Question

One of the most distinctive aspects regarding child protection under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, is:

• A. Punitive measures against families who fail to protect their children
• B. Complete State guardianship
• C. Prioritizing Institutional care only
• D. Prioritizing family-based rehabilitation

Hint:

When dealing with questions on the JJ Act, remember the "4 Rs": Rescue, Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Re-integration. The Act's focus is always on what is best for the child, which is presumed to be a family environment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Introduction:
The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, governs child care and protection, and deals with children who have broken the law in India. Its main goal is to do what is best for the child.
Step 2: Key Points:
Let's examine key aspects:

(A) Family Penalties: The Act punishes those who harm children, but its primary focus is supporting and helping families, not punishing them.
(B) State Guardianship: This is incorrect. The state only steps in as a last resort. The child's family is primarily responsible.
(C) Institutional Care: The Act clearly states that putting a child in an institution should only be used when all other options have failed.
(D) Family-Based Rehabilitation: This is a core principle. The Act strongly encourages options like adoption, foster care, and sponsorship. The aim is to keep the child with a family whenever possible. This is a distinctive and progressive aspect of the law.
Step 3: Conclusion:
The emphasis on family-based rehabilitation and using institutional care only as a last resort is a key feature of the JJ Act, 2015's child protection scheme.