After last week’s rape of two minors who were staying at the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church’s home for children at Pollachi, the Department of Social Defence has circulated guidelines for homes for children.
It has asked the Child Protection Officers to ensure that these are followed stringently for the safety of girls.
The list of guidelines includes several measures to ensure the security of children staying at these homes. All the homes run by non-governmental organisations have been asked not to allow strangers entry and to install CCTVs. The facilities should have 24-hour security and high compound walls. There should be separate buildings for girls and boys.
The homes should employ trained personnel and organise training programmes for them regularly. The homes for girls should have women security personnel round the clock.
The wardens of the homes should be staying on the premises. Each home should have a security protocol to ensure that there is no risk to the children.
