Hello friends and colleagues,
You may recollect that at the last meeting held a week ago, on 26th November at CRY office it was decided to meet on the 4th December 2008 at 2.30 p.m. at the Udayan Care office, 16/97A, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV, behind Vikram Hotel (entry through Gate No. 11: last house on the right, 1st floor).
It is indeed very reassuring that all members unanimously agreed to co-partner alongwith Udayan Care, a series of Workshops on Positive Mental Health and Well being (for children as covered under the JJ Act). The first Workshop at Delhi level is scheduled for 30 and 31st january 2009. This is to be followed by a National Workshop in October 2009 and an international one the following October in 2010. The meeting on the 4th December is to discuss the issues that are pertinent to a successful holding of the Workshop, which is planned for 30 and 31st january 2009.
Backgrounder:
The introduction of mandatory mental health programmes in all licensed child welfare institutions is a tribute to the pioneering work and effective lobbying done by all members of the QIC&AC. However, the ground reality is that there are many grey areas about the implementation the law. More importantly and critically, there is lack of comprehension about the parameters of a mental health program.
Additionally, there is the issue of reporting and record keeping as laid down in the JJ Act. This too needs to be addressed. The meeting will discuss all these issues so that we are able to evolve a structure of what the workshop in January 2009 should focus on.
At the same time, we must bear in mind that the expected and targeted outcome is the preparation of Reference Manual on what constitutes a Dynamic Mental Health Program.
Additionally, we are also looking at creating Master Trainers. As well as a Bhagidari with the state authorities on implementation of Mental Health programs. I may mention that on the 27th November, i.e. the day after the QIC&AC meeting we had a Consultation with CWC Members. This meeting was hels at Udayan Care office.
The involvement of the CWC members in such an important matter was reflected in the high attendance.
1. Dr. Bharti Sharma Chairperson) and
2. Mr. J.P. Goel, Nari Niketan
3. Mrs. mamta Sahy;
4. Dr. Sarita Sarangi, and
5. Mrs. Shobha Vijender from Mayur Vihar.
6. Mr. Yadav and
7. Mr. M.M. Vidyarthi, Lajpat Nagar.
8. Mrs. Nita ji, CWC member from Meerut, UP, also attended.
Members from Sewa Kutir were unable to attend since it clashed with an official visit of Justice Lokur to the CWC.
Additionally, Mrs. Neera Malik, former Planning Officer, Social Welfare was a Special Invitee. Dr. Kiran Modi and I represented the host organisation, Udayan Care. Brig. Narang, Ms. Ratika, Ms. Vinita Sindhwani, Ms. Antra, Mr. Rakesh and Ms. Nita from Udayan Care were in attendance. The subject of Positive Mental Health was discussed and they were unanimous in their opinion that the series of Workshops, as planned, would have a very positive effect on implementation of mental health programs. They registered their support for this effort. They also felt that the involvement of the NCPCR would be a marvellous step in the right direction.
On behalf of Dr. Kiran Modi, Managing Trustee and the Board of Udayan Care, I take this opportunity to extend an invitation to join together on THURSDAY, 4th DECEMBER, 2008atUDAYAN CARE OFFICE16/97A, Vikram Vihar,Lajpat Nagar IVbehind Vikram Hotel(entry by Gate no. 11, last house on the right).
