The new strategy is to hire qualified counselors, psychologists and psychatirsts
Picture used for representational purpose. (Photo: DC/File)
THIRUVANNATHAPURAM: With escape attempts from child care home on the rise, the Social Justice Department has decided to upgrade its counseling support system in its welfare and rehabilitation homes. As of now, Master of Social Service graduates or MA Psychology graduates fresh out of college are being employed on a temporary basis at minimum wages in these child care institutions.
The new strategy is to hire qualified counselors, psychologists and psychatirsts with at least a decade of experience. There will be no limits on salaries either. Their brief: Emotionally empower a child and function as their mentors. “Unrest in most of our child care institutions is a symptom that our welfare system is malfunctioning,” a top Social Justice Department official said.
“We have now come to the realization that it is not enough to construct welfare homes for the orphaned and the traumatized but there should also be expert mechanisms to address the trauma,” the official said. Even the Nirbhaya project for victims of sexual abuse could break down if expert counselors are not recruited on an emergency basis.
“Young MSW students do not have the competency. For them, this job is just an entry point in the job market. Experienced professionals are essential for the mental health of institutionalized children,” said Fr Philip Parakkat, member of the State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights.
( Source : dc )
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