Bhubaneswar, Sept 1 [UDN}:A regional workshop on the prevention of child abuse and separation of children from their families was held at the Rishikulya Conference Hall of the District Council in Chhatrapur. The programme was jointly organised by the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) and UNICEF Odisha.
Officials from Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal and Boudh districts, including administrative officers, District Child Protection Officers, members of Child Welfare Committees and representatives of various voluntary organisations working in the field of child protection, participated in the workshop.
As the chief guest, Babita Patra, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, emphasised that a family-based and loving environment is extremely important for every child. She said that although children living in institutional care receive food, education and other basic facilities, institutions cannot fully replace the affection, emotional bonding, care and sense of belonging that a family can provide.
She therefore stressed that institutional care should be considered only as a last resort. Greater emphasis should be placed on keeping children safely within their families by identifying vulnerable and disadvantaged children at the grassroots and strengthening their families socially and economically.
The Chairperson highlighted the importance of connecting eligible families with government welfare schemes such as Subhadra, Yashoda and Ashirbad. If vulnerable families are supported through livelihood opportunities, social security and financial assistance, many children can be prevented from becoming separated from their families.
She also called upon all stakeholders—including government departments, local bodies, child protection agencies and voluntary organisations—to work with commitment towards building a child-friendly Odisha, where every child can grow up in a safe, caring and supportive environment.
Additional District Magistrate Sachidananda Nayak said that it is essential to identify the root causes behind the separation of children from their families and address those causes effectively rather than dealing only with their consequences.
He stressed that in rural areas, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) need to remain more proactive in identifying vulnerable children and families facing difficulties and ensuring that timely assistance reaches them.
He further said that through collective responsibility, coordination and integrated efforts, it is possible to create a safe, compassionate and supportive environment for children and prevent unnecessary family separation.
The workshop focused on strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms, supporting vulnerable families, improving coordination among stakeholders and ensuring that children receive the care and protection they need while remaining within a safe family environment wherever possible.
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