1st Edition

Child Protection in India Assessing Multi-disciplinary Response Mechanisms

Edited By Paromita Chattoraj Copyright 2026
338 Pages 7 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

338 Pages 7 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

Child Protection in India: Assessing Multi-disciplinary Response Mechanisms offers a comprehensive exploration of the institutional, legal, and social frameworks surrounding child protection in India. Anchored in a multidisciplinary approach, the book brings together insights from law, social work, psychology, education, and public policy to examine how various systems interact in addressing the issues related to protection of children from abuse, neglect, trafficking, and exploitation.

This book is intended for researchers, academicians, legal professionals, social workers, policymakers, child rights activists, and students engaged in child welfare and protection studies. It critically analyses existing response mechanisms by stakeholders such as the Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, Child Care Institutions, police, and the judiciary, and the implementation of various laws, including Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, the POCSO Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, while also highlighting challenges in inter-agency coordination.

By combining chapters under four broad themes focusing on empirical research, policy review, and case studies, this volume equips readers with a nuanced understanding of the gaps and strengths in current practices and highlights of best practices around the world. The book aims to foster a rights-based and child-centric approach, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and sectors. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to engage meaningfully with child protection frameworks in India and to contribute to more effective, sustainable interventions.

Introduction: Aspects of Child Protection and Response Mechanisms

Prof. Paromita Chattoraj

Part 1. Child in Need of Care and Protection and in Conflict with Law

Chapter 1. Children in Need of Care and Protection – Their Rights Deserve the First Call

Mr. Amod K. Kanth

Chapter 2. Role of Higher Judiciary in Monitoring Juvenile Care Through Juvenile Justice Committees– An Insider’s Perspective

Justice Madan Bhimarao Lokur

Chapter 3. Comparing the Role of Child Care Institutions in Rehabilitation of Children in Conflict With Law in India With Global Best Practices

Dr. Elisha Kanungo

Chapter 4. Procedural Aspects Concerning Child in Conflict With Law in the Indian Legislative Framework

Ms. Susmita Priyadarshini Mishra

Part 2. Addressing Specific Child Vulnerabilities

Chapter 5. A Socio-Legal Examination of Child Marriage and Its Societal Ramifications

Mr. Rajiv Ranjan and Ms. Dulung Sengupta

Chapter 6. Legal Rights of Children Born Out of Live-In Relationships

Ms. Ayushi Srivastava

Chapter 7. Myriads of Vulnerabilities of Distressed Child Migrants: Case study from Odisha

Dr. Sohini Mahapatra, Dr. Nikita Pattajoshi and Dr. Rishika Khare

Chapter 8. Are the Children Lacking an Exclusive Green Safeguard in India?

Dr. Tanya Raha

Part 3. Protection of Children in the Online Platforms

Chapter 9. Balancing Protection and Participation: Children’s Data, Online Privacy, and Age of Digital Consent

Ms. Ananya Singh

Chapter 10. Safeguarding the Vulnerabilities of Children Relating to Cyberbullying From the Socio-Legal-Technical Dimensions in India

Dr. Parimita Dash and Dr. Soumya Mohapatra

Chapter 11. Protection of Mental Health of Children in Digital Ecosystem: A Socio-Legal Study

Ms. Shrilekha Banerjee

Chapter 12. Response of Indian Criminal Justice System Towards Children as Vulnerable Victims of Cybercrime in the Digital Age

Dr. Rupashree Sahoo

Part 4. Response to Sexual Offences

Chapter 13. Implementation of the Victim-Friendly Trial Procedures in Cases of Sexual Offences Against Children

Dr. Sonali Swetapadma

Chapter 14. Dissecting the Conundrum of Mandatory Reporting and POCSO, 2012, in the Realm of Child Sexual Abuse

Ms. Anonza Priyadarshini

Chapter 15. The Model for Juvenile Sexual Offenders in India: A Need for a Relook?

Ms. Saumya Tripathi

Conclusion

Prof. Paromita Chattoraj

Biography

Paromita Chattoraj is Professor of Law at the National Law University Odisha (NLUO).