Rescue centres should be spaces kids feel safe in

The Snehasadan centre at Chakala in Andheri on Wednesday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Frustrated with the lack of security at a shelter for rescued street children in Andheri, the Mumbai Police wrote to the Child Welfare Committee two months ago expressing their concern as approximately five kids run away from the home every year. Recently, an eight-year-old boy ran away.

In their letter, the police requested that children be provided shelter elsewhere.

Cops rescue children who are alone on the streets or have left home for some reason and present them to the CWC. If necessary, they are then admitted to the centre, which receives government subsidies to provide free facilities, till the child turns 18 years old. There are certain security lapses. Like CCTV footage often shows security guards sleeping or caretakers preoccupied with other tasks.

The Centre's representative claimed that these children ran away by scaling the walls, and all efforts are on to ensure their safety. The Centre in fact, claimed that they are doing their best for the welfare of these children.

It is true that kids on the street, often miss the ‘free' atmosphere on the roads when they are put into a home, where they need to follow a routine.

That is why it may be wise to have certain modules that explain the dangers on the streets, and how these rescue homes can be the first step towards rehabilitation and a better life. That message can be given by the Centre officials and teachers.

However, it is naïve to think that is enough. Therefore, excellent CCTV surveillance is a must at all these rescue homes. Even the walls can have some kind of barbed wire or an alarm system in case somebody is trying to scale them. Enough security personnel is a must. In the end, a balance must be struck between freedom and a safe and most importantly, secure space for the children.