In a significant step towards strengthening child-friendly policing and empowering the next generation, the Odisha Police Crime Against Women & Children (CAW & CW) Wing today launched JUVENTICA – CWPO Outreach with Adolescents, a comprehensive statewide awareness programme in collaboration with UNICEF.
The initiative was formally inaugurated at 4 PM across all participating police stations in the state by Director General of Police, Odisha, YB Khurania IPS.
Sessions were conducted simultaneously from 4 PM to 6 PM, focusing on critical issues such as digital safety, cybersecurity, mental health, child rights, and responsible internet usage.
Child Welfare Police Officers (CWPOs) are playing the lead role in implementing this outreach. Designated at every police station under the Juvenile Justice Act, CWPOs serve as the nodal officers for all matters concerning children. Their mandate includes ensuring a sensitive, child-friendly approach in handling cases involving juveniles (both in need of care and protection as well as in conflict with law), protecting child rights, coordinating with Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards, and conducting preventive awareness programmes like JUVENTICA to build trust between children and the police.
In Berhampur Police District, 12 police stations actively participated in the launch. A total of 300 girl children (25 girls at each police station*) attended the interactive sessions. Anganwadi workers and parents of the children also joined the programme in large numbers, making it a truly community-driven effort.
The programme at Gosaninuagaon Police Station was personally attended by Inspector General of Police, Niti Shekar IPS and Superintendent of Police, Berhampur, Saravana Vivek M IPS. Informative videos on cyber safety and cyberbullying were screened to educate the participants. The girl children were sensitised about practical ways to prevent self-harm, recognise early signs of mental distress, and immediately approach helpline numbers whenever faced with such thoughts.
Additionally, the children were given an overview of the general functioning and day-to-day work of a police station so that they develop familiarity with police procedures, understand the supportive role of the police, and feel encouraged to approach law enforcement confidently in times of need without fear or hesitation.
The JUVENTICA programme is designed as an ongoing outreach initiative that will continue across all districts of Odisha. It aims to foster constructive dialogue between police, families, schools, and communities while creating a safer digital and physical environment for adolescents.
