Introduction
Don Bosco Young at Risk Ministry highlights the uniqueness of the most important concepts of Restore, Reform, Rehabilitate and Re-integrate the Young in trouble, especially the released Young Offenders. This ministry had been crafted with the foresighted dream of enriching and enlivening the hope of the lost, least and last of the Society especially young boys and girls and their families who are in trouble as well as those who have no one to care for (total orphans).
Vision
Considering the dream of Don Bosco and his compassionate love towards youth, especially the youth in crisis, we intervene and make all out efforts to provide holistic formation and to restore self-confidence and dignity of the individual, providing a healing environment using the preventive method of Don Bosco consisting of Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness.
Goal
Prevent and Protect Young at Risk through Family and Community Intervention
Aims and Objectives
Identify at-risk youth nationwide who run away from home.
Foster confidence and mutual trust between the organization and the young people it serves. Build strong, loving relationships with vagrant youth and children.
Provide initial guidance, motivation, temporary shelter, and job placement to at-risk youth. Implement a follow-up system to help them adjust to metropolitan life.
Equip youth with the skills needed for employment and encourage them to continue their education, facilitating their life settlement.
Conduct regular follow-up programs and rehabilitate young boys and girls released from government aftercare homes.
Promote a community-based approach to supporting at-risk youth in their workplaces, ensuring their protection, job security, and enhancing collective action through volunteer groups, civil societies, NGOs, and traders' associations.
In 2024–25, India advanced juvenile rehabilitation by adopting restorative, therapeutic approaches aligned with international standards. Key progress included specialized programs, reduced recidivism, and a child-friendly justice system. Challenges persist in funding, data collection, and tackling root causes of delinquency.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Specialized Rehabilitation Programs:
Skill Development: Training for employment and reintegration.
Counselling & Psychological Support: Addressing emotional and behavioral issues.
Education Programs: Academic and vocational training support.
Reduction in Recidivism: Programs like Kaval in Kerala showed success through multistakeholder collaboration.
Juvenile Justice Act 2015: Ongoing focus on diversion, rehabilitation, and restorative justice via specialized boards and services.
Community-Based Interventions: Alternatives to detention, including mentorship, restorative justice, and career training.
Family Involvement: Engaging families to provide emotional support and stability.
Focus on First-Time Offenders: Reform-oriented approaches to reduce reoffending and promote reintegration.
Increased Funding & Partnerships: Support from government, NGOs, and private sectors for innovative rehabilitation programs.
Challenges and Limitations
Resource Constraints: Insufficient funding and infrastructure lead to overcrowding and limited-service quality.
Data Gaps: Lack of data and long-term studies hampers evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes.
Stigma & Reintegration: Social stigma limits access to education, jobs, and relationships post-release.
Legal Representation: Many disadvantaged youths lack proper legal support, risking unfair treatment.
Root Causes: Persistent issues like poverty, trauma, and poor education need addressing to prevent reoffending.
Recommendations for Future Action
To enhance juvenile rehabilitation in 2024–25, a multi-pronged approach is vital.
First, increase investment in infrastructure to offer education, vocational training, mental health support, and aftercare.
Second, improve data collection through standardized protocols and longitudinal studies for evidence-based policymaking.
Third, reduce stigma and support reintegration via awareness campaigns, community involvement, and improved access to jobs and education.
Lastly, strengthen collaboration among government, NGOs, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders.
These combined efforts will create a more effective and supportive system for reintegrating young offenders into society.