Rehabilitation program launched for children involved in drug-related offenses

Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj said the government will soon launch a special program to rehabilitate children placed on probation for drug use, addiction and drug-related offenses.

The government is establishing women and children’s subcommittees alongside the District Coordinating Committees in every district to discuss information and issues related to women and children.

These subcommittees will include field officers attached to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, as well as officials from institutions responsible for education, health and the protection of children in each district.

The minister questioned officials about specific statistics and information concerning women and children in the Anuradhapura District. She urged all officials to address the gaps and shortages in the available data.

Officials also reviewed vacancies among field officers in the district. The minister said the ministry would intervene to fill those vacancies.

In addition, the North Central Province Commissioner of Probation has been instructed to prepare a report identifying children currently on probation who could be directed toward vocational education.

The commissioner was also instructed to coordinate closely with government vocational training institutions to help these children become independent citizens when they reintegrate into society.