Published Paper Details:

The young population plays a crucial role in the future of any nation, and with Telangana being one of the youngest states, prioritizing the well-being and reintegration of its young populace is of utmost importance. Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has brought to light the alarming involvement of children in criminal activities, emphasizing the pressing need to focus on their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Despite the challenges posed by the limited number of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) compared to the state's population and area size, understanding and enhancing existing rehabilitation programs are imperative for laying a solid foundation for the state's development. The study, utilizing a mixed research methodology encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methods, has a sample size of 20. While the sample size may be relatively small, it offers a foundation for future research to expand upon the findings. Quantitative methods will be employed for descriptive statistical analysis, while qualitative methods will involve interpretative analysis. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reintegration programs for children involved in criminal activities in Telangana, India. Recognizing the complexities of reintegrating such children into society, this study engages various stakeholders in the rehabilitation process and conducts direct interviews with the children to provide a comprehensive assessment. This study aims to identify the challenges, accomplishments, and gaps in current rehabilitation and reintegration practices. By capturing the perspectives of key stakeholders, including social workers, judges, members of the child welfare committee, officials from observation homes, lawyers, and psychologists, alongside conducting direct interviews with children participating in these programs, the study aims to gain valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the rehabilitation process. Data analysis examines various aspects of the rehabilitation and reintegration process, including access to education, vocational training, mental health support, family reunification, and community acceptance. By delving into the lived experiences of stakeholders and children, this research endeavours to inspire positive change in policies and practices in Telangana and beyond. Ultimately, the study findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the rehabilitation and reintegration of children involved in criminal activity, guiding future interventions to promote their overall well-being and social inclusion.