Thane Police Adopts Aarambh’s Child Friendly Kits

On 13th May 2015, Mr. Parag Manere, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Thane inaugurated Aarambh’s child friendly kits that have been designed to create a child-friendly atmosphere whenever a child has to go through systems of the judiciary like reporting, investigation, medical examination, trial etc.

The concept of the kit was born out of Aarambh’s on-ground experiences in serving as a support person in cases of sexual offences against children. Despite keeping the best interests of the child at heart, the judicial process tends to be relentlessly tiring and traumatic for the child. The kit, a simple bag which contains toys, story books, coloring equipment, video games, soft toys, food, water etc, helps children remain comforted and engaged throughout the process. It is practical, low cost and endlessly replicable.

When we spoke about the kits to the Thane Police at a Police Training Workshop organized jointly by Aarambh & Salaam Baalak Trust Child Line there was a positive response. The District Child Protection Unit in Thane, decided that Thane Police would be the first to adopt the concept.

The inauguration of the kit took place today at the Thane Commissionerate in the presence of District Child Protection Officer Mr. Parmeshwar Dhasade and other members of the local District Child Protection Unit; Ms. Priti Patkar, Founder, Prerana & Co-Director, Aarambh; Mr. Milind Bidwai, Program Manager, Salaam Baalak Trust; Ms. Uma Subramanian, Co-Director, Aarambh, among others.

“This is an extremely thoughtful effort,” said Mr. Manere as he went through the contents of the kit. “It is practical and suitable for children across all ages. The introduction of Child Friendly Kits is an affirmation of our vision to make all Thane Police Units child friendly and child safe.”

Says Mr. Parmeshwar Damade, DCPO, “Thane Police has been in the forefront of the implementation of the new law on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences. The Child Friendly kits will assist the systems of child protection and the people who work within these systems.”

Ms. Priti Patkar said, “We innovated the kit to ensure that children don’t feel the pressure and trauma during the entire process of statement recording, medical examination and trial. We hope that other organisations and individuals working with children embrace this simple idea and share their knowledge with us in enhancing the utility of this kit.”

In the next two months, 25 Child Friendly Kits will be placed at strategic locations across Thane from police stations to offices of support persons and ngos to courts. Little black bags slung on capable shoulders will be carrying care, protection and comfort to every child in need.

Read our Blog on the Concept of Child Friendly Kits here