The Tamil Nadu Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department has introduced comprehensive guidelines for appointing 'Support Persons' to assist child victims in POCSO cases, ensuring better legal and emotional navigation.

  • Dedicated 'Support Persons' to be appointed for POCSO victims.
  • Minimum age of 25 and mandatory police verification for applicants.
  • Honorarium of ₹10,000 per case provided in four installments.
  • Maximum limit of 10 cases per person with a 3-year tenure.

Chennai: In a significant move to strengthen the support system for child victims of sexual offenses, the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department has released detailed guidelines regarding the selection and duties of 'Support Persons' for cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

According to the new framework, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) is mandated to maintain a comprehensive pool and database of qualified support persons. Eligibility extends to officials from children's homes or shelters, DCPU employees, and professionals working within child rights organizations. A strict age criterion has been set, requiring applicants to be at least 25 years old.

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Selection Process and Governance

The DCPU will invite applications annually through public advertisements. The process involves rigorous police verification followed by a formal interview. The selection committee is designed to be multi-disciplinary, chaired by the District Revenue Officer (DRO) and including a member of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), a Deputy Superintendent of Police, an experienced support person nominated by the District Collector, and the District Child Protection Officer acting as convener. Final approval rests with the District Collector, and the approved list will be disseminated to the police, Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the judiciary, and prosecutors.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the legal journey for a child victim is often fraught with trauma and bureaucratic complexity. By institutionalizing the role of a 'Support Person,' Tamil Nadu is moving toward a victim-centric approach. This ensures that the child is not just a witness in a trial, but a supported individual receiving holistic care, which significantly improves the quality of testimony and the speed of rehabilitation.

"The presence of a trained support person acts as a psychological bridge between the vulnerable child and the intimidating environment of the courtroom, ensuring the child's rights are upheld."

Roles and Responsibilities

Support persons will be tasked with orienting the child and their family regarding the investigation's stages. They must ensure the child receives necessary medical care as per the POCSO Act, 2012, including assistance regarding pregnancy or its termination. They are required to maintain contact with the family at least once a week and provide immediate updates on case developments.

Furthermore, they will accompany the child during interactions with police, court officials, DCPU, and the CWC. They are also responsible for coordinating with interpreters, translators, or special educators if the child requires specific assistance during legal proceedings.

Did You Know?: The POCSO Act 2012 is one of India's most stringent laws for child protection, emphasizing child-friendly court procedures to prevent secondary victimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the financial compensation for a Support Person?
A: They will receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per case, paid out in four installments.

Q2: How long is the term of a selected Support Person?
A: The term of appointment is three years, during which they can handle a maximum of 10 cases simultaneously.