The government is planning to introduce a special rehabilitation program for children placed under probation due to drug use, drug addiction and drug-related offenses, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj announced.
The Minister made the announcement while attending the Women and Children’s Sub-committee meeting of the Anuradhapura District today (14).
She said Women and Children’s Sub-committees have been established in all districts alongside District Coordination Committees to address issues affecting women and children and to improve coordination at the district level.
During the meeting, Minister Paulraj reviewed reports and statistical data relating to women and children in the Anuradhapura District and instructed officials to address any gaps or shortcomings in the information without delay.
The Minister also examined vacancies for field officers in the district and assured that the Ministry would take steps to fill the remaining positions.
In addition, she directed the Commissioner of the North Central Provincial Department of Probation and Child Care Services to prepare a report identifying children currently under probation who could benefit from vocational training programmes.
She further instructed officials to work with government vocational training institutions to provide these children with practical skills that would support their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
According to the Ministry, the programme is intended to help children under probation rebuild their lives and become self-reliant, productive and responsible members of society.
