What is the PAATHAI Initiative?

December 13, 2024

The PAATHAI initiative was recently launched in Chennai by Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister Geeta Jeevan and aims to support first-time child offenders, addressing their unique needs through a comprehensive approach. It is a collaborative effort between the Children Welfare and Special Services Department and PRISM, with a budget of ₹40 lakh for a one-year pilot project at the Government Observation Home in Chennai.

Objectives of PAATHAI

The primary objective of PAATHAI is to provide mental health counselling and behavioural therapy to children. It focuses on rehabilitation and offers treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. The initiative aims to ensure ongoing support and monitoring to help children avoid reverting to harmful behaviours after their release.

Key Components of the Programme

The programme encompasses several key components, including mental health support, behavioural therapy, and addiction treatment. Continuous follow-up is essential, as many children face peer pressure that can lead them back to negative influences. The initiative is designed to provide consistent support until the child is fully reintegrated into society.

Training and Support Mechanisms

Additional training and counselling will be provided to equip children with the skills necessary for positive decision-making. This training aims to empower them to resist negative influences and build a healthier future. The initiative will also include collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance its effectiveness.

Future Expansion Plans

The PAATHAI initiative is set to expand to other observation homes in the near future. This expansion will involve a coordinated effort among PRISM staff, judicial committee members, probationary officers, District Child Protection Officers, psychologists, and Child Welfare Committees. The goal is to create a supportive environment for children in need across multiple locations.

Ongoing monitoring will be a critical aspect of the programme’s success. Regular assessments will ensure that children receive the necessary support and resources. This approach aims to track progress and make adjustments as needed to improve outcomes for participants.

GKToday Facts for Exams:
PAATHAI: The PAATHAI initiative focuses on supporting first-time child offenders. It offers mental health counselling and rehabilitation to help children reintegrate into society successfully.
PRISM: PRISM stands for Prisoners Rights Interventions Support Mission. This organisation collaborates on the PAATHAI initiative, aiming to provide support and guidance for children in observation homes.
Government Observation Home: The Government Observation Home in Chennai serves as a facility for juvenile offenders. It is the primary site for implementing the PAATHAI initiative for one year.
Behavioural Therapy: Behavioural therapy is a key component of the PAATHAI initiative. It helps children address negative behaviours and develop positive coping strategies for future challenges.

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