Kerala: Good parenting centres soon in all districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health and social justice minister K K Shailaja has said that the government would set up 'good parenting centres' in all districts, in view of the recurring incidents of atrocities against children. The minister also said that efforts were on to make courts in the state child-friendly.
"The parenting centres to be set up would be most scientific and would be based on good aspects in our traditions and the constitutional values that ensure gender equality. The centres would function under the child welfare committees (CWCs)," the minister said while delivering the keynote address at the one-day workshop held for police here on Tuesday.
The centres, Shailaja said, would underscore the responsibility of the parents in nurturing their children into good citizens. "We need to avoid circumstances which could inflict mental pain to children. The government is making efforts to make courts child-friendly, and procedures are progressing to establish a child-friendly Pocso court in Ernakulam district," she said.
Asserting that media could play a vital role in confronting atrocities against children, the minster stressed on the need to establish a video monitoring system to prevent such attacks. "The woman and child development department has initiated strong awareness programmes against these atrocities. The department will further deliberate on all legal options for preventing such attacks and on what else could be done to sensitise parents," Shailaja said.
Calling upon the public not to cover up or remain silent on attacks against children, the minister said time called for strong interventions 'after an in-depth understanding of the backgrounds of children'. "Children spend most of their time at their houses, creches, anganwadis and schools. The institutions should be able to alert authorities if they come across children showing any sort of mental disturbance. Anganwadi workers, Asha workers and school counsellors could make significant interventions. There should be a united effort by all to ensure safety and security of children," the minister added.