A child with learning disabilty has dropped out of my care and the running IEP. His parents also have chosen to keep away from me.The child needs early and continuous intervention.
This is a challenging and sensitive situation. The child's well-being, especially with a learning disability, is paramount. Since the child has dropped out of your care and the IEP, and the parents are unresponsive, direct intervention by you might be difficult and potentially inappropriate. Here's a breakdown of what you can do, focusing on the legal and ethical aspects in India, particularly in Kerala:
1. Understand Your Legal and Ethical Responsibilities (Mandatory Reporting):
Child Protection: In India, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, is crucial. If you believe the child is being neglected, abused, or is otherwise in need of care and protection, you have a moral and potentially legal obligation to report it. "Lack of early and continuous intervention" for a child with a learning disability could be interpreted as neglect, especially if it significantly impacts their development and well-being.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act): This Act emphasizes the right to education, including inclusive education and reasonable accommodation, for children with disabilities. Denying a child access to necessary interventions could be a violation of their rights under this act.
2. Contact Child Protection Services in Kerala:
This is the most critical and appropriate first step. You need to formally report your concerns to the relevant authorities.
District Child Protection Unit (DCPU): Each district in Kerala has a DCPU. They are responsible for child protection and welfare. You can find their contact details on the website of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights or by searching for "DCPU [Your District in Kerala]" online.
Given your location is New Naduvil, Kerala, you would look for the DCPU in your district (e.g., Kannur, Kozhikode, depending on which district New Naduvil falls under).
Here are some general contact numbers for DCPUs in Kerala (you'll need to find the specific one for your district from the search results):
Thiruvananthapuram: 0471-2345121
Kollam: 0474-2791596
Kozhikode: 0495-2378920
Kannur: 0490-2326199
CHILDLINE 1098: This is a national, free, 24-hour emergency helpline for children in distress. You can call 1098 and report the situation. They will connect you to local intervention units.
Juvenile Justice Board (JJB): The JJB in your district also has a role in the care and protection of children. You can find their contact information through the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
When you contact them, clearly explain:
Your previous role in the child's care and the IEP.
The child's specific learning disability and the need for continuous intervention.
The parents' withdrawal from your services and their unresponsiveness.
Your concern that the child is not receiving the necessary support.
3. Document Everything:
Keep detailed records of all your interactions with the child, parents, and any services provided (IEP, progress notes).
Document all attempts to contact the parents (dates, times, methods, and outcomes).
Note down the dates and details of your communication with child protection services.
4. Network with Other Professionals/Organizations:
While your primary focus should be on reporting to official channels, you can also consider:
Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) registered professionals: If you know any RCI-registered special educators or clinical psychologists in Kerala, you could consult them for advice on the best course of action from a professional standpoint. You can search the RCI website for registered professionals in Kerala.
NGOs/Charitable Organizations: There are organizations in Kerala that work with children with disabilities. While they cannot force parents, they might offer support or guidance to the parents if they become receptive, or they might have connections with local authorities. Some examples from the search results (though you'd need to verify their specific services for learning disabilities and current contact info):
Prayatna (Kochi) - specifically mentions learning disability treatment.
Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan (Cochin) - works for underprivileged and at-risk children.
Kerala State Council for Child Welfare.
What NOT to do:
Do not confront the parents aggressively: This could further alienate them and make them less likely to cooperate with any future interventions.
Do not attempt to remove the child from their home yourself: This is illegal and dangerous.
Do not give up: The child's need for early and continuous intervention is crucial for their development.
Your role now shifts from direct care provider to an advocate for the child's rights and well-being. By reporting your concerns to the proper authorities, you are ensuring that the child's situation is brought to the attention of those who have the legal mandate and resources to intervene.
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