GSCPCR holds stakeholder meet on child protection measures

The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) held a Convergence Meeting of Stakeholders under the Integrated Child Protection System, Goa, recently at the Secretariat, Porvorim.

The meet, chaired by Shashikant K Punaji, Chairperson of GSCPCR, brought together representatives from the district administrations of North Goa, South Goa and Kushavati, Police, Judiciary, Health, District Child Protection Units, Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, Special Juvenile Police Units, Child Helpline, Victim Assistance Unit/SCAN and ARZ.

The meeting was facilitated by Adv Sofia S De Souza, Member of GSCPCR, and attended by Commission members Snehal Salgaokar, Sanjiwani Dessai, Ketaki Gadekar, Shalaka Dessai and Esther Roe Torres.

The meet focused on coordination between stakeholders, timely referral and response, information sharing, rehabilitation and support services, and strengthening the implementation of child protection mechanisms under the Juvenile Justice, POCSO & Goa Children's Acts.

The chairperson stressed that child protection is a shared responsibility and that gaps between institutions need to be addressed through better coordination and clear responsibilities. The meeting also discussed the need for stronger district and taluka-level coordination, designated nodal officers, common data-sharing mechanisms, training and sensitisation, and regular review and accountability.

SCAN-Goa/Victim Assistance Unit and ARZ shared field perspectives on challenges faced in supporting children and the need for stronger coordination between agencies.

The commission will take forward the issues identified during the meeting and review progress in its next stakeholder meeting scheduled for January 6, 2027.