Held as a satellite event of the 5th World Congress on Justice with Children, a two-day National Consultation focused on “Advancing Child-Centred Justice” brought together stakeholders from 20 states and one Union Territory to discuss challenges and reforms in the juvenile justice system.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Madan B. Lokur, the keynote speaker, underlined the stark contrast between probation systems abroad and in India, stressing that Indian probation officers (POs) are burdened with unrealistic caseloads of up to 500 children each. He called for the immediate recruitment of more POs and the effective implementation of the Probation of Offenders Act.

Shri Bharat Parashar, Member Secretary I/C of NALSA and Guest of Honour, emphasised that juvenile justice should be rights-based and rehabilitative, not punitive. He highlighted the crucial role of POs and Legal-cum-Probation Officers (LCPOs) in mentoring children and ensuring their reintegration into society.