropping out of school, and child labour.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 deals with two groups:

• children 'in conflict with law' (juvenile delinquents);
• children 'in need of care and protection'.

The Act is child-friendly: it aims at rehabilitation (helping the child start again), not punishment, in line with the Child Rights Convention.

Children in need of care and protection include those who:

• have no home or means of support, or live with an unfit guardian;
• are ill or disabled with no one to care for them;
• are abused, exploited, or at risk of drug abuse or trafficking;
• are victims of conflict or disaster;
• are abandoned or orphaned, runaways, rescued child labourers, children with special needs, or children of prisoners.

Care first, protection always, rehabilitation not punishment.