Family is key to the holistic development of children

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

With the objective that “a child has the right to grow up in a safe and loving family environment,” a one-day special parents’ meet on ‘family empowerment and family-based alternative care’ was recently organised in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The presence of parents and caregivers was a notable highlight of the event.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of district women and child development officer Mahendra Darade, and jointly organised by the district child protection unit and Miracle Foundation India at a city hotel. Mahendra Darade interacted with parents and emphasised that child protection is not just the responsibility of the government, but should be a priority for society, especially families.

From legal awareness to mental health

District child protection officer Mahadev Dongare guided attendees on the ‘Mission Vatsalya’ scheme and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. He explained how families can become empowered by availing benefits of government schemes. Psychologist Mahesh Markad elaborated on various stages of a child’s development, highlighting that emotional and intellectual needs are as important as physical needs. Sonali Titawane from Miracle Foundation shed light on the importance of family-based care over institutional care, explaining the positive impact of raising children within families and communities.

Positive response from parents

Parents expressed that the workshop helped them understand children’s rights and realise the importance of a loving home compared to institutional care. For the successful organisation of the programme, probation officer Ravindra Bhimanwar, counsellors Chandrakant Avhad and Chandrabhan Jangle, and child protection officer Kalpana Mohite, among others, contributed their efforts.