Prayas Annual Report for the Period from April 2017 to March 2018 Work

Prayas Annual Report for the Period from April 2017 to March 2018

Work in Prisons (Maharashtra) Mumbai, Thane and Latur Unit

Mumbai Mumbai Central Prison

Inputs and Interventions  Regular prison visits and visits to NGOs were carried out.  Home visits and court visits were made on a regular basis.  Psycho-social support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates.  Legal guidance and information was provided to inmates.  Legal aid was facilitated to individual inmates as required.  Support in the form of medical aid, telephone calls to family members and advocates, shelter and repatriation was provided to various inmates.  Referrals to aftercare programs were made as appropriate.  Two individuals are ready to provide financial support for the bail amount of the inmates.

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 326 inmates were contacted.  152 prison visits were paid.  175 inmates were counseled.  Legal guidance and information was provided to 85 inmates.  Legal aid was arranged for 33 inmates.  247 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.  28 inmates were provided with emergency support.  Repatriation support was provided to 2 inmates.  5 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (NGO Placement Programme).  Follow-up with inmates post-release is being carried out with 26 inmates.

Challenges  Presently, many inmates are facing problem related to surety bail as their families are unable to arrange for the surety and nor can they arrange the big amount of cash bail.

Future plans  Issuing of Aadhar Card to the inmates in prison regularly, as it is an important document at the time of bail.  Conduct more activities and programmes in the prison with the help of our Activity workers to motivate the inmates to approach our case worker.

Statistics - Mumbai Central Prison

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 326 Visits conducted Visits to prison 152 Home/family visits 19 Visits to court 31 Visits to police stations 4 Visits to NGOs - Visits to government offices /homes - Interventions Counselling (Psycho-socio support) 175 Legal guidance and information 85 Legal aid 33 Number of applications written - Phone calls to family members, police stations, 247 advocates etc. Emergency support 28 Education support - Rationing support - Medical support - Support for shelter - Repatriation 2 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation 5 Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 26

Byculla District Prison - Male Youth Section

Inputs and Interventions  Regular prison visits and visits to NGOs were carried out.  Home visits and court visits were made regularly.  Psycho-social support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates.  Legal guidance and information was provided to inmates as required.  Legal aid was facilitated to individual inmates as required.  Support in the form of medical aid, telephone calls to family members and advocates, shelter and repatriation was provided to various inmates.  Referrals to aftercare programs were made as appropriate.

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 211 inmates were contacted during this period.  96 prison visits were made.  110 inmates were counseled.  Legal guidance and information was provided to 140 inmates.  Legal aid was arranged for 64 inmates.  131 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.  26 inmates were provided with emergency support.  Repatriation support was provided to 7 inmates.  9 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (NGO Placement Programme).  Post-release follow-up was done with 16 inmates.

Challenges  Post-release, inmates are not willing to join Prayas Rehabilitation Programme because they want immediate employment.  Inmates have addiction problem hence they are not interested in joining Prayas Rehabilitation Programme.  Many inmates do not have the required identity proof and residence proof documents hence their bail is pending.

Future plans  To organized vocational career oriented trainings and recreational sessions.  To find and provide shelter and de-addiction facilities post-release.  Inmates are demanding employment on their release from the prison. So help them in getting some employment as per their qualifications and skills.  Regular and continuous home visits to released inmates to motivate them to join Prayas Rehabilitation Programme through counseling.  To develop a programme to improve the relations between social worker and the police station personnel.

Statistics - Byculla District Prison - Male Youth Section

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Cases Total outreach 211 Visits Visits to prison 96 Home/family visits 14 Visits to court 25 Visits to police stations 8 Visits to NGOs 4 Visits to government offices /homes 2 Interventions Counseling (Psycho-social support) 110 Legal guidance and information 140 Legal aid 64 Number of applications written 20 Phone calls to family members, police 131 stations, advocates etc. Emergency support 26 Education support - Rationing support 7 Medical support 8 Support for shelter 5 Repatriation 7 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation 9 Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 16

Byculla District Prison - Women‘s Section Inputs and interventions  Prison visits and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned.  Visits to homes and families, the court and hospitals were made as per need.  Psycho-social support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates as required.  Legal guidance and information was provided to inmates as required.  Legal aid was facilitated to individual inmates as required.  Support in the form of medical aid, telephone calls to family members and advocates, shelter, and repatriation was provided to various inmates.  Referrals to Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (NGO Placement Programme).

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 177 inmates were contacted.  57 prison visits were paid.  163 inmates were counseled.  Legal guidance and information was provided to 115 inmates.  Legal aid was arranged for 5 inmates.  349 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.  10 inmates were provided with emergency support.  Rationing support was provided to 8 inmates.  Shelter support was provided to 1 inmate.  Repatriation support was provided to 1 inmate.  2 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (NGO Placement Programme).  Post-release follow was done with 10 inmates.

Challenges  Many inmates do not have the required identity proof and residence proof documents due to which their bail is pending.  Number of women arrested u/s. 370 of ITPA has increased in prison. Social workers were not able to support the women because they are in a group. They are not willing to join the Prayas rehabilitation programme post-release as they are habitual.  Since there are no regular police escorts to produce the inmates in the court on their respective court dates, there is overcrowding in the prison.

Future Plans  To increase the counseling for women inmates and informing them about Prayas Rehabilitation Programme.  Networking and follow-up with the government legal panel for free legal aid to the inmates.

Statistics - Byculla District Prison - Women‟s Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 177 Visits conducted Visits to prison 57 Home/family visits 50 Visits to court 31 Visits to police stations 14 Visits to hospitals 19 Visits to NGOs 22 Visits to government offices 2 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-social support) 163 Legal guidance and information 115 Legal aid 5 Number of applications written 2 Phone calls to family members, police 349 stations, advocates etc. Emergency support 10 Education support 1 Rationing support 8 Medical support 1 Support for shelter 1 Repatriation 1 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation 2 Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 10 In the month of July, 2017 conducted 150 inmates session on ―Value of life and how to reduce stress‖ In the month of August, 2017 conducted 150 inmates informative session on ―Prayas Rehabilitation Programme‖ Sessions/Activities From the month of December, 2017 to 60 inmates conducted February, 2018 organised embroidery training programme through Jan Shikshan Sansthan. In the month of January, 2018 conducted 160 inmates one act play on ―Autobiography of Indian Social Reformer Savitribai Phule‖

Work with Children of Prisoners – Byculla District Prison (Women‘s Section) Inputs and interventions  Prison visits and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned.  Visits to homes and families, the court, CWCs, schools, children‘s institutions and hospitals were made as per need.  Psycho-social support in the form of counseling was provided to children for whom there was a need.  Support in the form of establishing telephone contact with families, emergency assistance, education, provision of rations, and medical aid was provided as and when need arose for children of inmates.  Legal assistance was provided in the form of follow-up with lawyers.  Face-to-face mulakat was arranged between mother and child.

Outputs and outcomes  Prayas responded to 104 children of prisoners.  64 prison visits were paid.  38 visits were made to the various children institutions.  22 visits were made to Dongri CWC.  22 visits were made to Mankhurd CWC.  22 visits were paid to JJB/court.  Counselling was provided to 99 children.  40 children were provided with emergency assistance.  13 children were provided medical assistance.  17 children were provided educational support.  21 families were provided rationing support.  Mulakat was arranged for 38 children with their mothers.  In coordination with the prison staff, Prayas, special mulakat (Gala Bhet) was arranged for 55 children on 14th February, 2018 between the imprisoned mothers and their children living outside.

Challenges  Arranging mulakat between imprisoned mothers and their children living with their family members especially the in-laws is very difficult.  Probation Officers are not regularly visiting the prison.

Future Plans  Planning to provide career guidance to students who will be appearing for SSC and HSC examination.  Implementation of Right to Education for children of prisoners.  Arranging face-to-face mulakat between imprisoned mothers and their children who live with their family members.  Organize educational and exposure visits for children.  Follow-up of scholarships for school going children and follow-up of Bal Sangopan Yojana.  Organise workshop with the ICDS supervisors, teachers and prison staff in prisons where ICDS balwadis are being run.

Statistics - Work with Children of Prisoners – Byculla District Prison (Women‟s Section) Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total Outreach 104 Visits conducted Visit to prison 64 Home visits 34 Visits to police stations 41 Visits to DWCD 8 Visits to schools /college 18 Visits to children institutions 38 Visits to NGOs 25 Visits to hospital 9 Visits to CWC, Dongri 22 Visits to CWC, Mankhurd / Bhiwandi 22 Visit to Court / JJB 22 Visit to Aaganwadi 3 Visits to government offices - Counselling (Psycho-social support) 99 Telephonic contact with families / lawyers 95 Provided emergency assistance 40 Provided educational support 17 Provided rationing support 21 Provided medical support 13 Provide Prayas Panel Lawyer 4 Interventions Follow-up for scheme (Bal Sangopan Yojana) - Number of applications written 17 Provided legal guidance 44 Number of children institutionalised 8 Mulakat arranged for children 38 Special mulakat (Gala Bhet) was arranged on 55 14th February, 2018 between the imprisoned mothers and their children

Thane Thane Central Prison – Male Youth Section Inputs and interventions  Prison visits, and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned.  Visits to homes and families, the court, police stations and government offices/homes were made as per need.  Psycho-social support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates as required.  Legal guidance and information was provided to inmates as required.  Legal aid was facilitated for individual inmates as required.  Support in the form of medical aid, telephone calls to family members and advocates, shelter and repatriation was provided to various inmates.  Referrals to aftercare program were made as appropriate.

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 289 inmates were reached out to.  85 prison visits were paid.  105 inmates were counseled.  Legal aid was arranged for 50 inmates.  235 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.  10 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care).  29 inmates are being followed up with after their release.

Challenges  After release of the inmates, the Prayas social worker has to visit police station when some of them are arrested by the police on suspicion.  Inmates are not interested in joining Prayas Rehabilitation Programme because post-release they want immediate employment.  Often inmates provide the wrong home address due to which a lot of time is wasting locating the house during a home visit.  As most of the inmates belong to interior villages, follow-up with their family members is not possible and family is also unwilling to come to prison and court with the required important documents.

Future plans  To provide legal aid in kishore vibhag (youth section), the new barracks, and to post-release inmates.  To provide legal aid through DLSA and Prayas Legal Panel.  To encourage post-release inmates to enroll in the Prayas Rehabilitation Programmme.

Statistics - Thane Central Prison – Male Youth Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total outreach 289 Visits Visits to prison 85 Home/family visits 62 Visits to court 75 Visits to police stations 6 Visits to NGOs 7 Visits to government offices /homes 4 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-social support) 105 Provided legal guidance and information 115 Provided legal aid 50 Number of applications written 1 Phone calls to family members, police 235 stations, advocates etc. Provided emergency support 6 Provided educational support - Provided rationing support 4 Provided medical support - Provided support for shelter - Repatriation 5 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation 10 Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 29

Thane Central Prison – Women‘s Section Inputs and interventions  Regular prison visits and visits to NGOs were made.  Visits to homes and families, the court, police stations and government offices were made as per need.  Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates as required.  Legal guidance and information was provided to inmates as required.  Legal aid was facilitated to individual inmates as required.  Support in the form of medical aid, telephone calls to family members and advocates, shelter, provision of rations and repatriation was provided to various inmates.  Referrals to aftercare programs were made as appropriate.

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 147 inmates were contacted.  29 prison visits were paid.  61 inmates were counseled.  Legal aid was arranged for 15 inmates.  173 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.  10 inmates was provided with emergency support.  27 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after-care).  19 inmates are being followed-up with after their release.

Challenges  Lack of sufficient police escorts to produce the inmates in the court on their respective court dates.

Future plans  Training a few inmates to train other inmates for literacy classes and to provide literacy kit to create an environment of study.  Conduct various activities and sessions to help counter the issues of groupism and conflicts among the inmates in the prison.  To develop data of cases not taken to the hospital and courts due to non-availability of sufficient police escorts.  To strengthen the legal aid being given from DLSA.  To develop data about who comes for mulakat of all the women inmates.  To develop data of the women inmates whose bail has been granted but they are unable to avail of it.  To develop an Activity-cum-Programme hall inside the Women‘s Section of Thane Central Prison.

Statistics - Thane Central Prison – Women‟s Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total outreach 147 Visits conducted Visits to prison 29 Home/family visits 45 Visits to court 28 Visits to police stations 8 Visits to hospital 10 Visits to NGOs 24 Visits to government offices 9 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-social support) 61 Provided legal guidance and information 49 Provided legal aid 15 Number of applications written - Phone calls to family members, police 173 stations, advocates etc. Provided emergency support 10 Provided educational support 3 Provided rationing support 5 Provided medical support 5 Provided support for shelter 3 Repatriation - Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation 27 Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 19

Work with Children of Prisoners - Thane Central Prison - Women‘s Section

Outputs and outcomes  Prayas responded to a total of 65 children of prisoners.  46 prison visits were conducted.  12 visits were made to the various children institutions.  2 visits were made to Dongri CWC.  20 visits were made to Mankhurd CWC.  Counselling was provided to 55 children.  14 children were provided with emergency assistance.  18 children were provided educational support.  8 families were provided rationing support.  Mulakat was arranged for 29 children with their mothers.

Challenges  To convince the imprisoned to institutionalize their children living outside for their safety and future development is difficult.  Arranging face-to-face mulakat between the imprisoned mothers and their children who are residing in other states is a big challenge.

Future plans  Conducting sessions on health and hygiene for the inmates and their children.  To felicitate the children of prisoners who have passed their SSC and HSC examinations.  Arrange face-to-face mulakat between the imprisoned mothers and their children residing in other states.

Statistics - Thane Central Prison - Women‟s Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total Outreach 65 Visits conducted Visit to prison 46 Home visits 56 Visits to police stations 13 Visits to DWCD 2 Visits to schools /college 24 Visits to children institutions 12 Visits to NGOs 3 Visits to hospital 13 Visits to CWC, Dongri 2 Visits to CWC, Mankhurd / Bhiwandi 20 Visit to Court / JJB 3 Visits to government offices 8 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-social support) 55 Telephonic contact with families 214 Provided emergency assistance 14 Provided educational support 18 Provided rationing support 8 inmates Provided medical support 7 Follow-up for scheme (Bal Sangopan Yojana) 2 (in process) Number of applications written 52 Number of children institutionalised 7 children for follow-up visit Mulakat arranged for children 29 In the month of April 2017, provided Johnson & 3 new born baby Johnson baby powder, baby soap and baby oil to Activity three new born babies inside prison. In the month of September 2017, provided 9 children clothes for children in prison. In the month of October 2017, provided clothes 9 children for children inside prison In the month of November 2017, provided 5 children books, pencils for children inside prison In the month of January 2018 provided toys to 9 children the children inside prison In the month of January 2018, celebrated 9 children birthday of the children inside prison In the month of February 2018, provided 9 children stationery to the children inside prison

Kalyan District Prison – Male Youth Section

Inputs and interventions  Prison visits and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned.  Visits to homes and families, the court, police stations, and government offices were made as per need.  Psycho-social support in the form of counselling was provided to inmates as required.  Legal guidance, awareness and information was provided to inmates as required with the help of the Taluka Legal Services Authority (TLSA).  Legal aid was facilitated to individual inmates as required.  Support in the form of medical aid, telephone calls to family members and advocates, shelter and repatriation was provided to various inmates.  Referrals to aftercare program were made as appropriate.

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 160 inmates were reached out to.  35 prison visits were paid.  160 inmates were counselled.  Legal guidance and information was provided to 40 inmates.  Legal aid was arranged for 90 inmates.  280 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.  25 inmates were provided with emergency support.  Repatriation support was provided to 10 inmates.  18 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (NGO Placement Programme).  Follow-up with inmates post-release is being carried out with 28 inmates.  Prayas initiated the Legal Aid Clinic in Kalyan District Prison through the Kalyan Taluka Legal Services Authority (TLSA).  A session on ―Under trail prisoners‘ rights and awareness session about AIDS/HIV was organized through the Kalyan TLSA in the month of December, 2017 for the under trial prisoners.

Challenges  Insufficient police escorts for the inmates to be produced in the court on their respective court dates.  Bail is granted by respective courts but inmates are unable to provide the required citizenship rights documents.  Surety bail is granted by the respective courts but their families of the inmates are unable to furnish the surety.  As per a recent Supreme Court judgment, even after the inmates have been acquitted in the cases, they have to furnish security bail u/s. 437(A) of Cr.P.C. so that they are present during the appeal case filed by the opposite party of the State in the Appeal Court. This is very difficult for the clients who are poor and have no contacts.

Future plans  To increase provision of legal aid to the under trial prisoners through the Prayas Legal Panel and TLSA in the courts of Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi and Shahapur.

Statistics - Kalyan District Prison – Male Youth Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 160 Visits Visits to prison 35 Home/family visits 38 Visits to court 200 Visits to police stations 10 Visits to NGOs 5 Visits to government offices 9 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-social support) 160 Provided legal guidance and information 40 Provided legal aid 90 Number of applications written 21 Phone calls to family members, police 280 stations, advocates etc. Provided emergency support 25 Provided education support 0 Provided rationing support 10 Provided medical support 3 Provided support for shelter 0 Repatriation 10 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation 18 Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 28

Kalyan District Prison – Women‘s Section

Inputs and interventions  Prison visits, and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned.  Visits to homes and families, the court, police stations and hospital were made as per need.  Psycho-social support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates as required.  Legal guidance and information was provided to inmates as required.  Legal aid was facilitated to individual inmates as required.  Support in the form of medical aid, telephone calls to family members and advocates, shelter and repatriation was provided to various inmates.  Referrals to aftercare program were made as appropriate.

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 67 inmates were reached out to.  69 prison visits were made.  Applications were written for 13 inmates.  61inmates were counseled.  Legal aid was arranged for 25 inmates.  660 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.  11 inmates were provided with emergency support.  13 inmates was referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care programme).  17 inmates are being followed up with after their release from prison.

Challenges  There are not sufficient medical services available in the prison for the inmates.  Following up with the DLSA lawyers is difficult as they do not get their remuneration in time.  Being present in the courts during the court matters of many clients is difficult.

Future Plan  Arrange informative sessions on legal awareness.  Arrange informative sessions on government schemes.  Conduct visits to the private advocates appointed by the inmates themselves or their families and enquire about the case status.  Organise medical camps in the prison with the help of NGOs.

Statistics - Kalyan District Prison – Women‟s Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 67 Visits conducted Visits to prison 69 Home/family visits 49 Visits to court 32 Visits to police stations 15 Visits to hospital 18 Visits to NGOs 10 Visits to government offices 10 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-social support) 61 Provided legal guidance and information 59 Provided legal aid 25 Number of applications written 13 Phone calls to family members, police 660 stations, advocates etc. Provided emergency support 11 Provided education support 1 Provided rationing support 9 Provided medical support 5 Provided support for shelter 3 Repatriation - Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation 13 Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 17

Work with Children of Prisoners - Kalyan District Prison - Women‘s Section

Inputs and interventions  Prison visits, and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned.  Visits to homes and families, the court, CWCs, schools, children‘s institutions and hospitals were made as per need.  Psycho-social support in the form of counseling was provided to children for whom there was a need.  Support in the form of establishing telephonic contact with families, emergency assistance, education, provision of rations, and medical aid was provided as and when need arose for children of inmates.  Mulakat was arranged between the imprisoned mothers and their children as per the requirement.  An appeal/request was made to Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation to install ground games for the children inside prison. There is a regular follow-up being maintained in this regard.  An adventure camp for the children left outside was organized at Vil.: Vangani in coordination with ‗Adventure Zone‘. 35 children attended and enjoyed the camp.  Galabhet program was organized on 8th March, 2018 on the eve of Women‘sDay between the imprisoned mothers and their children living with relatives and the children living in institutions. 35 children came for the mulakat.  An awareness program on ―Child Rights‖ was organized and was attended by the Chairperson of the Thane Child Welfare Committee.  Organized a one day session on music theory for the women in prison for providing inputs on stress management.  Two children were transferred from prison to children homes for their further education and development.  Helped the family of one inmate in registering the names of her daughters as nominees in her property papers.

Outputs and outcomes

 Prayas responded to a total of 43 children of prisoners.  27 prison visits were made.  11 visits were made to the various children institutions.

 The Commissioner of Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation sanctioned the request for installing outdoor games in the open ground of the prison for the children inside prison.  The adventure camp was attended by 35 children who enjoyed the camp. Games such as Burma bridge crossing, rappling, climbing, ground games etc. were helpful in raising the self-confidence of the children.  35 children came for the Galabhet program organized. This program helped the children to meet their respective imprisoned mothers after a long gap. It helped the children to have a close connect with their mothers and express their love and affection for their mothers.  The awareness session of ―Child Rights‖ was helpful in understanding the issues and rights of the children in reference to the imprisoned mothers and their children.  The music theory session was very helpful for the women on stress management. It helped the women to cope up with stress and depression related to imprisonment.  On completion of 6 years of age of the children, as per the rules of the Prison Manual, two children were transferred from the prison to children institutions as per the order of the CWC and with the help of the District Child Protection Unit.  The nomination of the daughters of one inmate in her property rights would prove helpful from them being deprived of their property rights.

Challenges  Long distance home visits and mulakat between the imprisoned mothers and their child is difficult.

Future plans  Organize awareness session on Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 and an awareness session about the CWC.  Plan out the celebration of Children‘s Day.  Arrange medical camp.  Arrange Sports Day in prison.  Organize mulakat between the imprisoned mothers and their children.  Organise Sports Day for the children left outside.

Statistics - Work with Children of Prisoners: Kalyan District Prison - Women‟s Section

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total Outreach 43 Visit to prison 27 Home visits 23 Visits to police stations 06 Visits to DWCD 04 Visits to schools /college 10 Visits to children institutions 11 Visits to NGOs 08 Visits to hospital 00 Visits to CWC, Dongri 00 Visits to CWC, Mankhurd / Bhiwandi 09 Visit to Court 06 Visits to government offices 05 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-social support) 20 Telephonic contact with families 80 Provided emergency assistance 12 Provided educational support 03 Provided rationing support 10 Provided medical support 06 Follow-up for scheme (Bal Sangopan 16 Scheme) Follow-up with lawyers 05 Number of children institutionalised 8 Mulakat arranged for children 19 children On the occasion of Women‘s Day on 8th 35 children March, 2018, Galabhet was arranged Adventure camp for the children left outside 35 children Activities organized was organized.

Latur District Prison– Male Youth Section

Inputs and interventions  Regular prison visits.  Visits to homes and families, the court, police stations, and government offices were made as appropriate.  Psycho-social support in the form of counselling was provided to inmates as required.  Legal guidance, awareness and information was provided to inmates.  Legal aid was facilitated to individual inmates as required  Support in the form of medical aid, telephone calls to family members and advocates, and repatriation was provided to various inmates.

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 317 inmates were reached out.  97 prison visits were paid.  145 inmates were counseled.  Legal guidance and information was provided to 145 inmates.  Legal aid was arranged for 35 inmates.  522 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.  17 inmates were provided with emergency support.  Repatriation support was provided to 7 inmates.  Follow-up with inmates post-release is being carried out with 32 inmates.

Challenges  Long distance home visits are difficult to conduct.  There is no contact centre or office of the organization where clients can come to meet the social worker.

Future plans  To develop after care programme.  To develop NGO Placement Programme.  To develop a network with other NGOs working in Latur district.

Statistics - Latur District Prison– Male Youth Section

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 317 Visits conducted Visits to prison 97 Home/family visits 56 Visits to court 53 Visits to police stations 27 Visits to NGOs - Visits to government offices 31 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-social support) 145 Provided legal guidance and information 192 Provided legal aid 35 Number of applications written 2 Phone calls to family members, police 522 stations, advocates etc. Provided emergency support 17 Provided education support 4 Provided rationing support 13 Provided medical support 6 Provided support for shelter - Repatriation 7 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation - Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 32

Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions - Mumbai Central Prison

Inputs and interventions  Awareness sessions were conducted on the following topics for the inmates: - Introduction to Prayas and role of the Activity Worker - Prayas Rehabilitation Programme - NGOs and the various kinds of work they do

 Discussions on the following topics were carried out with inmates: - Reduction in stress level - Self-motivation - Hobbies and interests - Personality development - Celebration of national & international days - Cultural activity – different ways of celebrating Indian festivals, new trends etc. - Discussion on national and international days.

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 2394 inmates were reached out.  29 prison visits were made.  7 NGOs and 4 government institutions were approached to explore possibilities of training and certification for inmates.

Challenges  The prison authorities do not understand the concept of training for under trial prisoners.  The social workers are requested by the under trial prisoners to provide help in securing a job on their release from the prison.

Statistics - Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions - Mumbai Central Prison Broad Services Specific Services Statistics No. of Trainees attended the training sessions Total Outreach 2394 inmates In the month of April 2017, conducted Drawing 94 inmates Competition In the month of April 2017, conducted session 124 inmates on ―Human Rights‖. In the month of May 2017, conducted session 109 inmates on ―World Technology Day‖. In the month of June 2017, conducted 190 inmates awareness session on ―World Tobacco Day‖. In the month of June 2017, conducted 130 inmates awareness session on ―Child Labour‖‖ In the month of June 2017, conducted 152 inmates awareness session on ―Team Building‖. In the month of July 2017, conducted awareness 115 inmates session on ―Sports Career‖. In the month of August 2017, conducted 175 inmates awareness session on ―Youth Rights‖ on occasion of International Youth Day. Activities / In the month of September 2017, conducted 210 inmates Sessions awareness session on ―Literacy‖ on occasion on conducted World Literacy Day. In the month of September 2017, conducted 178 inmates awareness session on How to reduce stress‖ on the occasion on World Peace & Non-Violence Day. In the month of October 2017, conducted 172 inmates session on story telling. In the month of October 2017, conducted 152 inmates drawing competition on various topics In the month of November 2017, conducted 142 inmates session on ―Legal Services Day‖. In the month of November 2017, conducted 189 inmates session on ―Indian Postal Day‖. In the month of January 2018, conducted 190 inmates session on ―National Youth Day‖. In the month of January 2018, conducted 72 inmates drawing competition. Visits conducted Prison visits 29 visits NGO Visits 07 visits Government Institution Visits 04 visits

Training Programmes/Awareness Sessions - Byculla District Prison – Male Youth Section

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 775 inmates were reached out to through the above programs.  16 prison visits were made.  7 NGOs and 4 government institutions were approached to explore possibilities of training and certification for inmates.

Statistics - Training Programmes/Awareness Sessions - Byculla District Prison – Male Youth Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics No. of Trainees attended the training sessions Total Outreach 775 inmates In the month of April 2017, conducted 17 inmates Activities / workshop on drawing. Sessions In the month of April 2017, conducted Drawing 67 inmates conducted Competition In the month of May 2017, conducted 80 inmates awareness session on ―World Technology Day‖. In the month of June 2017,conducted awareness 72 inmates session on ―Tobacco World Day‖. In the month of September 2017, conducted 94 inmates awareness session on ―Psychological Behaviour‖. In the month of October 2017, conducted 78 inmates drawing competition on various topics. In the month of November 2017, conducted 95 inmates session on ―Legal Services Day‖. In the month of November 2017, conducted 105 inmates session on ―Indian Postal Day‖. In the month of January 2018, conducted 112 inmates session on ―National Youth Day‖. In the month of January 2018, conducted 55 inmates drawing competition. Visits conducted Prison visits 16 visits NGO visits 07 visits Government institution visits 04 visits

Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions - Thane Central Prison – Male Youth section

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 1380 inmates were reached out to through the above programs.  21 prison visits were made.  7 NGOs and 4 government institutions were approached to explore possibilities of training and certification for inmates.

Statistics - Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions - Thane Central Prison – Male Youth section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics No. of Trainees attended the training sessions Total Outreach 1380 inmates In the month of April 2017, conducted session 189 inmates Activities / on ―Human Rights‖. Sessions In the month of May 2017, conducted session 212 inmates conducted on ―World Technology Day‖. In the month of May 2017, conducted session 242 inmates on the occasion of World Tobacco Day. In the month of July 2017, conducted drawing 79 inmates competition. In the month of August 2017, conducted 220 inmates session on ―International Youth Day‖. In the month of October 2017, conducted an 80 inmates informative session on Prayas Rehabiliation Programme. In the month of October 2017, conducted 58 inmates drawing competition. In the month of November 2017, conducted 97 inmates session on ―Legal Services Day‖. In the month of November 2017, conducted 123 inmates session on ―Indian Postal Day‖. In the month of January 2018, conducted 80 inmates session on ―National Youth Day‖. Visits conducted Prison visits 21 NGO visits 07 Government institution visits 04

Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions - Kalyan District Prison – Male Youth section

Outputs and outcomes  A total of 664 inmates were reached out to through the above programmes.  32 prison visits were made.  7 NGOs and 4 government institutions were approached to explore possibilities of training and certification for inmates.

Statistics – Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions - Kalyan District Prison – Male Youth section

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics No. of Trainees attended the training sessions Total Outreach 664 inmates In the month of April 2017, conducted session 49 inmates Activities / on ―Prayas Introduction & role of Activity Sessions Worker‖. conducted In the month of April 2017, discussion with 35 inmates inmates on the topic on ―Career Guidance & Importance of Study‖. In this month of May 2017, conducted drawing 38 inmates competition. In the month of July 2017, conducted session 33 inmates on ―Current Issues‖. In the month of August 2017, conducted 45 inmates activity based session on the topic of ―Personality Development & Self Motivation‖ by a professional orator. In the month of September 2017, started 10 inmates vocational training programme of computer classes. In the month of October 2017, conducted an 40 inmates informative session on ―Prayas Rehabiliation Programme‖. In the month of October 2017, conducted 34 inmates drawing competition. In the month of November 2017, conducted 68 inmates session on ―Legal Services Day‖. In the month of November 2017, conducted 53 inmates session on ―Indian Postal Day‖. In the month of January 2018, conducted 31 inmates session on ―National Youth Day‖. In the month of January 2018, conducted Hasya 185 inmates Kavi Sammelan. Visits conducted Prison visits 32 NGO visits 07 Government institution visits 04

Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions - Kalyan District Prison - Women‘s Section

Inputs and interventions  Attended Development Plan Committee (DPC) meeting at Collector‘s office regarding prison issues.  Meeting with Department of Slum Development (Kalyan Dombivili Municipal Corporation) regarding extension of their training schemes and programs into the prison. And developing play area for children and installation of outdoor games for the children housed inside prison with their imprisoned mothers.  Rakhi making activity on piece rate for women.

Outputs and outcomes  494 inmates were reached out through training programs.  118 prison visits were made.  38 women got income of Rs.2900/- each from the rakhi making activity.  16 NGOs and 1 government institutions were approached to explore possibilities of training and certification for inmates.

Challenges  It is difficult to gather resources materials for the trainings in prison.  It is difficult to get resource persons for the trainings on various topics.  To develop curriculum and schedule develop for the training  To explore new and long term partners in the field of rehabilitation and training.  To connect the women with Income generation activity after released from prison.  To find the market for the products produced in prison by women.

Future Plans  To organise educational, health and legal awareness programmes  To conduct basic computer training through an NGO  To organise recreational and stress management workshops for the women  To increase the number of skill based training programs in the prison.

Statistics - Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions - Kalyan District Prison - Women‟s Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total Outreach 494 inmates Paper bag making, income generation activity 17 inmates

In the month of April 2017, we had the 19 inmates Aadhar Card distribution program.

In the month of July 2017, conducted training 40 inmates programme on embroidery. Raw material was provided for practice by social worker from Prayas. In the month of August 2017, conducted 38 inmates training programme on rakhi making. Prayas provided raw material for practice. In the month of September 2017, provided 50 inmates books for library to continue their hobby of reading. In the month of September 2017, started 20 inmates computer training program. Activities In the month of October 2017, conducted 20 inmates conducted programme of diya painting, lantern and greeting card making. Library books were provided in the month of 142 books September 2017. In the month of October 2017, motivational kit was provided to the inmates. This kit 110 inmates contained daily need materials for the inmates. In the months of September and October 38 inmates 2017, conducted the activity of rakhi making on piece rate basis. In the month of December 2017, conducted 50 inmates meditation session. In the month of January 2018, conducted the 10 inmates certificate distribution programme of the 1st batch of the computer training. In the month of January 2018, conducted 20 inmates ―Best out of waste‖ training programme. One act play on the autobiography of 50 inmates Savitribai Phule was performed by Mrs.Sushma Deshpande.

In the month of January 2018, conducted the 12 inmates basic computer training for the 2nd batch. Visits conducted Prison visits 118 visits NGO visits 16 visits

Visit to government offices 1 visits

Court Based Intervention - Mumbai

The Prayas worker is based in the City Civil & Sessions Court in Mumbai and works in collaboration with the Mumbai District Legal Services Authority. Magistrates and judges who know about the work of Prayas refer cases or the Prayas worker approaches them to refer cases requiring psycho-social and legal support / intervention. Cases are referred to him through clients, families of clients, NGOs, community and CJS personnel.

Work done 1. Case work

Illustration 1: Ramesh1

He was 17 ½ years old when he was arrested u/s. 324 IPC but later on was charged u/s 302 IPC along with his 5 minor friends. His 5 friends were declared minors by the court and their cases were transferred to the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) 4½ years back. Ramesh‘s Ossification Test report indicated his age as between 18-20 years but the lower court magistrate and the Sessions Court judge committed a serious error by not transferring his case to JJB. The rules of J.J. Act clearly state that the margin of 6 months should be given in favour of the accused, so according to the rules, he was 17 ½ years at the time of commission of the alleged offence. He remained in Thane Central Prison for 4½ years as an adult. His case was referred to us by one of our clients a year back. Our advocate made an application for declaring Ramesh as juvenile but the Sessions Court judge took 1 year to pass an appropriate order. His family consisted of his illiterate mother, sister and minor brothers who could not help in producing an age documentary proof before the court. Finally, the Dahisar Police Station produced Ramesh‘s Birth Certificate from his school after which his case was transferred to the JJB.

Illustration 2: Deepak/Sachin

The cases of these two men were referred to Prayas by a community leader just before the final order in their case was to be passed by the Mumbai Sessions Court. We approached the Sessions Court immediately requesting the judge not to pronounce the judgment and rather permit us to work in their case. Secondly, we further requested the Sessions Court to call for the Social Investigation Report of the Probation Officer before pronouncing a judgment in the case. The Sessions Court judge approved of our request and called for the report of the Probation Officer. After a continuous follow-up with the Probation Officer by the Student Social Worker (SSW), the Probation Officer submitted a positive report. The background of this case was that the Appellant No.1‘s wife had an illicit relation with the complainant (a diamond merchant) and due to that, he along with his friend and co-accused were framed and falsely implicated in an extortion case. Thus, we were able to save them from being convicted in the case. The reason for Prayas intervening in this case was that both the accused had a single case against them and they had no criminal antecedents. Secondly, the Appellant No.1 had secured a government job on compassionate grounds in Kasturba Hospital and Appellant No.2‘s case of acquiring a job had been pending before the BMC authorities.

1 All names changed to protect identity of the person

Illustration 3: Manjit

Manjit was 19 years old when he was arrested u/s.376, 363 IPC and Sections 4,8 of POCSO Act. It was an elopement case where the girl was 16 years old. He was studying in B.Sc.-1st year and his parents were not supportive due to caste issues. Due to Prayas‘ intervention in the case, the Session Court granted him bail immediately as he had to appear for his exams.

Illustration 4: Anil

Anil‘s case was referred to Prayas by a community leader. He was arrested under the charges of rioting, violence and the amended Section 7 of Cr.P.C. in the post Bhima Koregaon violence. It is a non-bailable offence. Anil had secured a job in BMC so if he remained in police or judicial custody there were high chances of him losing the job. Thus, Prayas tried to convince the magistrate who showed reluctance in releasing the accused on bail the same day. After a dramatic scene in the court where the police personnel and the lawyers were requesting the magistrate to release Anil on bail, he finally passed the bail order at 6.30 p.m. after the cash counter closed at 4.30 p.m.

Follow up with District Inter-Departmental Committee on Prisoners:

In the District IDC meeting held on....., we pointed out regarding the lack of police escorts especially for under trial prisoners from Kurla Metropolitan Court Centre and also suggested how the problem can be solved through a simple mechanism. We also suggested how the doctors from J.J.Hospital may start OPD based treatment in prison and how to tackle the scabies problem in the prison.

Some Outcomes and Future Plans: - To plan a sensitization wrkshop for Judicial Officers of Mumbai city on the topics of ―Non-availability of bail/surety & inherent issues of bail & possible alternatives‖.

Statistics – Mumbai Court Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total cases 218 Referral of cases 2 from magistrates Referral of cases 2 from Session Court Judge Referral of cases 3 from Police Station Referral of cases 4 from Prayas clients Legal guidance to 136 Interventions litigants Arranging legal aid 8 through MDLSA Arranging legal aid 63 through Prayas Meetings conducted/attended Meeting with 16 judicial officers (Sessions Court) Meeting with 10 judicial officers (M.M. Court) MDLSA meetings 5 attended Visits conducted Jail visits 13 Court visits 244 Home visits 8

Children in Conflict with Law

Umerkhadi Observation Home (Mumbai)

Inputs and interventions

● Cases were picked up by Prayas social workers and cases were also referred to the Prayas social workers by JJB. ● Legal aid and guidance were provided through Prayas panel of lawyers, through HRLN and Mumbai DLSA. ● Social Investigation Reports were submitted to the JJB upon their request. ● Emergency assistance was provided to families of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL), as per their requirements. ● Visits were made to NGOs, Observation Home, vocational training institutes, and police stations. ● Home visits were made to assess the situation of the families of CCL and to reconnect families with children. ● Stipend and educational support was provided.

Outputs and outcomes

● A total of 401 children benefited through the Prayas programme. ● 204 home visits were paid. ● Visits were paid to 58 NGOs. ● 247 cases were referred to Prayas by the JJB and 154 cases were identified through self-referral. ● Legal aid was provided through referral to DLSA in 39 cases, 11 by HRLN and 52 cases were referred to the Prayas panel of lawyers. ● 116 clients were provided with emergency assistance. ● 212 Social Investigation Reports were submitted to the JJB. ● 313 children were provided with legal guidance and information. ● 40 children were provided with educational support. ● 49 children were provided with vocational training. ● 61 clients were provided with stipend in this year. ● 15 clients were placed in de-addiction centres and they yielded positive results. ● 20 clients have found full-time employment in the past one year.

Challenges

● Every year Prayas is required to renew permission from Children‘s Aid Society. ● Many children are sent to de-addiction centres. ● Re-arrest of children is frequent. ● Few children suffer from psychological problems. ● Dropouts are observed in training institutions.

● Inadequate number of de-addiction centers. ● When we deal with cases of addiction, we have to spend lot of time on them resulting in limited focus on other aspects of the programme.

Future plans

● By signing MOU with Children‘s Aid Society the problem of renewal of permission will be resolved. ● Organising regular meetings with aftercare children.

Statistics

Broad Services Specified Services Statistics

Work with cases Total Outreach 401

New cases 348

Old cases 53

Cases referred by JJB 247

Self-referral cases and cases referred by others 154

Visits conducted Home visits 204

Visit to NGOs 58

Visit to vocational training centres 94

Visit to police stations 11

Interventions Provided legal aid through DLSA 39

Provided legal aid through Prayas 52

Provided legal guidance 313

Provided legal aid through HRLN 11

Provided emergency financial assistance 116

Submitted Social Investigation Reports to JJB 212

Provided educational support 40

Provided stipend to trainees every month 61

Details of old cases

Details Statistics

Have taken up a job 20

Are undergoing vocational training 49

Follow-up being maintained 123

Educational support provided (School) 16

Educational support provided (College) 24

Placed at Observation centre 38

Placed at De-addiction centre 15

Placed at shelter home (Lonavala) 5

Repatriated to home state 2

Women‘s Institutions (Mumbai)

Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha (NMV)

Training Activities (Activities Conducted inside Navjeevan MahilaVastigruha)

Inputs and interventions

In April 2017, Prayas conducted a workshop on smocking (a type of embroidery stitch), envelope making and also conducted a practice session of toys making. In the same month, Prayas also donated the books acquired from Maharashtra State Directorate Library to NMV. The workers selected the books related to the issues of women, education, general knowledge, development of the trainees, etc. A session on the Prayas rehabilitation program was also organized.

In May 2017, Prayas conducted a workshop on razai making with patch work for children. And a new batch of trainees were imparted the training in soft toys making.

In June 2017, Prayas conducted the activities of hand embroidery and cloth bag making. A session was conducted by the representatives of Jan Shikshan Sansthan where information about the organization was given to the inmates.

In July 2017, Prayas organized the macramé training for 20 trainees where the teacher taught 6 items of macramé.

In August 2017, on the occasion of Independence Day, the flower rangoli training for 25 trainees was organized and also a competition of the flower rangoli. Prayas also conducted the activities of crochet making, rakhi making and clay making. A sale of all the products made in NMV was organized twice in Tata Institute of Social Sciences. In this month, 8 trainees issued books for reading.

In September 2017, with the help of an NGO, Prayas conducted a training in imitation jewellery for 22 trainees. On the occasion of Navratri, Prayas organized cultural activities like garba and dandiya for the inmates.All inmates participated in the dandiya program. Prayas also conducted the activity of decorative envelope making. We organized the sale in Tata Institute of Social Sciences of the products made in the institution. In this month, 11 trainees issued books from the library for reading. And the institution Superintendent organized the NGOs meeting on different issues.

In October 2017, Prayas organized a 15 days Sanskar Bharati rangoli certified training for 25 trainees. Besides this, we also conducted diya painting as a seasonal activity. And on the request of trainees, Prayas initiated an activity of crochet making.

In November 2017, Prayas organized a session on the utility of the library for the inmates. Besides conducting the activities of crochet and knitting, this month we also organized the embroidery training. The trainer from Prayas also taught the inmates to make paper bags from scrap newspaper and greeting cards from waste material.

In December 2017, Prayas conducted the training of pouch making from clothes and also organized an awareness session on the topic of ―Blind Faith or Andhashraddha‖. As part of the training as well as production, the Prayas teacher taught the inmates razai making.

In January 2018, on the occasion of Republic Day, Prayas organized recreational activities for the inmates like musical chairs, picking up bangles with a toothpick, air balloon, dance, circle game, etc. In this month, we also conducted a session on ―Life Skills‖ and gave the production work of purse making to 3 trainees and also made a few samples of smocking for training.

In February 2018, Prayas conducted the activity of smocking where the Prayas teacher taught the inmates cushions of smocking. Trainees issued books for reading from library. We also organized a sale in TISS of the products made in NMV. In this month, the released women had come to meet the Probation Officer of NMV, so the Prayas workers also sat with the Probation Officer to discuss the problems of the women and also involve them in the Prayas Rehabilitation Program.

In March 2018, Prayas celebrated International Women‘s Day in collaboration with the other NGOs and NMV and conducted inspirational and enjoyable games for the inmates. In this month, Prayas conducted the activity of Canadian smocking and also organized a blouse tailoring for 15 trainees.

Outputs and outcomes

● There is regular counseling with the trainees regarding their rehabilitation or Prayas programs, their family problems, their stress, their supports as well as training. ● 18 trainees actively participated in the activity of smocking where they learnt 5 types of smocking and also made small cushion covers with these designs. ● 15 trainees participated in the official envelope making training where the material was provided by Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha. During this training, the trainees learnt different measurements and patterns of envelopes, cuttings, and proper method of sticking. ● After completing the training of soft toys, Prayas conducted a practice session on soft toys where we distributed toy books to the trainees and thus they learnt to make different toys by referring to these books. ● On seeing new books in the library, the inmates as well as the staff of NMV and other NGOs‘ staff issued books regularly for reading. They requested for books in Bengali and other languages for reading. A total of 120 readers issued books for reading during this year. ● Total 37 trainees participated in the Prayas Rehabilitation Program session where 18 trainees were from other States. They enquired as to how they could benefit from the Prayas Rehabilitation Program after going back to their hometown.

● New inmates had come in NMV and they wanted to learn razai making. 10 trainees participated in this training where they were taught different patterns and measurements of razai making. ● 15 new inmates wanted to learn soft toys making. So the Prayas workers discussed this with Jan Shikshan Sansthan but they required the Aadhar Card of every trainee. But since these inmates do not have the Aadhar Card, the worker of Prayas discussed the issue with the Superintendent of NMV and imparted them the training but they would not get a proper certificate. ● 20 trainees participated in the hand embroidery activity where they learnt lazy dazy stitch, chain stitch, satin stitch, bullion stitch, back stitch, stem stitch, moti stitch, feather stitch and cut work. ● 10 trainees who knew sewing participated in the cloth bag making where they learnt to make 5 types of bags, i.e. vegetable bag, samosa bag, simple pouch, toiletry pouch, bottle bag. ● Total 32 participants participated in the session on information of Jan Shikshan Sansthan. They raised many questions related to the certificates, duration of the courses, utility of the training,etc. ● 20 trainees actively participated in the macramé training where they learnt measurement of threads, pot holder, napkin holder, wall hanging, toran, show piece, comb holder, coaster, etc. ● 15 trainees participated in the clay activity where they learnt to make show pieces for sticking on the fridge, mirror, showcase, etc. ● 25 trainees actively participated in the flower rangoli activity. We conducted a competition of flower rangoli where the participants were divided into 4 groups of 7 members each where they made very beautiful flower rangolis. We gave prizes to the winners as well as to all the participants. ● In crochet making activity, 16 new inmates participated where they learnt basic stitches of crochet. ● 25 trainees participated in the rakhi making activity. ● 22 trainees participated in the imitation jewellery activity where they learnt two types of fancy necklaces, 3 types of ear rings, two types of finger rings, etc. ● On the occasion of Navratri, Prayas conducted a group activity of garba and dandiya during which the women enjoyed a lot. ● Prayas also conducted an activity of decorative envelope making from papers, leaves, waste, paints, etc. in which 15 trainees participated. ● The agenda for the meeting held with NGOs was about the annual plan of the NGOs, home enquiry issues, legal follow-up, permission letter of NGOs working in NMV, etc. ● 25 trainees actively completed the Sanskar Bharati Rangoli training while 35 trainees participated in the diya painting and crochet making activity. ● 45 trainees attended the session on the library issue. 15 trainees participated in the paper bag and envelope making training where they learnt to make different sizes of envelopes which are used in the office.

● 23 trainees participated in the session on ―Blind Faith or Andhashraddha‖ conducted by the Andhashrradha Nirmulan Samiti. The trainees raised questions about superstitions and they got knowledge of science. ● 70 women participated during the celebration of the Republic Day where they got involved in various games. 3 women participated in the production activity of making small pouches. ● Prayas organized sale in Tata Institute of Social Sciences of the products made in NMV. Twenty inmates came to sign and met the Probation Officer after their discharge from the institution. We discussed with them about our program and supports. ● 64 women participated in the International Women‘s Day celebration where the Superintendent of NMV requested a few inmates to express their valuable views and experiences. 15 trainees participated in the blouse making training.

Challenges

● There is no cupboard for keeping the library books. All the books are kept in a small cupboard. ● Prayas organized regular certified trainings through Jan Shikshan Sansthan where we paid them fees of Rs.200/- per trainee. But from April‘17, they have modified their rules where trainees having Aadhar Card will be counted under the government scheme and will be charged a fee of Rs.200/- inclusive of the training material. But those not having Aadhar Card will have to pay a fee of Rs.1500/- exclusive of the training material. It is difficult for the NMV inmates to get the Aadhar Card because either they are staying alone or on the streets. And even if they have got the Aadhar Card issued, it is either in their purse which has been kept by the police at the police station or it has been left in the place where they were staying before coming to the institution. ● The 21 days period after rescue is too short to encourage the inmates to undergo training which could be helpful in their rehabilitation.

Future plans

● Through regular activities, certified trainings, and awareness sessions we are trying to create a positive environment and identify cases for rehabilitation. ● Organize certified trainings through various training agencies in NMV. ● Give piece rate work to the inmates. ● Attend meetings of case work and NGOs conducted within NMV. ● Refer cases to the Rehabilitation Worker of Prayas.

Statistics – Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha - Training activities conducted

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 420

New cases 76

Old cases 344

Dropout cases from training 92

Cases referred to Prayas rehabilitation 20 programme

Interventions Training programmes conducted

Informative sessions 13

Certified courses organized 2

Certificate distribution programs 3

Cultural programs 5

Trainings conducted by Prayas staff 26

No. of trainees who took benefit of library 120

Meetings with DWCD and magistrate (NGO 3 meetings and case management meetings, meetings in court)

Visits conducted Visits to NGOs for exploring training 22 opportunities

Training activities (Activities conducted inside Shanti Sadan Women‘s Institution)

Training activities and case work.

Inputs and interventions

Prayas initiated work with Shanti Sadan in 2017, therefore the interaction began with an informative session about Prayas. Various questions such as - What is Prayas? How do we work with cases? What is the Placement Programme? How Prayas works with children and family? were addressed.

These questions enabled them to have a wider understanding of Prayas.

In these months, two informative sessions were conducted and various books requested by them were distributed. Work is also underway to establish a library to provide books in other languages as requested by them. Games and various ice-breaking activities were conducted to build a rapport with the inmates.

In October 2017, on the occasion of Diwali, sessions of colouring, diya painting, mehendi, rangoli, paper pockets were organised. A session was also conducted on relationships.

In association with Ratna Nidhi Trust, one day training workshops were conducted on chocolate making, perfume making and scented oil making over three days. Another resource person taught how to make decorative items using waste materials. Woolen work was also introduced at the suggestion of the Superintendent which went on for two weeks. A movie was screened to provide entertainment.

In addition to this, activities related to paper beads, handmade paper, mehendi, drawing and painting, making doormats from old sarees were conducted. A session on relaxation was taken. In order to ascertain the response of the participants, some activities were conducted. As the inmates hailing from Bangladesh are familiar with embroidery, embroidery workshop was conducted. On the request of the inmates, we conducted some indoor games.

Outputs and outcomes

 Activities conducted by Prayas can blossom into different ideas. While teaching embroidery, although only one stitch was taught, two inmates made different stitches of their own and taught it to others.  Embroidered work was created by every participant.  Every session provides the inmates with a hope of reintegrating with the mainstream society with the guidance and support available.  Fun activities help in providing some relief to the stress of the inmates due to which there is about 70 % participation rate.  Movie screening elicits a 100 % participation rate.  Upon release from Shanti Sadan, inmates reach out to Prayas seeking rehabilitation.  More awareness is spreading about Prayas through the network of inmates.

Challenges

 As most of the inmates hail from Bangladesh, the team needs to prepare an action plan suitable for them.  Local inmates stay for a shorter period, around 21 days which is not sufficient for training, rehabilitation or morale boosting.  Many activities related rehabilitation related request come from Bangladeshi girls.  Space and time are major constraints at Shanti Sadan. The number of inmates is very low and there are 4 NGOs visiting the institution.  Older NGOs like Kshamata are also working so the time has to be adjusted with them.

Future plans

 Arrange short term certificates courses.  Try piece rate work assignments.  Networking with Bangaladeshi organisations, and explore our Placement Programme there.  Try to setup library with multi-lingual books.  Arrange regular meetings of the NGOs visiting Shanti Sadan.

Statistics: Training activities (Activities conducted inside Shanti Sadan Women‟s Institution)

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 130

New cases 90

Old cases 40

Dropout cases from training 80

Cases referred to Prayas Rehabilitation 05 Programme

Follow-up with NGOs for exploring 02 training opportunities

Interventions Training programmes conducted

Informative sessions 06

Counseling 15

Contact with family 07

Follow-up with family 05

Trainings conducted by Prayas staff 20

No. of trainees who take benefit of books 06 provided by Prayas

Meetings with Superintendent 03

Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha –Work with Women (Case Work)

Inputs and Interventions

● Visits were made to homes of clients to reconnect them with their families, to address family issues and follow-up with the family and clients after discharge from the institution. ● Clients and family members were regularly counseled to improve relationships among them, and also, where required, to persuade families to reconnect with clients. ● Conducted joint meetings with clients‘ families to resolve their problems and to explain the concept of rehabilitation to family members, with examples of various Prayas facilities and skill development trainings. Also conducted similar joint meetings to help families and clients overcome crisis situation. ● Visits to court were paid to follow-up cases. ● Visits were paid to various NGOs for networking and mobilizing new resources for clients‘ needs. ● Contacted clients‘ families to get more details about the clients so as to plan out their future follow-up. ● Paid visits to J.J. Hospital, Nair Hospital, KEM Hospital, RCF Hospital for clients‘ medical follow-up. ● Visits to shelter homes for counseling of inmates. ● Providing travelling allowance to clients.

Outputs and outcomes

● Followed up with 50 families for clients‘ rehabilitation purpose. ● 76 clients were provided with counselling. ● 15 visits were made to courts to follow-up regarding the clients‘ cases. ● 20 visits were conducted to shelter homes for clients‘ follow up. ● 15 visits were made to J.J. Hospital, KEM Hospital, BYL Nair Hospital and RCF Hospital. ● 35 home visits done for clients‘ follow-up. ● 39 joint meetings were arranged with clients‘ families to resolve their problems. Additionally, regular follow-ups were maintained telephonically with clients and their families. ● Total 12 trainees enrolled into Prayas NGO Placement Programme and they have expressed their satisfaction with the stipend. ● Attended at Goa the National Consultation on ―Rehabilitation of Women in Prostitution‖ with 2 clients from 14th – 19th March, 2018. The workshop was organized by ARZ, an NGO working in Goa in collaboration with the Centre for Criminology & Justice, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. The purpose of the consultation was to understand the struggle of women and girls presently in prostitution, situation of women and girls who have exited from prostitution, needs/expectations of women and girls vis–a–vis rehabilitation,

reintegration, protection, etc. Through this workshop, one client was offered a job by Kshamata organization.

Challenges

1. Many clients demanded beautician/beauty parlor related courses and the policy at Prayas is not to send clients for beauty parlor courses because many of the clients are rescued from spa and massage parlors. It is one of the reasons why some women are not interested in other training programmes. 2. They demand jobs and not training programmes because many women suffer from weak financial conditions at home and have responsibility of the family. 3. In case of unmarried women, the family focuses more on getting them married instead of training them, so they are not willing to send them for various programmes. 4. There is a fear of social stigma among the family members due to the intervention by a social worker. 5. Clients are in touch with some negative elements as these people manage to help the clients during difficult financial situations involving large sums of money which agencies and institutions are unable to provide for, these including education fees, fees for enrolling into a beauty parlour course, etc. 6. Some clients may face behavioural issues and a lack of trust and confidence from the family members which can be resolved by counselling them.

Future Plans

● Arranging a follow-up visit to Uttar Pradesh at a client‘s residence upon her request. ● Arranging visits to Delhi for resolving the family crisis of some clients. ● Conduct follow-up to UP and Delhi to address family issues. ● Increase case referral in the NGO Placement Programme. ● Follow-up and maintain long term rehabilitation cases.

Statistics- Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha - Case Work with Women

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 76

New cases 57

Old cases 19

Long term cases 32

Short term cases 44

Picked up by the Prayas worker 76

Visits conducted Home visits 35

Visits to court 15

Visits to hospital 15

Visits to shelter homes 20

Follow-up with family 50

Interventions Counselling 76

Provided travelling monthly allowance 03

Meetings with family 39

Contact with family 108

Work with children of women living in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha

Inputs and Interventions

● Emergency assistance such as medical support, shelter, rationing, and educational support was provided as per need. ● Home visits to assess the situation of the families and to reconnect families with children. ● Visits were paid to police stations, schools, hospitals, children institutions and NGOs. ● Contact was established with families through telephonic contact and home visits. ● Finding organization for the vocational training and educational expenses of the children. ● Providing travelling assistance. ● Arranged joint meeting with clients‘ families regarding children related issues. ● Follow-up with schools and tuition classes for children progress reports. ● Arrange follow-up visits to NGOs for clients‘ day to day progress and their problems.

Outputs and outcomes

● Prayas responded to a total of 26 children of inmates at the institution. ● Total 23 home visits were paid through social worker. Purpose of home visits was to find out the background of children‘s families, their problems and needs and for also finding out schools and tuition classes nearby to their homes. ● Counselling was provided to 26 children. ● 28 school visits regarding submitting bank details for NEFT, requesting concession in school fees and also meeting with the school and colleges authorities regarding students‘ progress. ● 8 children were provided with emergency and medical assistance. ● 6 children were assisted in getting admission into colleges for 11thStd, S.Y.B.A., Mechanical Engineering, B.S.W., B.A., BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application). ● 10 families were provided nutrition support (rationing support). ● 20 children were provided with educational support. ● 5 children were provided bus/train pass. ● 3 children were helped to secure admission for the MS (CIT) course through Keerti Institute.

Challenges

● One of our clients who had taken admission in B.S.W course in Nirmala Niketan through Prayas has some psychological problem due to which she was not able to attend college. However, through regular counseling provided by Prayas and Nirmala Niketan, some headway was made. The client has refused to continue with her B.S.W and has enrolled herself in a B.A course. ● Many schools have not agreed to provide bank details for school fees transfer by NEFT. ● One of our clients is studying Mechanical Engineering and his college fees are around Rs. 1.5 lakhs per annum. The expectation from his parents is that Prayas should pay a large portion of the fees. However, the policy at Prayas is not to pay such high amounts as education support.

Statistics - Work with children of women living in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total Outreach 26

New cases 09

Old cases 17

Long term cases 26

Interventions Counselling 26

Provided emergency assistance 05

Provided medical support 03

Children provided with educational support 20

Rations provided to the clients‘ family 10

College admission 06

Provided bus/train pass to the child 05

Provided school fees 20

Provided tuition fees 09

Provided computer fees 03

Home rent to clients‘ family 02

Visits conducted Home visits 23

Visits to schools/oclleges 28

Visits to CWC, shelter homes and NGOs 06

Meetings conducted Meeting with other NGOs 03

Work with women on shelter and medical support (Women institutions)

Interventions

● Visits were made to homes of clients to reconnect them with their families, to address family issues and follow-up with the family and clients after discharge from the institution. ● Clients and family members were regularly counselled to improve relationship among them, and also, where required, to persuade families to reconnect with clients. ● Hospital visits were conducted for a client‘s medical check-up and hospitalization. ● Strong rapport was built up with the hospital personnel by the social worker for emergency help. ● Meetings were arranged with the doctor and social worker for clients‘ health related issues and regarding financial help to clients. ● Efforts were made to find vacancy in various shelters home to arrange for clients‘ accommodation after release from the institution. ● Visits were conducted to NGOs for clients‘ future follow-up and finding resources for the clients.

Outcomes

● 16 cases were counselled regarding their health and shelter issues. ● 10 cases provided medical support. ● 6 cases were admitted in shelter homes. ● Four clients were hospitalized in Nair Hospital and J.J. Hospital for treatment of gynecological, lungs, typhoid, and TB problems. ● 8 cases were provided special diet for health recovery as per doctor suggestion. ● 26 home visits were conducted to clients‘ home for enquiring about their medical issues and also for a follow-up of their medical problems. ● 44 visits were done to the hospital for the clients‘ hospitalization and their medical follow-up and seeking financial assistance for their health problems. ● 18 NGO visits were conducted to Gunvatta Kumar Foundation at Parel, Shraddha Foundation at Kharghar, Sant Gadge Maharaj at Dadar and Desire organisation at Goregaon for locating special organisations who could provide diet for TB, HIV(+), Sukh Shanti and cancer patient and also shelter and medical follow up was undertaken. ● 12 meetings were arranged with NGOs for clients‘ shelter issues and finding some solutions to their issues.

Challenges

● It is very difficult to undertake regular follow-up of medical cases because some cases suffer from HIV (+), TB, cancer, paralysis, dialysis, etc. In government hospitals, OPD hours are in the morning so one worker cannot visit two different hospitals at the same time. ● No support given by the Medical Social Worker of the hospitals in any issues like concession in treatment fees, escort problems, ambulance services, maintaining follow-up, diet and donation. ● Very few organisations are providing diet and shelter for TB patients.

● Due to fewer or inadequate facilities provided by government hospitals many clients demand support from Prayas. ● Even though various government schemes for health exist, they are not always functional. To avail benefits from these schemes, a lengthy, tedious procedure has to be followed which hinders their effective implementation. Sometimes even the clients do not favour these schemes. ● In government hospitals, Medical Social Workers are there but they provide only list of funding organisations or donors. No help relating to concessions in hospital fees, treatment or finding donors for medical help is extended by these social workers.

Future Plans

● Finding organisations which provide special diet to HIV (+), TB, cancer and other patients who need special diet and whose families are economically weak. ● Finding free ambulance services for Prayas‘ clients who are paralyzed, undergoing regular dialysis. ● Finding doctors who support clients who are paralyzed and treat them too. ● Maintaining regular follow-up of shelter and medical cases and enrolling clients in placement programme and training. ● Finding jobs (vacancies) in various shelters home.

Statistics- Work with women related to shelter and medical support (Women institutions)

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total Outreach 16

New cases 11

Old cases 05

Long term cases 16

Interventions Counseling 16

Shelter admission 06

Provided medical support 10

Hospitalization 04

Provided special diet 08

Visits conducted Home visits 26

Visits to NGOs 18

Visits to hospital 44

Visits to shelter home 18

Meetings Meeting with other NGOs 12

Meeting with doctor 13

Prayas Livelihood and Reintegration Programme

Work with women (Mumbai and Thane)

Pre-Placement and Exposure visits to NGOs

Interventions

● Visits were paid to various NGOs including Ballika Ashram, Sahara India, Vedanta Foundation, Sukh Shanti, Khulla Aasman, Kotak Unnati, TISS library, Bapnu Ghar, CORO, Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha, Kala Ghoda, Samtol Foundation and NIOS Main office. ● Outstation visits were conducted to find out if other NGOs will help us in visiting native places of the clients ● A home visit was also conducted as the trainee had requested for tailoring training and she had also mentioned that there were facilities available in her neighbourhood. So to ascertain their provisions and details, a home visit was conducted.

Outcomes

● During the pre-placement program, the women informed us that they were not aware about the various opportunities available once they were released from the Home. ● They also mentioned that even if they did not end up taking placements, or do not remain in touch with the social worker from Prayas they will at least have the knowledge of available opportunities. ● They also mentioned that this will help them to refer other girls involved in similar activities (like commercial sex work) to Prayas. ● Two trainees also received certificates from Vedanta Foundation for the tailoring training.

Challenges

● It is difficult to work with those clients who come for the Placement Programme but do not seem to be interested in the kinds of training, activities offered. ● Some clients are not sure of what they want to do in the future so they enroll for various training programs but dropout towards the end of the programme.

Future plans

● Find a new NGO partners located out of the state for expanding the programme. ● More focus on creating a strong network in health sector. ● Organise regular get-togethers with all the trainees - a demand put forth by them. ● Merge this programme with the Placement Programme because of inadequate staff members.

Statistics - Pre-Placement and Exposure visits to NGOs

Board services Specific services Statistics

Work with cases Total outreach 15

Old trainees 06

New trainees 09

Dropouts 01

Visits conducted Exposure visits 22

Individuals visits 17

Visits to NGOs for planning of 28

exposure visits

Home visits 03

Interventions Short training / placement 04

Follow up for 28

placement/exposure visits

Meetings with trainees 11

Meetings with NGOs follow-up in 20

Cases

NGO Placement (Local)

Inputs and Interventions

● Regular counselling was provided to clients on their family, behaviour and personal problems. ● Clients were observed for their behavior, communication, their maturity, punctuality, understanding during the Placement period. ● Regular guidance and information was imparted to the clients about their family reconnection, behaviour problems, skills development, educational support etc. ● Suitable Placement agencies were identified for clients. ● Group meetings were organised for sharing their development and problems in the Placement Programme. ● Individual meetings were conducted with trainees regarding their problems in the Placement Programme, to find their interest area in other sectors. ● Organised meetings with agencies were organized to discuss and gain a feedback from them regarding the development of clients during the Placement period, their challenges in Placement. ● Followed up with NGOs to enquire about the clients‘ progress in the Placement agencies. ● Efforts were made to find new organisations for exploring our Placement Programme. ● Trainees have attended meetings with Placement agencies to resolve their Placement issues. ● Visit to Pratham organization for follow-up of the Nursing Assistant training of one client. ● Visits to upcountry NGOs are being arranged to explore new NGOs for the Placement Programme. ● Visit to Special Cell organization at Satara for a client. ● Visited Ranchi, Jharkhand to find the family status and Placement opportunities for one of the clients.

Outputs and outcomes

● A total of 12 women were enrolled in the Placement Programme. ● All clients were paid their monthly stipend and also provided with emergency assistance as required. ● 08 clients enrolled for training in MS (CIT), paper furniture and para-professional courses in Samtol Foundation, Thane and Khulla Aasman . ● One client was enrolled in S.S.C. ● 09 trainees were provided rationing support. ● We have explored 9 new NGOs named Kamaldham Old Age Home, Aadhar - Badlapur, Asha and Aaghaaz - Jharkhand, Post-Graduate College in Agri Business Management - Pune, Samtol Foundation - Thane, Kshamata - Thane, Nerul and Kopar Khairane, Nursery for gardening for our clients‘ placement. The NGOs are quite positive about our Placement Programme for residential or daily travelling. They will be providing shelter home for trainees. They agreed for providing training and job

opportunities to our clients. ● 3 home visits were conducted to Jharkhand, Nerul and Navi Mumbai for finding a family. ● One case was referred to Asha, an organisation in Jharkhand and the agency has taken responsibility for her shelter, family problems, training. ● 41 meetings were conducted with the trainees for their Placement issues and the relevant solutions. ● 29 meetings were done with the Placement agencies for clients‘ placement issues, challenges and their future plans. ● 62 visits were conducted to the Placement agencies for trainees‘ placement development, agencies‘ feedback, trainees‘ issues in Placement.

Challenges

● Clients are not regular for their Placement Programme because of family issues ● A group demanded a job with a higher salary and expressed dissatisfaction with the salary offered during the Placement. So they discontinued the Programme as their demands were not met. ● Many clients demand a job before joining the Placement Programme. ● Many clients opt out of the Placement Programme when they get a job in the private sector ● Prayas has no Observation Centre for clients so it is difficult to find out their needs and interest area ● Direct jobs are not offered by Prayas and this has led to higher drop outs

Statistics - NGO Placement (Local)

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total Outreach 12

New cases 05

Old cases 07

Drop out cases 05

Visits conducted Home Visits 03

Finding new NGOs for Placement 09

Visit to NGOs for planning of exposure 03 visits

Visits to Placement agencies 62

Group exposure visits 06

Up-country visits 02

Counselling 12

Pursuing training 08

Interventions Provided monthly rations and 09 emergency assistance to clients‘ families

Provided travelling monthly allowance 12

Meetings Meetings with trainees 41 conducted Meetings with placement agencies 29

Phone calls to clients and NGOs 150 calls

Citizenship Rights and Information on Schemes

Interventions

● Counseling and guidance were provided to clients for enrolling in various government schemes and getting citizenship documents. ● Follow-up was done on the Manodhairya Yojana, to avail its benefits for one of the Prayas clients. ● Visit was made to a police station for finding status of the case referred for the Manodhairya scheme for a client. A meeting was also organised with Shri Kale, a Police Officer to discuss about the case after which he ensured us that they will send the respective documents required to DWCD. ● Letter from Prayas was submitted to DWCD office with respect to availing the benefits of the Manodhairya scheme for our client. ● Found a shelter home for mentally retired person of Government scheme like Garonda scheme but this scheme has been discontinued. ● Home visits were paid to get the respective new or old documents required to avail the benefits of the government schemes. ● Clients were enrolled for the Jan Dhan Scheme to get their bank accounts opened. ● Visits were made to Sneha Sagar and Sukh Shanti organisations to get the Caste Certificate and PAN Cards. ● Visits were also made to the Pan Card office, Election office, Aadhar Card office for acquiring the respective documents. ● Organised meetings with clients to help them resolve their family issues. ● Visits were paid to the shelter homes to follow-up with clients for seeking admission in colleges. ● Organised meeting with the MHADA office for arranging a session on the Pradhan Mantri AwasYojana for a programme to be conducted as part of the Women‘s Day celebrations. ● Conducted a meeting with Rationing Kruti Samiti on rationing issues. Total 12 NGOs attended and Shri Bodake, Dy. Collector shared data on the PDS policy. It was also discussed if inmates can enroll for the scheme. ● Follow-up was conducted for one client regarding the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. ● Follow-up was maintained with the Reliance Officer for the electricity meter

connection of one client followed by a visit to the Reliance office at Goregaon for getting the new electricity meter. ● Efforts were put in for finding organizations in Uttar Pradesh for a follow-up with regard to a client‘s property related issues. ● Follow-up was maintained with the MHADA office for availing benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for one of our clients. ● Follow-up was maintained with the Thane Police Station for getting the Panchnama report required for the death certificate of a client‘s husband. ● Total 20 forms of our clients were submitted to MHADA office for availing benefits under the PMAY scheme. ● Maintained a follow-up with MHADA officers for arranging a session on the Prime Minister Awas Yojana scheme for a programme to be organized related to Women‘s Day for our client group. ● For arranging a street play session related to the rehabilitation of women released from prisons and institutions for the Women‘s Day programme, maintained a follow- up with Rashtraseva Dal Sanghatna. ● Guidance for availing the benefit of the government Mudra Yojana was provided.

Outputs and outcomes

● Total 30 clients were provided guidance regarding UID Card, Caste Certificate, Ration Card, Election Card, Jan DhanYojana, Pan Card, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. ● 12 home visits were conducted to get the clients‘ documents required to avail the benefits of the various government schemes. ● 04 visits were made to banks for opening new bank accounts of clients. ● 02 visits were conducted to shelter homes for getting clients‘ documents. ● 09 visits were made to the Dharavi Police Station for follow-up of the related documents required to avail the benefit of the Manodhairya Yojana. ● 18 visits were made to MHADA office for arrranging a session on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. ● 01 client was guided in regard to the enrollment of U I D (Aadhar Card) ● 1 client was assisted in getting the Voting Card. ● 2 clients got their Pan Cards.

● Bank accounts were opened for 02 clients. ● 3 clients were enrolled in the Jan DhanYojana. ● 18 visits were made to UID office for getting new Aadhar cards. ● Total 105 people attended the Women‘s Day programme conducted in TISS. Along with clients it was attended by representatives of YWCA, DWCD, Ashray, TISS.

Challenges

● During the meeting with the Police Officer of Dharavi Police Station related to the required documents from the police to avail the benefits of the Manodhairya Yojana, the Officer informed us that the file had been sent to the DWCD. But the DWCD personnel denied having received any file or documents from the police. So we wrote a letter to Senior Police Inspector of Dharavi Police Station informing him about the wrong information given by the Officer, but till date they have not responded positively. ● It becomes very difficult to open new bank accounts of clients who do not have any residential proof documents. So the same was discussed by the social worker with the Bank Manager and suggested whether Prayas could sanctify their residence on their letter head with a photograph of the client on it. Initially, the bank authorities were very reluctant to accept this suggestion but later on they have now accepted it. ● Getting an UID (Aadhar Card) issued for our clients is also difficult as our clients do not have the required documents. And the UID Officers demand a letter from Class I Officers or Gazzetted Officers which is also difficult to acquire. And with regard to women living in the community they have to furnish a letter from the local MLA which is also difficult. ● Getting electricity connections in the forested areas such as Goregaon is difficult. ● Acquiring a ration card for clients without a permanent address is difficult, as the Leave and License agreement is not an accepted document for acquiring a ration card.

Future Plans

● Organizing a session on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana through MHADA. ● Follow-up of Manodhairya Yojana and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana.

Statistics - Citizenship Rights and Information on Schemes

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Total Outreach 28

Counseling and guidance 30 Work with cases New Cases 24

Old Cases 04

Home visits 12

Visits to Banks 12

Visits to the UID office 18

Visits to the Police Stations 09

NGO visits 04

Visits conducted Visits to the Pan Card office 04

Visits to the Election office 01

Visits to the Shelter Homes 02

Visits to DWCD office 07

Visits to the MHADA office 18

Visits to the MSEB and Reliance offices 03

Getting new Pan cards 02

Interventions Getting new UID cards 01

Bank accounts opened 04

Information on enrolment of U I D (Aadhar 1session, 40 Awareness sessions Card) trainees organized Information on PMAY scheme 80 Trainees

Meetings with family 2 Meetings conducted Meetings with NGOs 04

Work with Male Youth Rehabilitation

Youth Development Centre (YDC) – Mumbai Rehabilitation Unit

Inputs and Interventions

● Educational, awareness and recreational activities provided at the Youth Development Centre, Mumbai. ● Emergency assistance such as medical support, shelter, police station visit, rationing and legal aid provided, as per need. ● Referrals for short and long term vocational training courses. ● Exposure visits and placement of trainees in NGOs. ● Counselling ● Family support ● Provide assistance for acquiring citizenship rights documents

Outputs and Outcomes

● Total outreach of 45 clients. ● 4 clients supported through vocational training courses. ● Temporary shelter arranged for 11 clients. ● Counseling provided to 45 clients. ● Medical support arranged for 10 clients. ● Family support provided to 9 clients. ● Educational support arranged for 3 clients. ● NGO placement arranged for 7 clients. ● Job placement arranged for3 clients. ● NGO exposure visits for 1 client. ● 15 court visits conducted. ● Legal aid provided for 10 clients. ● 04 clients found employment through their own efforts. ● Help provided in acquiring documents for 2 clients.

Challenges

● Difficulty in responding to emergency situations like shelter, medical and food especially for clients without family support due to lack of sufficient manpower. ● Very few NGOs with residential facilities for males in Mumbai. ● When we deal with cases of addiction, we have to spend lot of time on them resulting in limited focus on Placement Programme.

● Due to clients‘ addiction problems, there are problems at the night shelter home which need to be handled by the social worker.

Future Plans

● To explore NGOs that offer residential shelter to male clients without family support. ● To reduce the number of emergency situations in the life of clients. ● To build up a cultural activity group. ● To arrange health related sessions for client group and related NGO placement. ● To develop aftercare program & community work in Mankhurd as a preventive base.

Statistics - Work with Male Youth - Youth Development Centre (YDC) – Mumbai Rehabilitation Unit

Broad areas Specific services Statistics

Number of trainees Total outreach 45

Family based clients 29

Upcountry based clients 16

Old cases 29

New cases 16

Visits conducted Home visits 60

Court visits 15

Police station visits 29

Follow-up visits of trainees on 15 placement

Follow-up visits of trainees in 16 Shelter Homes

NGO exposure visits 01

Visits to training institutions 15

Visits to meet resource persons 02

Visits to government offices 04

Interventions Arranged shelter 11

Provided counseling 45

Provided medical support 10

Provided family support 09

Provided educational support 03

Provided vocational training 04

Placement in NGOs 07

Job placement 01

Provided legal aid 10

Assisted in acquiring documents 02 (Bank Account and School Leaving Certificate)

Youth Development Centre (YDC) – Thane and Kalyan Rehabilitation Unit

Inputs and Interventions

● Emergency assistance such as medical support, shelter, police station visit, rationing and legal aid provided, as per need. ● Referrals for short and long term vocational training courses. ● Exposure visits and placement of trainees in NGOs. ● Counselling ● Family support ● Provide assistance for acquiring citizenship rights documents

Outputs and Outcomes

● Total outreach of 33 clients. ● 13 clients supported through vocational training courses. ● Temporary shelter arranged for 4 clients. ● Counselling provided to 33 clients. ● Medical support arranged for 10 clients. ● Family support provided to 12 clients. ● NGO Placement arranged for 14 clients. ● Job placement arranged for 16 clients. ● 22 NGO exposure visits for 32 clients. ● 19 court visits conducted. ● Legal aid provided for 15 clients. ● 5 clients found employment through their own efforts. ● 2 clients found job through Prayas Placement Programme ● Helped in acquiring documents for 9 clients.

Challenges

● Difficulty in responding to emergency situations like shelter, medical and food especially for clients without family support due to lack of sufficient manpower. ● Very few NGOs with residential facilities for males. ● When we deal with cases of addiction, we have to spend lot of time on them resulting in limited focus on Placement Programme. ● Due to clients‘ addiction problems, there are problems at the night shelter home which need to be handled by the social worker.

Future Plans

● To explore NGOs in Thane district that offer residential shelter to male clients without family support. ● To explore de-addiction programs in Thane district. ● To explore and develop Day-care Centre for Youth in Thane district. ● To organise annual sport activity for the youth in Thane district. ● To organise annual cultural meet (songs, poems, dance, one act play, skits etc…) ● To reduce the number of emergency situations in the life of clients. ● Follow up to develop aftercare programme at Thane & Kalyan.

Statistics - Work with Male Youth - Youth Development Centre (YDC) – Thane and Kalyan Rehabilitation Unit

Broad areas Specific services Statistics

Number of Total outreach 33 trainees Family based clients 29

Upcountry based clients 04

Old cases 13

New cases 20

Visits conducted Home visits 47

Court visits 19

Police station visits 12

Follow-up visits of trainees on 13 placement

Follow-up visits of trainees in 12 Shelter Homes

NGO exposure visits 02

Visits to training institutions 18

Visits to meet resource persons 02

Visits to government offices 09

Other services Arranged shelter 04

Provided counselling 33

Provided medical support 10

Provided family support 12

Provided educational support -

Provided vocational training 13

Placement in NGOs 14

Job placement 16

Police Station support 12

Provided legal Aid 15

Help in acquiring documents 09 (Aadhar Card, Bank Account, Pan Card, Gazette and Driving Licence).

Women's Day Celebration (Informative Session on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana)

Women‘s Day celebration was organized for women clients of Prayas at TISS on 13th March, 2018 for all the women trainees enrolled in the rehabilitation program of Prayas. These included women who have been released from prison and discharged from rescue homes. The objective of the celebration was to spread awareness about the constitutional rights of women and unite women across various spheres. Officials from the Department of Women & Child Development including the District Officers took part in this program. YWCA, Ashray, Rashtriya Seva Dal Sanghatna were some of the NGOs who participated. A total of 105 women trainees took part in the celebration.

The Assistant Director and Coordinators from Prayas inaugurated the programme by offering flowers to the photograph of Savitribai Phule. A motivational song was sung by the social workers and the trainees. Two sessions were held as part of the program. One of them included a presentation on the work done by Savitribai Phule for women‘s rights and also on the history of International Women‘s Day. The New York March held on the 8th of March was described and how this day later on came to be recognized as Women‘s Day. Further, light was shed on the shortcomings in accessing women‘s rights.

After lunch a street play on commercial sex work was performed and a song was sung by one of the clients. The street play portrayed the struggle of a woman who gets trapped in the web of sex work and how she finds her way out with the support of NGOs. This left a high impact on the audience members who saw this as a reflection of their own life. They also expressed their journey filled with difficulties and spoke about the support they received from Prayas for their rehabilitation. They acknowledged how the society looks at them in the same manner but they are able to fight back with the confidence they derive from their NGO placement. The placement has enabled them to live a dignified life and end the social stigma and look at life ahead positively.

After the tea break, a session on the housing scheme of MHADA namely the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana was explained by the MHADA officials. This scheme is meant for persons with an income of Rs. 1 lakh or less. Information regarding the necessary documents, the terms and conditions of the scheme etc, was given and the queries of the participants were also answered by the officials. After this, the MUDRA Loan scheme was explained by the Probation Officer of DWCD.

Y.W.C.A provided information about their services and distributed pamphlets and were willing to help any woman needing help. Their services included hostel facility for those in need of shelter, vocational courses like tailoring, nursing, cookery, bakery, English speaking, and also educational sponsorship, etc.

The program ended with a song on Savitribai Phule which was presented by a peon from TISS. And finally the Vote of thanks was given by a Prayas social worker.

Health Unit

Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions Interventions  Efforts are being made to conduct sessions through government hospitals on a regular basis.  Efforts are also being made to develop a library with health related books and information in all custodial settings.  Health training activities were conducted for inmates in custody.  A curriculum is being developed for health training and sessions for inmates of custodial settings.

Outcomes  Session on Stress Management was conducted by the officials of Sion Hospital in all the prisons.  During a visit to the Godrej Company, the authorities there told the importance of the use of Internet and suggested that Prayas approach the Godrej Trust for assistance in this regard.  United Way NGO has agreed to set up a health library in one prison.  During a meeting with the IG, it was accepted that Red Cross will be conducting sessions at a 50 % discounted rate, but a written permission in this regard has not yet been granted.  Doctors had been requested to take sessions in other custodial settings, but in the meanwhile other NGOs have taken these sessions.  Other prisons have requested that similar workshops conducted by Khulla Aasman related to the psychological support through art, music be conducted in their prisons as well.  Identified NGOs for collection of health related books for setting up of the health library.  The I.G. accepted the concept of conducting trainings for the prison inmates through Red Cross (NGO) after Red Cross agreed to give a 50% concession.  Have identified one NGO who is willing to coordinate with Prayas on a long term basis with regard to conducting training sessions.

Challenges

 The planned sessions get cancelled and later on it is very difficult to get resource persons again especially if they are government officials.  Demand from the prison staff for medicines is also an hurdle for conducting any health related sessions.  There is a need for a cupboard for the health library books.  Issues like photos, fees, female doctors, timings, laptops, etc. were raised for conducting First Aid sessions through Red Cross.  NGOs have shown interest to give training to our staff instead of being part of our curriculum programme.

Future Plans

 Conduct long term training through a government psychiatrist.  Acquire a cupboard after which books could be orders and then health related session conducted.  Conduct a meeting with Red Cross Society at the national level.  Develop a health curriculum for inmates of custodial settings.

Statistics - Health Unit - Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions Broad Specific Services Statistics Services Work with Total Outreach 1780 Inmates cases Awareness session conducted in Prison 1443 inmates Activities In the month of April 2017, a session was conducted on 120 inmates conducted ‗Stress Management‘ by Somaiya Hospital in the Women‘s Section of Byculla District Prison In the month of April 2017, a session was conducted on 35 inmates ‗Health & Hygiene‘ by Somaiya Hospital in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha. In the month of April 2017, a session was conducted on 85 inmates ‗Hepatitis B‘ by United Way NGO in Byculla District Prison. In the month of April 2017, a session was conducted on 65 inmates ‗Hepatitis B‘ by United Way NGO in Kalyan District Prison. In the month of May 2017, a session was conducted on 40 inmates ‗Nutritional Diet‘ by Foundation for Mother and Child Health NGO in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha. In the month of May 2017, a session was conducted on ‗De- 37 inmates addiction‘ by Nasha Mukti in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha. In the month of May 2017, a session was conducted on 30 inmates ‗Hepatitis B‘ by United Way NGO in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha. In the month of June 2017, a session was conducted on 40 inmates ‗Diabetics‘ by United Way NGO in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha. In the month of June 2017, a session was conducted on 45 inmates ‗Sexually Transmitted Infection/Reproductive Health‘ by Somaiya Hospital. In the month of June 2017, a session was conducted on 175 inmate ‗Nutritional Diet‘ in Byculla District Prison by Foundation for Mother and Child Health NGO. In the month of June 2017, a session was conducted on 75 inmates ‗Diabetics‘ by Somaiya Hospital in Thane Central Prison. In the month of July 2017, session on ‗Diabetes‘ was 55 inmates conducted by United Way NGO in Kalyan District Prison In the month of July 2017, a session on ‗Stress 50 inmates Management‘ was conducted by Trishul NGO in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha

In the month of August 2017, session on ‗Superstitions‘ was 175inmates conducted in Byculla District Prison by Andha Shraddha Nirmulan Samiti In the month of August 2017, session on ‗Stress 85 females Management‘ was conducted by the Psychiatric inmates Department of Sion Hospital in Thane Central Prison In the month of August 2017, session on ‗Stress 100 male inmates Management‘ was conducted by the Psychiatric Department of Sion Hospital in Thane Central Prison In the month of September 2017, session on ‗Stress 130 female Management‘ was conducted by the Psychiatric inmates Department of Sion Hospital in Byculla District Prison In the month of September 2017, session on ‗Stress 95 male inmates Management‘ was conducted by the Psychiatric Department of Sion Hospital In the month of October 2017, a session was organized on 60 inmates ‗Health and Hygiene‘ in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha through K.E.M. Hospital.

In the month of October 2017, a session was organized on 60 inmates ‗Women‘s health‘ by Somaiya Hospital in Kalyan District Prison In the months of October and November 2017, twelve 20 inmates sessions were organized on ‗Stress Management through dance/music/art therapy‘ in Byculla District Prison by Khulla Aasman In the month of November 2017, a session on ‗STI‘ was 35 male inmates conducted by Somaiya Hospital in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha In the month of December 2017, a session on ‗TB‘ was 50 inmates conducted by Alert India NGO in Kalyan District Prison Between the months of December - February 2018, twelve 18 inmates sessions were organized on ‗Stress Management through dance/music/art therapy‘ in the Women‘s Section of the Thane Central Prison by Khulla Aasman In the month of February 2018, a session was conducted on 80 inmates ‗HIV‘ by Alert India NGO in Kalyan District Prison In the month of February 2018, a session on ‗Prevention of 20 prison staff suicidal behaviour‘ was conducted by Samaritans for the members prison staff members of Mumbai Central Prison, Byculla District Prison, Thane Central Prison and Taloja Central Prison

Visits Visits to NGOs 54 visits conducted Visits to hospitals 3 visits

Prayas Policy Advocacy Unit

State Advisory Committee Follow-up of the State Advisory Committee on ITPA

● On 28th June 2017, submitted letter to Home Department, Mantralaya, to request for arranging meeting of State Advisory Committee on ITPA. ● Letter submitted to Commissioner, DWCD, Pune, for arranging State Advisory Committee meeting along with agenda for the meeting. ● Frequent visits were paid to Home Department at Mantralaya to arrange the meeting of the State Advisory Committee. ● Finally the meeting was arranged on 4th September, 2017 under the chairpersonship of Addl. Chief Secretary, Home Department.

The agenda for the meeting

1. To review work done by AHTUs.

2. Implementation of State Plan of Action by AHTU.

3. To repatriate the Bangladeshi victims housed in Protective Home.

There was discussion on AHTUs and action taken by the DWCD, police department and NGOs jointly. The DWCD submitted the information on how many women are rescued, admitted and repatriated. Presentation was made on various activities are conducted in women's institutions with help of NGOs.

Suggestions of Prayas before the Committee

● To implement the GR issued by DWCD regarding the rehabilitation measures to be taken in women shelter homes, based on the recommendations of the Justice Dharamadhikari Committee on Prevention of Atrocities against Women (in which Prayas was a member). ● 24 hours admission provision for needy women in state homes and this information should be displayed at all major railway stations, ST depots and police stations and also in front of the shelter home. The Chairperson agreed to this suggestion directed the authorities present to implement it. ● With regard to the expenses of the trainings to be imparted to the rescued women in custody, the government should allot these expenses in the yearly budget and a regular budget head should be created in this regard by the government. ● Infrastructure should be developed in the shelter homes according to the inmates‘ sanctioned strength. ● Special Court under ITPA can come to the Protective Home to hear cases but the opinion of the Committee was that it does not want to interfere in the court procedures.

● The rescued women can also be eligible for availing the benefits of the Manodhairya Yojana to which the Committee did not agree.

Compilation of the status related to the implementation of Justice Dharmadhikari Report

Hon'ble Justice Dharamadhikari (Retd.) asked Prayas regarding implementation of the five reports submitted by the Justice Dharmadhikari Committee on Prevention of Atrocities against Women, replies filed by the government to the High Court and action taken by the government on the report. Further, he asked which issues, GRs and circulars are issued and what is the status of implementation.

We perused through all the Justice Dharmadhikari Committee reports, actions and steps taken by the government, related GRs and circulars issued. We have compiled the issues on which action has not been taken and issues where the implementation is partial / incomplete and submitted the same to Justice Dharmadhikari. He has forwarded our compilation to the Chief Minister requesting him to take action. The Chief Minister in turn directed the Secretary, DWCD, to look into the issues and call a meeting.

Follow-up in regard to the Manodhairya Yojana

● A letter was submitted to the Section Officer, DWCD, at Mantralaya requesting that the benefits of the ‗Manodhairya Yojana‘ be extended to the women rescued from commercial sexual exploitation as we believe that these women are also victims of sexual exploitation. ● In April 2017, we visited the Dharavi Police Station regarding the follow up of a case of a client for the benefit of ‗Manodhairya Scheme‘. We submitted letter to Sr. P. I. to find out the status of her application and reasons of the delays. We discussed with the PSI, Mr. Kale, about this case he assured us that this case is already send to DWCD for Manodhairya Scheme and she will get the her cheque within 15 days. ● Paid visit to Dharavi Police Station to send the proposal of Manodhairya Scheme for rape victim from Dharavi area. For the same purpose, letter was submitted to the DWCDO, Mumbai City. ● In the month of November 2017, visited Dharavi Police Station regarding the follow up of case of a client for the benefit of ‗Manodhairya Scheme‘. Prayas met to Sr. P. I. to find out the status of her application and reasons of the delays. Prayas discussed with the PSI, Mr. Kale, regarding victim statement ● Paid visit to Dharavi Police Station for to send the proposal of Manodhairya Scheme for rape victim from Dharavi area. ● Based on this case, it was requested that awareness programmes should be arranged for the police, victims and their families by the DWCD about the Manodhairya Yojana and the procedures involved. ● Attended a meeting in the High Court regarding revising the Manodhairya Yojana proposed by the state with regard to victim compensation. ● Submitted suggestions on the Manodhairya Yojana to the High Court panel of judges, Hon'ble Justice Mridula Bhatkar and Hon'ble Justice Girish Kulkarni, highlighting the

need to include victims of commercial sexual exploitation as beneficiaries of the scheme. ● Submitted additional suggestions with regard to proposed changes in the Manodhairya Yojana as per the orders of the Bombay High Court in the PIL No. 35 of 2013, especially on adding a budget head on vocational training for women inmates in the shelter homes of the state.

Issues relating to women in shelter homes

● As per the provisions of ITPA, rescued women are admitted into government or non- government shelter homes for their repatriation and rehabilitation. Most victims do not possess documents such as Ration Card, Bank Account passbook, PAN Card, Aadhar Card, etc. Aadhar Card is now required for opening the bank accounts of the victims if they need to apply for the benefits of the Manodhairya Yojana. There is another scheme called Maher Yojana under which women in shelter homes are supposed to get Rs 1000/- per month and this amount is also deposited into their bank accounts. ● Therefore, it was suggested that as soon as victim women are admitted into the shelter homes, the process for acquiring their Aadhar Card should be initiated by the Superintendent of institution. It should be the responsibility of the Superintendent to open the bank accounts of the victims admitted to the shelter home. ● In government shelter homes, there is no budget provision for any vocational training to be imparted to the victims. And from the rehabilitation point of view, there are no concrete programmes for conducting advanced training programmes. Therefore, it was suggested that a separate budget head be created for the expenses of conducting vocational training programmes for the women inmates in the government shelter homes.

Follow-up with Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

● On 30th June 2017, we visited KVIC office for the networking of starting training programmes for women in custody (to start KVIC training centre in women's institutions). We met Ms. Pradnya Joglekar, Director, Prime Minister's Employment Guarantee Program (PMEGP) for the extension of their program to the custodial population and submitted the letter to Chairperson, District Industrial Centre (DIC) and also met Shri Umesh Suryavanshi, HRD, Training Department, to discuss our issues with him. He guided us about their programme of KVIC and he requested for a letter from DWCD for concession of the training fees for the trainee inmates. ● On 5th July 2017, we visited the Training Centre of KVIC at Borivali. They suggested that inmates from women‘s institutions can come to the training institute at Borivali for various trainings and stipend will be paid by KVIC. They said that KVIC can conduct training in women institutions on payment basis by the Prayas.

Follow-up of skills development training in NMV

● A meeting was arranged with Mrs. Kubal, Dy. Director, Skills Development Department, Konkan Bhavan, Belapur regarding arranging skills development trainings in Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha (NMV). ● Visited Skills Development Department office at Konkan Bhavan, Belapur and submitted letter regarding arranging session on skills development training for the inmates of Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha. ● Visited the ATDC centre for skills development training at Sanpada and met the Director of ATDC regarding starting a centre in NMV. They were not ready to starting a centre in NMV but were willing to provide training to our clients at their centre. ● The Skills Development Department agreed for conducting a session on the schemes of the Skills Development Department in NMV.

Follow-up of Bal Sangopan Yojana

● 10 cases were submitted to DWCD for getting benefit under Bal Sangopan Yojana and continuous follow-up was maintained with the Probation Officer, DWCD.

Follow-up for getting permission to initiate work in Shanti Sadan Home at Ulhasanagar

● We held regular meetings with the Superintendent and assessment was made of the needs to initiate work in the women's institution at Ulhasnagar, Thane. In the month of April, after discussion with the Superintendent, she requested that Prayas start work in the institution as no other organization is visiting Shanti Sadan and many women have requests related to home visits, training, and their children. ● In month of May 2017, Prayas arranged meeting with Shri Rahul More, Divisional Dy. Commissioner (Konkan Division), DWCD, Mumbai, for getting permission to start rehabilitation work in Shanti Sadan Home at Ulhasanagar with cases of victims of sexual exploitation and booked under ITPA. We shared our rehabilitation programme with him. After discussion, Shri More told us to submit the work plan for Shanti Sadan. ● In June 2017, Prayas submitted our work plan for Shanti Sadan, and they told us permission will be granted soon.

Meeting with Maharashtra State Commission for Women

Attended a meeting called by State Women‘s Commission on 5th July, 2017 to organise an international workshop on human trafficking issues. As per suggestion of the Commission, Prayas submitted an article on ―Experience of Prayas: Rehabilitation and Success Stories of Rescued Women‖ which was published by the Commission in the booklet for International Human Trafficking Workshop held on 27th and 28th July, 2017.

Permission to Prayas to work in Government Shelter Home, Shanti Sadan at Ulhasanagar

Frequently visitedthe Divisional Dy. Commissioner (Mumbai Division), DWCD to follow-up regarding the permission to start work in Shanti Sadan Mahila Vastigruha located at Ulhasnagar and finally the permission was granted on 24th July, 2017.

Legal aid for rescued women in institutions

As per the rules of ITPA, legal aid has to be provided by the DLSA but this is not done in practical. Therefore, Prayas submitted a letter on 28th July, 2017 to Majlis an NGO working for giving legal aid and awareness to needy women, to provide legal aid and guidance to the victim women rescued under ITPA.

Later, on 26th September, 2017 a meeting was held with Majlis and they have agreed to conduct legal awareness programmes and help the women in filing cases under the DV Act, rape and POCSO.

Meeting with Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruah, Government Protective Home

The Superintendent of Navjeevan Protective Home conducted a meeting on 25th September, 2017 with NGOs working in the institution. We tabled our point regarding Maher Yojana money be deposited in the inmates‘ bank accounts on a monthly basis. In the meeting, Prayas took the responsibility of acquiring UID cards for the inmates and also opening their bank accounts.

We also informed about our efforts regarding appointment of Duty Counsel in NMV and follow-up with Majlis for legal aid and awareness for rescued women.

Meeting with government and non-government agencies:

● Attended meeting called by Stree Mukti Sanghatana on DV Act convergence issues. ● Attended a meeting by DWCD at Pune regarding implementation of the State Plan of Action on Shelter Homes. ● A letter was submitted to the Commissioner, DWCD requesting for permission to conduct a study on the rehabilitation work of government shelter homes. Later, a continuous follow-up was also maintained in this regard. ● Attended two meetings conducted in the Mumbai High Court related to the modification proposed in the Manodhairya Yojana.

Follow up of State Inter-Departmental Committee on Prisoners

● In April 2017, visited Mantralaya for a follow-up with the Section Officer, Home Department to request for organizing a meeting of the State Inter-Departmental Committee on Prisoners. ● In May 2017, a follow-up in this regard was maintained. ● On 28th June, 2017 visited Shri Pawara, Jt. Secretary, Home Department to request

him to put up our file before the Home Secretary regarding our request to call for the State IDC meeting.

The following agenda was put forth for the IDC meeting: ● To arrange short-term and long-term vocational trainings through the Skills Development Department in prisons and issue the government certificates to prisoners undergoing training. ● To increase the honorarium for legal aid lawyers. ● To start anganwadis for the age group of 0-6 years children living with their imprisoned mothers. ● To permit a face-to-face mulakat between minor children and their imprisoned mothers. ● The DWCD issued a circular on 7th September 2017 regarding the visits of the Probation Officer for female prisoners and their children.

Work on Byculla Galabhet programme:

The galabhet programme has been started by the prison department two years back to facilitate face-to-face meetings between convicted prisoners and their children left outside. It was decided by the prison department to organise this programme for the under trial women prisoners at Byculla District Prison. In this regard, meetings were conducted between Prayas staff and the staff of the Byculla District Prison. Later, meetings were also held with the CWC members to gain permission for allowing children living in institutions to meet their imprisoned parents. Prayas team helped the prison authorities to organise the programme,to the great satisfaction of the women prisoners and their children who came to meet their mothers in prison.

Galabhet Study

This study was conducted at the request of Dr. Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay, ADG (Prisons). The main objective of the study was to enquire into the mental condition of the prisoners after they meet with their family members. Four central prisons located across Maharashtra including Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik and Pune were visited. Interviews were conducted of 150 participants which involved prisoners, prison staff members and family members of the prisoners.

Our major findings are that prisoners are highly benefitted from the programme. They felt ‗at home‘ due to these meetings with their children insde the prison. They also mentioned that they felt peaceful for a few months and they wanted the programme to be conducted every quarter. The prison staff also welcomed the programme and stated that it should happen at least twice a year. According to them it has a positive effect on the behaviour of the prisoners and they support prison work.

Meeting with the TT-GoM MOU Prison Project staff

Three meetings were held with Ms. Varsha Kanikdale, Project Director of the Pilot Project on Social Work Intervention in Maharashtra Prisons and Ms. Mangala Honawar from Tata Trusts to discuss the role of Prayas mentors to guide the work of the project social workers.

Food & Hygiene Committee visits

A Food & Hygiene Committee has been constituted in all the prisons of Maharashtra as per the orders of the Hon‘ble Bombay High Court in response to a PIL filed on prison conditions in Maharashtra. This three member Committee is headed by a nutritionist and has two social workers as its members. Two social workers from Prayas are members of this Committee in Mumbai which is headed by a representative from the Nutrition Department of J.J Hospital and they conduct monthly visits to Mumbai Central Prison and Byculla District Prison. The main objective of the Committee is to ensure hygiene in the prison kitchen.

Between September, 2017 to March, 2018, 6 visits were conducted to the respective prisons and the report of these visits along with the suggestions are sent to the I.G.Prisons‘Office, Pune. A few outcomes of the Committee visits and the suggestions:

- There has been improvement in the quality of food prepared inside the prison. - The prisoners working in the kitchen wear a cap or scarf on their head while working in the kitchen and their nails are regularly checked or cut to maintain hygiene. - The Superintendent of Mumbai Central Prison has been able to acquire steel containers from a donor in which the food is kept to be it warm. These containers are kept inside the barracks. - Renovation or repair work of the kitchens is being undertaken like tiling the walls of the kitchen or plastering the walls, improving the drainage system of the kitchen. - Improvement in the quality of the vegetables and grains.

Suggestions given related to the ICPS

Following suggestions were put forth by Prayas related to the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Women & Child Development in the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS):

 There is a need for a clear bifurcation of roles of the ICPS and DWCD staff. For example, in Maharashtra, it has been noticed that there is lack of clarity of roles and lack of coordination between them. In one of the districts where Prayas is working, it was noticed that around 5 to 6 staff were appointed under the ICPS which was reduced over time. Presently, there is only the Coordinator of the ICPS. Most of his time is spent in organising trainings and workshops for the police personnel but no follow-up is maintained in terms of impact of the trainings.  ICPS staff does not always get their salaries on time. The number of the staff in the ICPS also varies from state to state.  The ICPS staff is under the control and supervision of District Women & Child Development Officer (DWCDO) and due to this, in some districts, they are allocated other work by the DWCDO and their work gets sidelined in the process.  The responsibility of accountability of work done by DCPU should be on the DWCDO and there is a need to set a specific target which can be mandatory to be

completed by the DCPU category-wise (in case of CNCP).  It is suggested that children related schemes may be handled exclusively by ICPS staff while the DWCD staff could look into the running of child care institutions, probation and aftercare schemes, etc.  The ICPS staff can work in good coordination with the NGOs working in the district towards the skills development, rehabilitation of both CNCPs and CCLs.  There is lack of coordination between the ICPS staff and the CWC and JJB. There is a need to arrange quarterly meetings to assess the work done by the DCPU.  The DWCDO should give a regular report to the Dy. Commissioner (Child development) and the Commissioner further reporting to the Secretary, DWCD for the fulfillment of these targets.  There should be a Monitoring & Guidance Committee at every district level to facilitate the work of the DCPU.  There is need for uniformity in the ICPS plan for all the states, for example, in Gujarat, there is a Legal-cum-Probation Officer in the ICPS which does not exist in Maharashtra. The ICPS staff does not have much legal knowledge about the children related laws and there is a need for their capacity building. In some districts of Maharashtra, good work is being done by the ICPS staff with regard to the Children in Need of Care & Protection (CNCP) as compared to the Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) because of lack of the legal understanding of the CCL issue.  There is a need for uniformity in the amount sanctioned for the sponsorship or foster care schemes in all states.Some states give Rs.2000/-, while some only give Rs.425/- per month for the child which is totally inappropriate.  Instead of raising the amount for the institutionalized children, there is a need to raise the amount for non-institutional schemes such as the sponsorship and foster care schemes as the main objective of the JJ Act is deinstitutionalization. So to encourage parents to bring up their children in their own families, the amount should be reasonable enough such as Rs.2000/- per child per month.  The funding allocation for the ICPS in all the states should be in proportion to the population of the children in the state and more budget allocation should be done for non-institutional and after care programs rather than institutional programs.  There is no uniformity in the after care programs of the states. Some states have after care facilities for children released from institutions while some do not have any services at all or very few after care institutions. There is a need to increase the after care facilities/institutions.  Instead of creating separate ICPS personnel, if the government recruits staff for the vacant positions in the DWCD, it would be more beneficial as this will reduce duplication of work, roles and responsibilities and no passing the buck from one to another and in the process leading to harassment of the beneficiaries.  They can be of great help in POCSO cases where support could be given to the victims and their families and care taken to see that they are not influenced by the opposite party resulting in them turning hostile in the court leading to the acquittal of the accused.  With to regard work of the ICPS with victims of POCSO, not much is initiative taken in preparing lists of experts in their respective district, and there is lack of coordination with the police, judiciary and NGOs in this regard. Necessary support

systems are required in POCSO cases or in the 13 types of CNCPs identified as per the JJ Act, 2000.

In view of the challenges and difficulties faced by children of prisoners, the following suggestions were given:  Addition of the category of children of prisoners who have been separated from their mothers/parents following incarceration, and continue to reside in either the custody of caretakers, or have been institutionalized.  There should be separate programme measures in the ICPS covering children in difficult circumstances including children of prisoners keeping in mind their special needs and vulnerabilities.  Children of prisonerswho are in need of institutionalization should not be refused admission to institutions on grounds of lack of vacancies.  As far as possible, siblings in need of institutionalisation should be admitted to the same institution as admitting them in separate institutions would lead to further breakdown of family structure with one/both parents already in prison.  There should be clearly laid down procedures and systems guiding inter-district and inter-state coordination between Child Welfare Committees across districts and states. This is with reference to children of imprisoned parents who reside in districts and states different from the ones that their mothers are lodged in. Currently, concerns related to the limited jurisdictions of Child Welfare Committees make it difficult for children from other districts and states to arrange for mulakat / visits to their mothers/parents in prison.  The DCPU can play a major role in arranging for regular mulakats between the institutionalized children and the imprisoned parents.  In case of need to protect the property rights of children of prisoners, the DCPU can in coordination with the CWC play an important role in protecting the right to property of the children by bringing this matter to the notice of the trial court where the parent is being tried.  The mother in prison who has been accused of their spousal murder and her children are in the custodyof her in-laws, are usually not permitted to meet the imprisoned mother by the in-laws. In such cases, the DCPU can in coordination with the CWC help out in arranging mulakat with police help if necessary.

PIL on Children of Women Prisoners in Bombay High Court (PIL No 107/2014)

Prayas was appointed Amicus Curae in a Suo Moto PIL (107/2014) on children of women prisoners left outside. Between the months of April to October, 2017, there were 7 court hearings. The final hearing took place on 12th October, 2017. The judgment included 13 specific directionsto protect the rights and rehabilitation of children of women prisoners left outside. It laid down guidelines for the Departments of Prisons and Women and Child Development. The orders included:

- Appointment of lady Probation Officers in prisons to look into the welfare and rehabilitation of women inmates and their children.

- Recognition of at least one NGO per district to look into the welfare and rehabilitation of women inmates and their children. - Recommendation to increase in the budget provision for the Grant-in-aid for released prisoners from 12 lakhs to 2 crores. - Recommendation to increase in the monthly sponsorship amount for children of prisoners left outside under the Bal SangopanYojana from Rs. 425/- per child per month to Rs. 1000/- per child per month.

Note related to the issues of women prisoners submitted to the State Women‘s Commission

Members of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women visited the Byculla District Prison after the custodial death of a woman prisoner June, 2017. The NCW asked Prayas for a report on the work carried out by Prayas and its experience with the prisoners and the prison staff. Prayas prepared a note in which insights gained from our work with the prisoners and the members of the staff were included. We suggested:

- Regular sessions on mental health for women prisoners as well as staff members. - Space for staff to rest and a staff canteen. - Space for women prisoners to meet and interact with their children. - Regular provision of police escorts to produce prisoners on their court dates. - A telephone facility for the women prisoners to talk to their children.

Workshop at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi:

The Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi, has embarked on a study on children of prisoners living in the community. In order to fine tune their methodology and the tools of the research study, they organised a workshop to elicit comments and suggestions from experts. Participants included professionals from various fields working on the issues of vulnerable children. Problems, issues and strategies to carry out the study were discussed in the workshop. Prayas attended the workshop as an expert working on the issue of children of prisoners and gave valuable inputs to improve the methodology of the proposed study.

District Inter-Departmental Committee on Prisoners Between April 2017 to February 2018, Prayas attended the following District IDC meetings and visited the prisons:

Ahmednagar District Prison IDC meeting held on 30th June, 2017 The IDC meeting in Ahmednagar District Prison was held on 30th June, 2017 where the following issues were discussed:  The total population of the prison is 183.  Provision of police escort for production of UTPs on their court dates is 76%.  Health of the prison inmates – a doctor is now appointed in the prison and specialist doctors are visiting the prison once a month.  The representative from the Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation emphasised on maintaining cleanliness in the prison premises.  Probation Officers should regularly visit the prison.  Need to provide vocational training to under trial prisoners.

Outcomes - A psychiatrist has been regularly visiting the prison every fortnight. - The IDC meetings are taking place regularly and all the members are present.

Jalna District Prison IDC meetings held on 29th June, 2017 and 29th September, 2017

Two IDC meetings were conducted in Jalna District Prison in the months of June and September, 2017, where the following issues were discussed: - The total population of the prison is approx. 200. - Provision of police escorts for production of UTPs on their court dates is 80% (the police escorts are not available on festival days due to bandobast duty). - Health issues - no doctor has been appointed on permanent basis. A doctor regularly visits every morning. A proposal has been sent for the appointment of a doctor on permanent basis. A psychiatrist is scheduled for visiting every fortnight. - Vocational training for the prisoners has been proposed under the District Industrial Centre. - Literacy training has been initiated by an under trial prisoner while Prayas has provided books towards this effort.

Future Plans - To initiate vocational training for under trial prisoners. - To provide a psychiatrist visiting the prison every fortnight. - Need for construction of the approach road to Jalna District Prison.

Washim District Prison IDC meeting held on 18th September, 2017 - The total population of the prison is 118. - Provision of police escort for production of UTPs in their court dates is 100%. - Health issues – the doctor has not been appointed on a regular basis but he visits on Mondays and Thursday. - Vocational training for the inmates was conducted under the District Industrial Centre (DIC).

Outcomes - On the request of the DLSA, an accused arrested for a petty offence was released on PR bond. - Because of the regular IDC meetings, many issues within the prison are being addressed. However, certain challenges persist.

Some observations - In certain prisons like Nagpur, IDC meetings do not take place regularly. - It has also been observed that all members of the IDC are not present for the meetings. - Washim is a new district and hence the health facilities are inadequate with absence of doctors. - Lack of co-ordination between prison department and the judiciary.

As a part of a follow-up of the IDC meetings, the Prayas worker visited 3 districts, namely Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Yavatmal to find out how the District Inter-departmental Committee (DIDC) meetings are taking place. These visits were conducted between October, 2017- February, 2018. - The Principal District Judge, Kolhapur, is taking initiative to conduct these meetings regularly as they inform Prayas about the meeting dates. - The Principal District Judge, Ratnagiri, was not present on the day of our visit so we met the Court Registrar who informed us that the DIDC meetings are being regularly conducted. But when we visited the Ratnagiri District Prison to meet the prison Superintendent, he informed that the DIDC meetings are not being held regularly due to which issues related to legal aid are pending. He informed the Prayas workers that he will call the DIDC meeting next month. - During our visit to Yavatmal District Prison, the prison Superintendent informed that the DIDC meetings are regularly being conducted and the District Judge is also present during all the meetings. But the Superintendent informed that he was not satisfied with the outcome of the meetings. He meant to say that there are no services available outside prison with regard to the rehabilitation of the inmates. So the workers of Prayas suggested during the next DIDC meeting, he invite the Department of Skill Development and the officers of the District Industrial Centre as they could conduct the skill trainings inside the prison.

Jalna and Kolhapur DIDC meetings

The following issues were discussed during the meeting held in Jalna district on 27th December, 2017: - The total inmates housed in the Jalna District Prison are 204 (199 males and 5 females). There are sufficient police escorts available for the regular production of the inmates in the local court, but very few police escorts for the production of inmates in the other district courts. - There are not sufficient police escorts provided to take the inmates to the hospital. The Medical Officers of the Civil Hospital regularly visit the prison every Wednesday and Friday. But they refer the inmates for medical investigations such as Blood Test, X-ray, or referral to a specialist, etc. for which the inmates need to be taken to the Civil Hospital. Prayas informed about the GR issued by the Directorate of Health Services (GR.No.: DHS/Desk-3/Suo- moto107/2014/34234-66/dt.:7/10/2017) where there has to be weekly OPD Clinic in the

prison where specialists like pediatrician, gynecologist, psychiatrist, etc. have to visit and attend to the ailing inmates. Information about the circular was also given to the Civil Surgeon who agreed to initiate the OPD in the prison. - The officer of the District Industrial Centre informed that since the inmates do not have the required documents as well as qualifications they will be unable to conduct any courses in the prison. But as per the suggestions of Prayas, they were willing to conduct awareness sessions regarding availability of skills and courses with the DIC and the necessary qualifications and documents required for the trainings. - The prison Superintendent informed that there are two inmates who are teaching Marathi and English to the other inmates who are illiterate. But since they do not have necessary equipment like books, stationery, etc., he had requested the Education Officer of Zilla Parishad to provide the equipment which they had refused. But in the meeting, the Principal District Judge requested the Education Officer present to provide the necessary educational equipment for the inmates. - The prison Superintendent raised the issue of providing the Grant-in-Aid scheme to the convict prisoners to which the Probation Officer present stated that the scheme is available only for convicted prisoners undergoing life sentence. But the workers of Prayas clarified that benefits of the scheme can be availed by prisoners who have undergone imprisonment of 3 years or more. - The Principal District Judge suggested that the Probation Officer visit the prison regularly and prepare a list of the inmates who are under the age of 21 years, and submit the inquiry reports in those cases to the respective courts. - The prison Superintendent requested the Principal District Judge whether trials could be conducted through video conferencing to make it more effective to which the Principal District Judge replied that conducting trial and examining of witnesses cannot be done through video conferencing. - 40 inmates of Jalna district booked under the case of MOCCA and presently housed in Aurangabad Central Prison are being continuously produced during their court dates through video conferencing only.

The following issues were discussed during the meeting held on 20th January, 2018 in Kolhapur Central Prison:  The total inmates housed in prison are 238 including both male and female inmates and all are under trials. There is a problem of police escorts to produce the inmates in the court on their respective court dates as well as to take them to the Civil Hospital for their health issues. So the Principal District Judge suggested that sufficient police escorts should be provided.  There are two sanctioned posts of Medical Officers in the Kolhapur Central Prison but one post is vacant. So the Principal District Judge suggested that the prison Superintendent follow-up in this regard with the District Collector to fill up the vacant post. The workers of Prayas also informed about the GR issued by the Directorate of Health Services where there has to be a weekly OPD Clinic in the prison where specialists like pediatrician, gynecologist, psychiatrist, etc. visit prison to treat the inmates.  There is a Special Ward in the Civil Hospital for the prison inmates but since the wall of the ward is not high enough, prisoners are not kept in that ward. So it is decided that a letter could be written to the PWD requesting for increasing the height of the wall to ensure the security of the prisoners housed there.

 The eye specialist (ophthalmologist) regularly visits the prison every fortnight.  It was decided to organise the dental check-up and treatment camps for the inmates with the help of local NGOs and the DLSA.  Vocational and skill training was conducted in prison for the inmates with the help of Ghatge-Patil Business Enterprise under the guidance of ITI, Kolhapur.  The Probation Officer informed that he has processed the proposals of 4 inmates for availing the benefit of the Grant-in-Aid scheme. So the Principal District Judge informed the prison Superintendent to provide the list of inmates who are about to get released in the near future.

Outcomes - The District Industrial Centre, Jalna, has agreed to conduct awareness sessions about their various skills trainings for the inmates in Jalna District Prison. - The Education Officer agreed to provide the Education Kits for the inmates in Jalna District Prison. - The Probation Officers are regularly visiting the Kolhapur Central Prison and Jalna District Prison. - ITI, Kolhapur provided technical guidance for the vocational training conducted in Kolhapur Central Prison. - It has been observed that there is some improvement in the availability of police escorts. - After regular follow-up in the DIDC meetings the health services are improving.

Future Plans - To follow-up on the issue of availability of police escorts at district level so that the inmates can be regularly produced before the courts. - To follow-up with regarding to the implementation of the the GR issued by the Directorate of Health Services. - Follow-up with the Department of Skills Development in regard to conducting vocational training programmes in prisons for the inmates. - Organise workshops and seminar on the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 for the CJS officials in Kolhapur.

Prison Libraries

Inputs and interventions Follow-up visits and meetings with Head of the Skill Development Department: Total 9 visits  Discussions were held with the Skills Development Department since last year with Ms. Trupti Kucheriya, Field Officer and Ms. Jyoti Landage, Desk Officer, regarding conducting vocational training courses in Yerawada Central Prison, Thane Central Prison and Nasik Borstal School with more focus on Yerawada Central Prison, but no further progress has been made in this regard.  There were issues regarding biometric attendance of the prisoners attending the courses which were being raised since last year and the same has been resolved this year with the Skills Development Department accepting the written attendance already being taken by the prison.  Shri E. Ravindran, Commissioner of the Maharashtra State Skills Development Society and the representative of Prayas handling this issue were present before the Prison Reforms Committee in the meeting conducted on 31st January, 2018 where Justice Radhakrishnan, Chairperson, raised the issue of imparting vocational training to the under trial prisoners and they asked for the blueprint of the respective scheme.  To this, the Commissioner sent the blueprint of the Pramod Mahajan Kaushal Vikas & Udyojakta Yojana to the Committee but a few clauses of the scheme would not be able to be fulfilled in regard to the prisoners such as the stipend money which is deposited in the bank account of the trainee and the clause that the prison should take responsibility of finding job placement for the trainee immediately after completion of the training. Since these two clauses will not be able to be fulfilled in the prison setting, the Committee requested the Commissioner to draft a separate scheme plan for imparting vocational training to prisoners.

Follow up visits with Deputy Director, District Librarian, Director of State Libraries  From April 2017, continuous follow-up meetings were held with Shri Kiran Dindore, Director of Maharashtra State Libraries Directorate, Shri D.B. Zhodge, Asstt. Director, Shri Mahesh Sonje, Library Inspector and Shri Sudhir Achari, Library Clerk to discuss the issues related to the new membership and renew membership of the various prisons and women and children institutions.  On 10-8-2018, total 130 books (65 books each) were donated to the male and female sections of Nagpur Central Prison which were acquired Directorate of State Libraries. In the morning, the function was held in the Male Section when the prison officers, TT-GoM MOU Prisons Project Coordinator and social workers were present along with the representatives of Prayas And in the afternoon it was conducted in the Female Section when Smt. V.M Dange, District Divisional Library Officer, Nagpur, was present and she explained about the library membership scheme, encouraged the prisoners to read, informed the prison authorities that they can ask for the books they need for their library and also increase the number of books being issued to them every month.

Outcomes 1. A committee has been formed to run vocational training programmes in three prisons by the Department of Home, comprising CEO of Maharashtra State Skill Development Society, Social Worker, Prayas and DIG Prisons. Under this programme, a pilot project will be conducted at Yerawada Central Prisons, Thane Central Prisons and Nashik Borstals Schools. 2. Reading habit among prisoners is improving. 3. The Planning Committee of State LibrariesDepartment has donated 8500 books to Prayas in April 2017. 4. Washim District Prison took the library membership under the grant of prison department. 5. A circular was issued by the State Libraries Department stating that care must be taken that the books donated should reach the under trial prisoners. 6. On the request of Prayas, space to store books at Male Beggars Home, Chembur, was facilitated through Koshish, a field action project of TISS, which has its office and contact centre in the Male Beggars‘ Home Complex, Chembur. 7. Efforts were made to ensure that the books reached the targeted prisons and observation homes. 8. Memberships are increasingly being taken by the prison authorities on their own at the State Library (a process initiated by Prayas). 9. In addition to books, slates were also distributed at Jalna District Prison upon the request of the jail Superintendent.

Prayas was able to get donation of 8500 books from the Maharashtra State LIbararies Directorate which are in the process of being distributed to prisons, and women and children‘s institutions.So far, books have been distributed to the following institutions: 1) Visapur Open Prison 2) Nasik Central Prison 3) Nasik Borstal School 4) Jalna District Prison 5) Nagpur Central Prison 6) Jalgaon District Prison 7) Dhule District Prison 8) Kolhapur Central Prison 9) Washim District Prison 10) Yavatmal District Prison 11) Thane Central Prison 12) Kalyan District Prison 13) Byculla District Prison 14) Navjeevan Mahila Vastigruha, Mumbai 15) Shanti Sadan Mahila Vastigruha, Mumbai 16) Kasturba Mahila Vastigruha, Mumbai 17) State Children Home, Girls, Ulhasnagar 18) State Children Home, Boys, Umerkhadi, Mumbai

19) State Children Home- Girls, Washim 20) State Male Beggars Home, Mumbai 21) State After Care Hostel – Boys, Mumbai 22) Aastha Ek Vishwas Bahuddheshiya Santha, Adivasi Girls Hostel, Washim 23) Jan Jagruti Vidyarthi Sangh Sanstha, Mumbai 24) Prayas Youth Development Centre, Mumbai

DIG Prisons‘ Office,SouthernRegion, Byculla, Mumbai, as agreed to take custody and distribute 5000 books meant for under trial prisonersat Taloja Central Prison, Mumbai Central Prison, Ratnagiri District Prison, Alibag District Prison, Kalyan District Prison, Sawantwadi District, and Byculla District Prison.

Challenges 1. As no separate position for librarian exists, the teachersin the prisons are tasked with this responsibility. 2. When the books were received, a major space crunch was observed which was temporarily dealt with by getting space in the Male Beggars‘ Home to allow us to store books there, with the help of Koshish, TISS FAP. 3. Similarly, there is shortage of cupboards to keep library books in prisons, shelter homes and girls observation homes. 4. To ensure that every targeted prison and home received the books, Prayas took efforts to deliver them which involved incurring cost and investment of time. 5. Majority of the books received were in English and Hindi, which may not have a wider readership, especially in district prisons. 6. Genres of the books involved among others - electronics, general science, business and other such material which may not be of high interest among the prisoners.

Future Plans 1. Create a collection centre for books for institutions in Mumbai, which will collect, sort and distribute books to institutions and prisons across the state. 2. Ensure that books which are of interest for institutional populations are collected for distribution, including books on laws, legal awareness, fiction and non-fiction books.

Statistics Detail of activities Statistics Number of activated libraries in prison & children institution 6 Meeting with officials of various govt. and govt. grant libraries, 92 Maharashtra State Skill Development Department, prisons custodial Institutions, NGO‘s (Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents., Sr. Jailors, jailors teachers, Sr. Clarks, International Institute for Population Sciences Library , Library M. Lib Students , Social Workers etc) (JJ Hospital Dietician prison food committee) VISITS Visits in Prisons 21 Follow up Visits for Prison Libraries 25 Visits in Skill Development Dept. Mantralaya, and Skill Development 5 society, cuff pared Mumbai. Attend workshop and seminars 4 Attend IDC Meeting in Matralaya Attend DIDC Meeting 4 Attend our Policy & Advocacy Meeting 7 Circular Issued by Directorate State Library 2 Prayas was able to get donation of 8500 books from the Maharashtra State 8500 books Directorate Library Department wich are in the process of being distributed to prisons, women‘s and children‘s institutions. April 2017 to February 2018. Beggars Home visits ( Tiss Fild action project Koshish, koshish provide a 45 space to prays(from april 2017 to march 7/3/2018) for short out library books and distribute to beneficial group custodial institutions.) Letters sending to prison for library books purpose 15 Distribution of Library books in 1) Dhule district prison, 2) Kolahpur Central Prison, 3) Yavatmal District Prison, 4) Thane Central Prison, 5)Mumbai Central Prison, 6)Washim Girls Observation home,7)Aastha Ek Vishwas Bahuodhiya Sanstha- girls home washim , 8) Navjeevan Mhila vashti Gruha, 9) Kasturba Women Centre, 10) Janjagruti Vidhyarthi Sang, 11)Washim District Prison, 12)Jalgaon District Prison , 13) Jalna District Prison , 14) Vishapur District Open Prison , etc. Southern Region DIG Office(to sending them 5000 thousand books and request to DIG sir to distribute to their region prisons. Thank you letters from prison , women institutions , children institutions for 10 prayas and copy to state library (library books purpose) Food & Hygiene committee meetings and visits (this committee is form a 7 Mumbai high court direction) 1) Dietitian & 2 social workers from Prayas Participate & share to Prison Library Work in NGOs 1 Phone calls (this is ongoing process to talk regular basis Government Department officers (Prisons, Library, Skills Department Women and Children institutions n NGO‘s etc.

Training and Mentoring Unit

NGO Forum of „Alliance of Socio-legal Initiatives in Criminal Justice‟

Alliance of Socio-Legal Initiatives in Criminal Justice is a forum of NGOs working in the field of criminal justice. It is platform for sharing of field experiences and providing support systems for each other (NGOs). Presently Prayas is holding the Secretariat for this Forum. One meeting of NGO forum held last year - 15 members including fellows, students and NGO representatives attended. The Forum publishes a quarterly newsletter titled Dialogues in Criminal Justice and Rehabilitationwhich publishes articles written by social workers, NGO representatives and criminal justice functionaries in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and English. The newsletter is sent to NGOs, prison officials and other stakeholders as information and to create awareness about issues relating to legal aid and rehabilitation of persons processed by the CJS.

The work of the NGO Forum is under review and there is a plan to extend its membership across the country to bring more players into its fold and make it a more effective platform for sharing of experiences and creation of a lobby for criminal justice social work in the country.

Most of the NGOs focus on legal and human rights and thus filing of PILs due to which judgments have been passed which have contributed towards some change in the system. There are few organizations working on the rehabilitation issue compared to other NGOs conducting activities inside the prison, handling cases, etc. Thus, there is a need for preparing a lobby. Through the Fellowships of Tata Trusts, we were able to encourage some individuals and organizations to initiate work in the criminal justice in their respective districts or state. Through this Forum, Prayas has been trying to get together such organizations.

Another part of the NGO Forum is the publication of a tri-monthly newsletter with articles written by representatives of different NGOs.

Prayas has tried to form and sustain this Forum since the past 6-7 years. But now each NGO could on a rotational basis take responsibility of holding the Secretariat of the Forum.

NGO Forum meeting held on 20-12-2017 Participants present 1) Dr. Vijay Raghavan, Project Director, Prayas, Mumbai 2) Ms. Monica Dhawan, Director, India Vision Foundation, New Delhi 3) Ms. Pearly Sanil, Project Manager, India Vision Foundation, New Delhi 4) Ms. Kanupriya Mehta, Siddhartha Vashishta Charitable Trust, New Delhi 5) Ms. Meena Varhade, Balwadi Teacher, Varhad, Amravati, Maharashtra 6) Ms. Jaya Kharde, Varhad, Amravati, Maharashtra 7) Shri Dhananand Nagadive, Secretary, Varhad, Amravati, Maharashtra 8) Ms. Lata Suvarnakar, Coordinator, Sudisha, Solapur, Maharashtra

9) Shri Vikram Mhaske, Social Worker, Disha Foundation, Amravati, Maharashtra 10) Shri Anil Vasava, Social Worker, Prayas – Bharuch Unit 11) Shri. Mukesh Divate, Social Worker, Sahara, Mumbai 12) Shri Sachin Dighe, Social Worker, Prayas, Mumbai 13) Ms. Komal Phadtare, Social Worker, Prayas, Mumbai 14) Ms. Priyanka Kamble, Social Worker, Prayas, Mumbai 15) Shri Vikas Kadam, Social Worker, Prayas, Mumbai 16) Ms. Devayani Tumma, Sr. Social Worker, Prayas , Mumbai

Morning session The meeting began with Mr. Vikas Kadam from Prayas giving a brief introduction about the NGO Forum and its objectives of NGOs or individuals working in the field of criminal justice coming together and sharing issues, problems, helping out other NGOs with fund raising or financially sustaining in the field, guiding one another while working with the system. We plan to conduct these meetings once in 6 months and share each others‘ work and activities, etc. This partnership would be helpful in placement programme as well of clients and students or social workers. Thereafter, there was a round of introduction of all the participants and their organizations.

Session on the study of Children of Prisoners

Dr.Vijay Raghavan, Project Director, Prayas, gave information about the NGO Forum and suggested that the Forum could do a joint study on the issue of children of prisoners left outside.

Framework of the study - Number of children left outside of both male and female under trial prisoners and convict prisoners. - Categorization of their needs – no contact of the family, education, health, basic needs, shelter, institutionalization of the children - Specific requests from the prisoners - 5-10 Case studies of the cases already being handled – a brief history of the case, supports given, outcomes, etc. - Through this study the NGOs will get to know the gaps in their services - Try to categorize the 18-21 age group children separately – their needs - GRs and circulars issued in the specific state - Schemes being run in the states - Interview of prison officials regarding their views on COP – role of NGOs and government for this group

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Afternoon session The session started with the presentations by the representatives of India Vision Foundation and Siddhartha Vashishta Charitable Trust.

Later, a discussion was held on the aims and objectives of the Forum, expectations from the Forum of the member organizations, roles and responsibilities of the Forum members. A concept note of the NGO Forum and the above stated points will be prepared by Vikas Kadam.

Mr. Vikas Kadam informed the participants that Prayas initially wanted to associate only with NGOs working on the rehabilitation issue of the prisoners. But some were rights based organizations also joined but later they left due to a mismatch of views and ideology. Regular NGOs working in the criminal justice system can be members of this Forum.

The NGO Forum Newsletter “Dialogue in Criminal Justice”

One issue of the newsletter ‗Dialogues in Criminal Justice‘ was published this year. The material for the next issue related to Aadhar Card is ready and it is being processed for publication. The newsletter is helpful for the people in the field to express their views related to work but this medium is not being used by many of them. We are trying to understand the issues in expressing their views or experiences and thus exploring in what way the newsletter could be effective used by the people in the field.

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Training of staff of the TT-GoM MoU Prisons Project team (2017-2018)

Induction Training Programme organised by Prayas for Social Workers appointed by the Maharashtra Prisons Department as part of the TT-GoM MoU

Background of the Project

The Criminal Justice System (CJS) in India is heavily tilted towards retribution and punishment, despite successive laws and policies brought in to make it correctional and reformative. Unlike many countries in the West, India has no policy framework or provisions recognizing the need of social workers in the CJS. The primary departments charged with keeping the CJS on a reformatory track across the country, are underfunded, and with inadequate staffing in terms of numbers and training. While a number of very good voluntary initiatives are working across the country to make CJS humane and restorative, they operate from outside the formal boundaries of the CJS.

Prayas in the last 27 years has consistently provided evidence for the need for social workers within the prison system. However, this evidence has not been able to translate into governmental action or ownership. There continues to be a lack of a formal or state support system for rehabilitation and reformation for prisoners. Initiatives like Prayas that do manage to place social workers are most often donor dependent, thus making support services varying and temporary.

Since the Trusts have been among the few organizations that support this pioneering work, the Government of Maharashtra (GoM), through a letter from the Chief Minister to Mr. R. N. Tata, had approached the Trusts to extend the scale of proven social work interventions in the prison system to other prisons, as well as institutionalize the same within the existing governmental framework. In response to the abovementioned letter, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between representatives of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Prison Department (GoM). As per the MoU, both the parties have agreed to jointly demonstrate the need for social work interventions with the existing five central prisons (Taloja, Nashik, Nagpur, Yerwada and Aurangabad) and one Borstal School in Maharashtra

Four social workers appointed for every central prison (two each for the male and female sections) will be responsible for ensuring appropriate legal aid for prisoners, maintaining contact between the prisoner and his/her family, ensuring all health needs are attended to and that recreational, educational and vocational training activities are set up for prisoners. At the time of release, prisoners will be given immediate support, linked with rehabilitation and after-care agencies besides working with the police to avoid re-arrest based on suspicion.

The Trusts and Prayas will engage in continuous advocacy with relevant government departments to create an environment, whereby the Prison Department will be open to incorporating social workers formally within their system (the appointment of full time social workers in all prison settings). The advocacy will be supported by robust and comprehensive data collected over a period of three years, including an Impact Evaluation that is being built into the project.

Concept of training programme

Nineteen social workers, a Project Director, two Project Coordinators, a Monitoring

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&Evaluation Officer and a Finance & Accounts Officer were appointed to implement this project per the MoU between Tata Trusts and GoM. Prayas has taken the responsibility of capacity building and mentoring through regular in-house training and field visits. The pedagogy of the training includes lectures, role plays, participatory discussions and presentations.

Logistic arrangements

The logistic arrangement in Mumbai for 20 participants was a big challenge. The social workers of Prayas attended to the participants and Prayas was able to make the arrangements at the RCF Jet Hostel in Chembur. Though the arrangements were not very comfortable, the participants managed to stay and cooperative.

Informative sessions conducted during the workshop

- History and philosophy of social work in CJS (need for social work intervention) - Dr. Roshni Nair, Chairperson, CCJ, TISS

The session started with an introduction about the history of social work and how it is emerged in India, the Indian philosophy of social work and philanthropy, the need of the social worker in the field of criminology, its history and the various areas of intervention. Presently, the social work intervention is very limited and in limited locations. There is need for the intensive intervention and scope for the in-depth work towards preventive and curative social work in the CJS

- Structure of the prison department- Shri Harshad Ahirrao, Dy. Superintendent, Mumbai Central Prison

The resource person gave an introduction about his prison. After this, he explained about the overall structure of the Maharashtra Prison Department, its administrative structure and the implementing staff, overall population, type of services available in each type of prisons, etc. It was very informative session which is directly related to prison and the officer gave relevant responses to the queries asked by the participants. The Prison Manual is one of the very important topics but the resource person was not well prepared with the topic However, he provided very useful information about few sections of the prison manual.

- Working with individuals in prison settings – Dr. Sharon Menezes, Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

The group comprised of trained social workers who have completed their Masters in Social Work from various colleges of social work. Even though the curriculum of the colleges is largely the same, their curriculum lacks deeper field engagement. This session helped the participants to understand the need of one to one interactions with clients. How to work with cases? How to identify clients? What is meant by follow-up? What is long-term case work? What are the precautions needed to be taken while working with involuntary clients? There was lot of discussion on the presentation made by the resource person.

- Working with groups in prison settings - Prof. Vijay Raghavan, Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

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Prof. Raghavan explained basic concepts about group work to the trainees. What is the aim of the group work? Why it is important in custodial situations? How difficult it is to work with under trials? How can one work with groups by using personal talents, skills and hobbies of the worker? How to initiate discussions through small groups and simple issues where social worker would get positive responses from the inmates? The groups got benefited through this session and the resource person explained them about various categories of the clients, how to involve them in group work, etc.

- Basics of counseling skills – Dr. Penelope Tong, Field Work Supervisor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Counseling is a tool of case work as explained by the resource person. She also explained the need of the counseling with clients in the CJS. How does it help the clients and the social worker to understand the clients? Information about the different types of counseling such as family counseling, counseling of addicted children, counseling school children, etc. She emphasised that counseling needs patience and skill. Counseling helps the client to ventilate and refresh his/her mind. Counselors help the clients towards positive and rational thinking. The power point presentation was impressive and got good feedback from the group.

- Importance of home visit while working with individuals in prison settings -Mr. Chandrakant Shinde, Social Worker, Prayas

Home visit is one of the tools of case work. It helps the social worker to understand the other side of the case, the response of the family, and help to avail support of the family towards the rehabilitation of clients. The resource person helped the participants to understand the importance of the home visits, likely difficulties while going for home visits, how to trace the address, what are the precautions to be taken, etc. The discussion was done with the examples and cases which enriched the session.

- Basics of IPC, Cr.P.C. JJ Act and POCSO Act - Adv. Sangeeta Punekar, child rights activist and Consultant, Sneha Sadan.

Legal knowledge about the IPC, Cr.P.C. and related various laws is important for social workers working in the field of CJS. The inmates and their families are not aware about the legal knowledge ant formalities in CJS. Thus, the basic knowledge of law is necessary while working in the CJS. The resource person did justice to the topics given to her. She explained in detail about bail procedures, PR bond, and other basics of IPC, Cr.P.C. Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2000, POCSO and other related acts and rules. This helped the participants to acquire basics of legal knowledge.

- Issues relating to legal aid for under trial prisoners and role of social worker - District Legal Services Authority, structure and services - Adv. Shahnawaz Pathan, Social Worker, Prayas

The District Legal Services Authority is one of the very important bodies in the CJS. The legal services authority provides free legal advice and service for the poor and needy. The presentation was about how this body functions and how to work in co-ordination with the District Legal Services Authority. The resource person quoted cases to make the presentation practical and easy to understand. The four-tier system of legal aid services i.e. National, State, District and Taluka Legal Services Authority, their respective roles and functions,

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visits to prisons, representing cases, etc. were explained. The role of social worker becomes crucial in the process of legal aid as follow up in the court matters as the main task in legal aid work.

- Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 - Mr. Vikas Kadam, Social Worker, Prayas

Probation Offenders Act, 1958, is a social legislation to provide opportunity for the rehabilitation of youthful offenders. It is a small act and easy to implement. There is a special wing in the Department of Women & Child Development for the implementation of this Act, but unfortunately, the Probation Officers and the authorities are not responding positively towards the implementation. The presentation covered the scope of expansion of role of social worker as Probation Officers. The need to work in co-ordination with Probation Officers for referring cases for pre-sentence inquiry, for the benefit of sponsorship for the children of prisoners, extending cases for the benefit of grant-in-aid scheme, etc. was discussed.

- Borstal Schools Act, 1929 – Ms. Mangala Honawar, Programme Officer, Tata Trusts.

The resource person presented well about the Borstal Schools Act and the objective of the Borstal School, how this concept emerged and came to India, brief provisions about the Act and its implementation, limitations in implementation, role of the court in referring cases to Borstal School, etc. were discussed.

- Work with male youth clients in prison, overview of after care and need of shelter for the male clients – Mr. Mahesh Jadhav and Mr. Pravin Patil, Social Workers, Prayas.

The need for the trained social worker was underlined by Prayas. What is the role of the social worker? How to pick up the cases for the rehabilitation? How to network with other NGOs? How to do networking with system? These issues were discussed in this session. The resource persons shared their field experiences with case presentations. It was emphasized that social workers should work as a friend, philosopher and guide for the inmates.

- Work with women clients in prison, overview of after care and need of shelter for the released women. - Ms. Pradnya Shinde, Assistant Director, Prayas and Ms. Devyani Tumma, Senior Social Worker, Prayas.

Working with women is same as the intervention with male prisoners. The social worker has to make efforts to ‗pick up‘ cases for rehabilitation by making home visits, provide legal aid, etc. The resource persons observed that most of the women are alone and there is danger of them get victimized in long run. Most of the women who have families depend on them thus the role of social worker become double folded. The social worker has to take care of the client as well as the dependents such as children and older ones in the family.

- Work with children of women prisonersin prison and with children of prisoners left outside - Ms. Reena Jaiswar and Ms. Komal Phadtare Social Workers, Prayas.

The resource persons highlighted that children of prisoners are dependent on their mothers and due to custody, they became neglected. Children between the age group of 0 to 6 years are allowed to be with their mothers in the prison. These children have different issues and difficulties. Thus the social worker need to focus on the issues of these children, arranging

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mulakat of the children left outside, follow up with the anganwadi for children in custody, their medical examination, immunization etc.

- Working with inmates through activities and programmes - Ms. Aruna Nimse Social Worker, Prayas:

Establishing rapport with the inmates is one of the challenges and through the activities and programmes it becomes feasible. The resource person helped the group to understand the objective of the trainings and hobby classes in prison. The inmates get a chance to get involved in positive activities. They could spend time doing creative activities. The social worker gets opportunity to observe their participation, their interest and commitment in training and activities. Thus the training, educational activities conducted inside the prison play an important role. The resource person explained that these courses can be organized through experts, government and non government agencies available in community.

- Library facilities in prison – Mr. Sudhakar Madupuri, Social Worker, Prayas.

It is believed that the facilities of education and training which are available for the common public should also be made available for the inmates. Books are the best friends of the people who read. If given opportunity, the inmate can be befriended with books which will help them relate with their life to the stories in the books. They can learn about philosophy of life. Prayas had already developed the network with the government libraries department and many prisons have taken membership of the district libraries. Thus, social workers can ensure that library facilities can be extended in their respective prisons.

- Mental health issues in prison and role of social worker - Dr. Penelope Tong, Fieldwork Supervisor, Tata Institute Social Sciences.

The resource person made excellent presentation on the issues of mental health in custodial situation. She highlighted about pre-institutional symptoms and post-institutional symptoms to identify the mental health issues. If they come across mentally challenged or mentally ill prisoners, they should take the help of the visiting government psychiatric facility and bring the person under the treatment. The social worker can organize regular awareness on management of mental health sessions in the custody with the help of resource persons.

- District Inter Departmental Sub Committee on Prisoners – Prof. Vijay Raghavan. Director, Prayas.

Prayas has developed certain platforms to tackle the issues related to the system. The District Inter Departmental Sub Committee on Prisoners is one of the committees formed in every district as per the Government Resolution. This committee consists of various departments related to prisoners such as prison department, police department, Department of Women & Child Development, health department, etc. The resource person helped the social workers to understand how to raise issues on this platform. Instead of complaining, the social worker should come up with solutions in the field. It is a forum where the social workers being a part of the committee, advocates the issues of the clients and of the field.

- Report writing skills (monthly reports, case reports, process documentation, etc )

Report writing is one of the important roles social worker has to perform. The social worker

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has to maintain case sheets of the cases handled, document the issues faced, maintain monthly and annual statistical and descriptive reports of the cases handled, activities conducted, etc. These reports are important as it helps the project at the time of evaluation.

- Review of the training sessions and field exposure - Participants and Prayas staff (open house) - Prof. Vijay Raghavan, Tata Institute Social Sciences.

On the last day of the training, all the participants gathered together for the valedictory session. In the first session, the participants discussed about their respective experiences in the field when they visited the field with Prayas staff. They visited various places of Prayas‘s work area. The trainees were satisfied with the field work allotted to them. Since they were experienced workers from the field, it was easy for them to grasp it. The entry in the prison was very difficult even though the permission was received from the HQ. The Superintendents and the prison staff were not very cooperative. The trainees visited prisons, courts and made few home visits. Few of them got an opportunity to visit the Child Welfare Committee proceedings regarding matters of children. Overall experience in the training and in the field was positive. The participants shared that they received good directions from the resource persons.

First Refresher Training Programme for GOI-TT MoU Project Staff on ―Prisoners‘ Welfare & Rehabilitation‖27th June, 2017 to 29th June, 2017

Day I – 27th June, 2017

PresentationsbyPrisons Project staff about their work

Day II – 28th June, 2017

Session on “Information about the MoU on Prison Project and the role of Tata Trust, Prayas and the Prison Department” – Dr. Vijay Raghavan, Project Director, Prayas & Ms. Mangala Honawar, Coordinator, Tata Trusts

Role of Tata Trusts – Ms Mangala Honawar - Tata Trusts commitment to support work for rehabilitation of marginalized people within the CJS - To improve the quality of life for prisoners - Project/ Demonstration house within the prison department and facilitated by civil society partners is expected to show results that make space for this work to house it permanently within the prison department - To institutionalize social workers within the prison system through demonstration of welfare and rehabilitation of prisoners.

Broad Framework - GoM and Tata Trusts will work with relevant departments of GoM, as well as NGOs for extension of services as per the need of the project - Scope to include new scope in this demonstration - Both parties shall at the completion of the project, review the outcomes and GoM will explore the possibility to continue the same at its own resources thereafter.

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Responsibilities of Tata Trusts - Fund this project during the period of demonstration (HR/ Programme/ capital/ overheads) - Appoint consultants to assist the trust for the implementation of this project. Consultant fees need to be paid by TATA Trusts - Creation of a Monitoring, Evaluation and Process documentation framework for the project - TATA Trusts through its internal mechanism aim to ensure high standards of governance and quality implementation - Nominate representative to interact with the Government to deal with the issues related to the initiatives and in relation to the programme.

Role of Tata Trusts Representatives - Regular communication with ADG prisons and PRAYAS - Facilitate team work and insist on joint decision making - Monthly meeting at HO and suggest mechanism as per protocol of TT - Finance orientation of PD and FO with Finance head and his team - Finance training of PD, 2PCs, FO, and M&E at ADG prisons and site visit by finance team of TT to prisoners (TDS, IT returns, leave policy, petty cash, reallocation and review of the procedures followed by FO) - Facilitating approvals for the project

History of the Project and the Future (of the MOU)—Dr. Raghavan - Trying since 1991 - For over 30 years, Prayas has been placing social workers in prisons to work with prison population - In 1992, the Project Director of Prayas submitted a note asking that social workers can be involved in the CJ system (police system, courts, jails, etc.) - ―Need for trained social workers in criminal justice system‖—note submitted to DG police - Presentation on the benefits and capabilities of social work system - The presentation was appreciated and they saw the importance - However, a question was raised about how if we became connected with the government, then we will become like the government - But in 1993, put together a committee to examine the need for trained social workers in CJ system - Protection of Civil Rights in the Cell—the committee was under this title - After 6 months, the report was submitted - After establishing the need, it was necessary to establish the funding - TISS worked with Home department, higher officials, organized a day for CJ system to discuss - 2010: ―On prevention of atrocities against human,‖ put recommendations (from Prayas) - Discussion with Tata Trusts—direct government funds - 31 March 2016 - MoU signed so project could continue - Role of Prayas: training and maintaining. Not about consequences. - In Marahastra, this works well, than other tasks

Session on “Report Writing” - Ms. DevayaniTumma, Sr. Social Worker, PRAYAS

Objectives of documentation: - To maintain a record of work done. - Helpful in getting to know the evolving process of the work done.

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- To help superior staff gain an understanding of the work done. - Accountability to the organization/funding agency/field in general. - Documentation is further helpful in research. - Acknowledging the help of individual, organizations, stakeholders, etc.

Types of documentation: - Maintaining various files – correspondence (inward/outward), case files, meeting files, other document files, etc. - Maintaining a daily diary. - Maintaining a daily schedule of work done - Case files – regular updates of work done in the cases - Maintaining separate unit files – like inmate cases, aftercare cases, etc. - Monthly reports – statistical data and descriptive data - Quarterly reports - Annual reports - Analytical reports – a comparison of the work of the different prisons or settings - Case studies - Research reports

Ms. Tumma had prepared the statistical data which she explained in details about how the statistics needs to be filled up.

Presentation on the “Borstal School Act and role of the social worker” – Dr. Asha Mukundan, Faculty, Centre for Criminology & Justice, TISS

- The ‗fundamental principles‘ of the Borstal School was reported by the UK Prison Commissioners in 1900 as ―(1) strict classification, (2) firm and exact discipline, (3) hard work, and (4) organized supervision on discharge.‖ - What is strict classification? The youth who are sent to the Borstal School are those who need discipline. The biggest goal of the Borstal School is rehabilitation. The goal is that they will not have a criminal record. - ―Borstal School‖ is a place in which young offenders whilst detained in pursuance of this Act are given such industrial training and other instruction and are subjected to such disciplinary and moral influence as will help in their reformation and the prevention of crime.

Indian context of Borstal Schools: - The Indian Jails Committee 1919-1920, specified the need to set up special institutions for adolescent offenders. In this context, the first Borstal school was set up in Dharvad. - 1925, The Borstal Schools Act passed by Madras & Andhra Pradesh - 1926: Punjab was the first to start a Borstal School - 1928: Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal enacted the Borstal Schools Act. - This was followed by Bombay state which enacted the Act in 1929. - Currently, there are 21 Borstal Schools in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jhakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan respectively. - Each state has one school, except for Tamil which has 12 Borstal Schools - All these Borstal Schools are for male youth - There are three Borstal Schools where they have capacity to keep female youth offenders –

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Haryana and Himachal Pradesh

Salient Features of Bombay Borstal Schools Act, 1929: - Section 5: Subject to any altercations, adaptations, arid exceptions made by this Act, and the rules framed under it, the Prisons Act, 1894 and the Prisoners Act, 1900, and the rules framed thereunder shall apply in the case of every Borstal School established under this Act as if it were a Prison. - Section 6: The Act is applicable for young offenders between the age of 16-21 years for male, and between 18 to 21 years for female.

Who can be sent to the Borstal School - That the offender is not less than sixteen years or more than twenty-one years of age, and - by reason of his criminal habits or tendencies or association with persons or tendencies or association with persons of bad character, it is expedient that he should be subject to detention for such term and under such instruction and discipline as appears most conducive to his reformation.

Who cannot be sent to the Borstal School - Sexual perverts or youths those who have been convicted for sexual offences under section 354, 376, 377, 493, 497, 498 under IPC - Adolescents convicted of a single offence of violence in moment of passion should not ordinarily be sent to Borstal School

Who can send offenders to Borstal School - Section 8: The powers conferred on Courts by this Act shall be exercised only by the Court of Sessions, a salaried Presidency Magistrate, or a Magistrate of the First Class and may be exercised by such Courts whether the case comes before them originally, or an appeal or in revision. - Section 11: The I.G. (Prisons) has the power under the Act to send any youth offender displaying good behavior in the prison to the Borstal School for detention purpose. - So, if there are any prisoners between 18 and 21 years who have not committed a serious offense and who seem fine and have a chance for rehabilitation, then you can try to send them to a Borstal School by referring the prisoner to the prison Superintendent.

Procedure to be followed - Before passing order, competent court shall ask DPO to make inquiries of offenders home, circumstances, antecedents, character, social environment where he lives and submit ―Social Inquiry Report‖. - Mental & physical fitness check up to be carried out by Medical Officer for vocational training and detention. - Before passing order by competent court, an opportunity has to be given to parents or guardians to be heard. - After being satisfied of the character, mental and physical health, inmates are sent to the Borstal School (Section 6). - There is a criminal record if the person is sent to prison, but not if they are just sent to Borstal School or let out on parole - Section 6: instead of passing sentence of ―imprisonment,‖ pass an order for the offenders‘ ‗detention‘ in the Borstal School for such term not being less than three years and not more than 5 years as the Court thinks fit. - The social worker of the Borstal School needs to network with the court and with the other

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prison social workers. - You need to check in with the youth‘s family to see if they want the youth to be sent to Borstal School. - Maharashtra has 250 Probation Officers which is a lot, compared to the rest of India

Session on “Personal and Professional Boundaries/Interactions/Challenges” – Dr. Sharon Menezes, Faculty, Centre for Criminology & Justice, TISS

Personal and Professional Challenges in Social Work in CJ System - ―The Complete Social Worker‖—book - The Complete Social Worker is someone who is aware that Social Work involves conflicts and tensions. - If you want to do social work well, then you need to know that you will never know everything. You will be an incomplete social worker if you think that you know everything. - Personal means ―in your own personal life with family and friends‖. - Professional means ―in your work, a different sphere‖. - We spend 7-9 hours a day working professionally with our clients and colleagues—it‘s a big part of our lives. Our personal lives will also benefit if we hone our professional skills and keep the personal and professional separate. - What is in between the personal and professional? Are there spaces in between? How do they interact? - It‘s important to maintain boundaries, but there are interactions between the personal and the professional.

Listing the Self - Personal – Relationships, duties, roles. - Professional – Relationships, duties, roles. - Our personal, intimate relationships allow us to take on professional responsibilities and roles. - Sometimes, our best friends come from our work, really blurring the boundaries between the personal and the professional. - However, professional differences between work friends can lead to personal conflicts. - There is nothing wrong with friendships, but we also just have to be aware that tensions can arise, and it might become necessary for me to address those tensions. - We are all people and we are working with people, so it can be hard to confront boundaries. - The point here for all of us: On the one hand, we have a different personal and professional life, and rightly, we need to maintain the separation between them. However, sometimes they do overlap, and when they do overlap, then tension can arise. So how can you enforce the boundary between friends? - In the criminal justice system, the alertness around distinguishing the personal and professional is especially important.

Will the Professional Self Please Stand Up? - Actually, no one can be entirely professional—we are all people and have personal lives that cannot be erased. - For example, working with women who have previously been prostitutes—when you say ―don‘t do bad things,‖ you have to understand that ―bad things‖ is subjective. If someone says something to you that you disapprove of but it has to do with their personal life, then you can just say ―what you do in your personal life is your business.‖ - At the end of the day, working in jail is something we are doing because it is our profession.

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- Every social worker needs to know that there is the ―Complete Social Worker,‖ in which there is tension, and they recognize that the personal and professional lives influence each other and can interact and there can be tension between them. You are never just one or the other, and we need to acknowledge that. We need to have awareness and acceptance of this. If there is awareness of this, we will handle these situations better and we will be prepared to take action in dealing with them.

The ‗Complete Social Worker‘ - Experiences tensions between the personal and the professional - Accepts these tensions in themselves and others - Addresses tensions between the personal and professional

How to deal with these tensions - Ask: What kind of a professional would I like to be? Skills, attitudes, work relationships - What can I do to work toward that? - Ask: What kind of a leader do I want to be? - What do I do to work towards that? - What is the relationship I would want with my colleagues - What do I do to work toward that?

Share Professional Lives - Find partners and colleagues who will help us develop our professional self - Talk, discuss, listen

Session on presentations by the social workers about their work

Day III – 29th June, 2017

Presentation by Savannah Kumar on “Beyond Bars, Beyond Borders: Comparing social work interventions in the criminal justice systems of the U.S. and India”

What is common about imprisonment globally? It involves confinement and the dynamics of power and control. Freedoms are limited and there is an impact on individuals, which spreads to families and communities. Incarceration in the U.S. and India (statistics courtesy of World Prison Brief 2015)  Prison Population Rate (per 100,000 of national population) o U.S.: 666 o India: 33  Prison Population at the end of 2015 o U.S.: 2,145,100 o India: 419, 632  Pre-trail Detainees (% of population) o U.S.: 20.3% o India: 67.2%  Female Prisoners o U.S. 0.2% o India: 0.0%  Occupancy Level (based on official capacity of prison system) o U.S.: 103.9% o India: 114.4%

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U.S. criminal justice system is divided into federal and state. Violent crimes and drug crimes are most common. Even though India has a much larger population than the U.S., the U.S. incarcerates a much greater number of people, but most of these people are not pre-trails like in India  Race in the U.S. criminal justice system o Black men are much more likely to be imprisoned in the U.S. than any other group o Minorities are imprisoned more than Whites o The reason for this disproportion is not necessarily because minorities commit more crimes, but because they are arrested at much higher rates o The criminal justice system has a long way to go to ensure that people are being treated equally o In India, people of different status, caste, and socioeconomic levels might be experiencing this same type of disproportionate treatment

 Children of Incarcerated Parents o In the U.S., children are never held in jail or prison with their mother or father o Even when a woman gives birth in prison, she is usually only allowed to spend 24 to 48 hours with her infant o Government agencies handle placement of children left on the Outside. These children might go into foster care if no suitable relative can take care of them. However, rates of abuse and mistreatment are high in foster care, so it is not always a safe option for the children o NGOs offer programs for these children including therapeutic programs, mentorship pairings, reading-based programs to connect children with their incarcerated parents, and group visitations

 Medical and Mental Health Care in Prison o Social workers often carry out intake screenings and assessments when inmates arrive o Clinical social workers can diagnose and treat mental illness and other behavioral disturbances o Substance abuse issues (alcohol and drug addiction) are often addressed through therapeutic group sessions o When inmates are suicidal or considering self-harm, they are usually put into solitary confinement (complete isolation rooms)

 Educational, Vocational, and Therapeutic Offerings o Inmates can sometimes get a GED (a high school equivalency certificate) when they are in prison, they can also get certification for completing some vocational training o Nonprofits sometimes offer programs in prison like: yoga, writing classes, public speaking classes, dance classes, opportunities to indirectly serve their community, opportunities to interact with and train dogs o Group therapy is often offered in prison and there are religious and non-faith based support groups

 Legal Aid for Incarcerated Populations o Defense lawyers typically handle legal assistance for incarcerated populations in the U.S. o Lawyers are usually the ones to do ―home visits,‖ though a government agency may step in if children are involved o Social workers sometimes play a role in probation and parole, which are much more commonly used in the U.S. than in India.

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Role play presentations

All the participants were divided into 4 groups and each group was given a topic for role play presentations such as making home visits, work with children in conflict with law found in the prison, providing legal aid and work with children of prisoners.

Session on preparing the prison-wise Action Plan for the next quarter along with the respective mentors

Session on “How to write case studies” – Dr. Ruchi Sinha, Faculty, Centre for Criminology & Justice, TISS

Importance of Case studies: 1) Context – Background information, concerns, issues 2) Strategies described – approaches taken, agencies and actors involved 3) Challenges – concerns that emerged various perspectives 4) Outcomes – accomplishments, changes, lessons learnt

Context - Present information about the client/organization/setting - Past information of the client/organization or setting/History or conditions influencing the situation - Current concerns or issues

Strategies - Facts about the case – narrative that describes what innovations/differences were introduced/made - Actors involved – all - Strategies tried – both success and failures - Goals and outcomes expected – both achieved and yet to be achieved/missed

Challenges - Challenges that emerged - Perspectives of various actors - Decisions taken - Actions or changes made

Outcomes - Results of changes taken or practices continued - Analysis of post-intervention situation - Accomplishments or outcomes

Format of case studies - Background information - Problem Statement - Research

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- Data collected - Analysis conducted - Making conclusions - Solutions - The case is the real life situation - The case study is the analysis of the situation

2 types of Case studies - Analytical - Problem oriented

What is the use of case study - To document a problem - Raise awareness - Mobilize support

Report of the Second Refresher Training programme for Social Workers appointed as per the TT-GoM MoU9th October, 2017 to 11th October, 2017

Day I – 9th October, 2017

Highlights of recent orders passed by Bombay High Court – Dr. Raghavan The workshop began with Prof. Raghavan informing the participants about some important circulars and GRs passed through government departments related to the prison conditions and inmates through the writ petition related to children of women prisoners going on in the Bombay High Court. A meeting was held on 5-10-2017 in the office of the Asst. Govt. Pleader where the representatives of prison, police, DWCD and Health departments along with Prof. Raghavan were present. The following suggestions and decisions were taken in the meeting: a) The DWCD has to identify one NGO in each district working in the prison or interested in working in the prison - to work for the women prisoners and their children left outside. b) In the 9 Central prisons, one female Probation Officer will be deputed by the DWCD to visit the Women‘s Section to attend to the issues of the women prisoners and their children left outside. c) The DWCD will increase the budget of Bal Sangopan Yojana which is mainly for convicted prisoners. TT social workers can try to see how this is being implemented at the grass root level. d) A refrigerator will be installed in the Women‘s Section of all the prisons. But some of the social workers responded informing that the refrigerator has been installed but it is kept only during the Superintendent‘s round and switched off and not used. An electric kettle is also kept where the milk is heated and given to the children. e) A weekly OPD will be started in all the prisons where a gynecologist, pediatrician, skin specialist, and psychiatric social worker from the nearest civil hospital will visit as per a circular issued by the Director of Health Services. If it is not started, the District Civil Surgeon could be approached through the prison superintendent. The social workers can observe the problem of the doctors, whether the doctors are prescribing medicines and whether the medicines are being given by the prison. Dr. Satish Pawar, Director, Health

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Services, King George Hospital, Mumbai, could be contacted in this regard. f) In each prison, Duty Counsels have been appointed who have to visit the prison once in a week or 15 days. Their honorarium has been increased to Rs.1000/- per visit through a circular issued by MSLSA. It has to now be observed how often the Duty Counsels are visiting. The social workers can get the list of Duty Counsels from the Secretary, DLSA, and keep in contact with them. g) The honorarium of the lawyers for legal aid cases has also been increased to Rs.7500/- per case by the MSLSA as per new revised guidelines. The social workers can see if the legal aid lawyers are getting the honorarium as per the new guidelines. h) Through another PIL, a committee of 2 social workers and dietician has been appointed to pay surprise checks in the prison once a month to check on diet and hygiene issues. Prayas has been appointed as member for Mumbai and Thane region in these committees.

Session I: Casework by Cecilia Davis, Peacemakers, Bangalore

- Started with an ice breaking session on introduction of one another. - Conducted an activity whereby she presented a decorative box with trash inside – an analogy of the neophyte social worker – looking very attractive from outside but rubbish inside. The discussion brought out the following issues: - The social worker is a very powerful tool. - With what attitude as a social worker do we interact with clients. - Attitude is reflected through talk and interaction/communication. - Importance of being sensitive during your initial interaction with the clients. - How you interact with your colleagues, prison administration – how honest you are and with which attitude. - You could be partial to one or two prisoners belonging to your caste, class etc. - One will first need to work on oneself on one‘s own problems, issues, struggles. - One should help one another to get out of these struggles and work on weaknesses and strengths. - One should use one‘s skills and talents in the process of work with the clients. - Through activities, the clients can open up about their problems as the atmosphere becomes non-threatening. - The clients can realize about their problems etc. - Sessions such as painting, mehendi, rangoli, quilling etc. can be conducted to develop rapport. - The inmates can be motivated to analyse their paintings, drawings, etc. This can lead to realisation about their issues and problems. - Avoid organising competitions among inmates as this will lead to unhealthy relations. - Initially, the social worker can be an organizer and provider of infrastructure and material and be a vivid observer of how each inmate interacts with each other and who dominates etc. - These recreation activities could be started once in a week with an objective of exploring dynamics in the group through games, rivalry among the inmates, differences of opinion, etc. - We need to see how to balance our own attitudes.

Work with individual prisoners - Listening is very important during one‘s interaction with the individual prisoners.

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- Through observation, try to find out what the inmate wants to say but is unable to. - Give time to your client if he has opened up and wants time from you. - While listening, do not make a statement. - Listen with complete silence as the client will realize that we respect them. - Later, document all this and analyze it through discussion with colleagues. - Keep your communication open and honest. - Try to break the dependency of the clients on you. - You can become a God or an enemy for the clients.

Session II: Counseling by Rizwana Nulwala, Counselor

- In suicide cases, one needs to assess the mentally ill condition of the client and immediately refer to a psychiatrist. - If we talk to them for half an hour or more, it is enough to de-motivate them from the suicidal tendency. - What is counseling – mental support, tools, skills, mind divert, 2 way communication, problem-solving, providing options, guidance, listening, long way. - Tools of counseling – listening, not sharing, understanding, education, trust, support, confidentiality, non-judgmental, guidance, acceptance, communication, asking questions, summarizing, basic empathy, experience. - Most of the counseling depends on the counselors‘ values and principles - which gets reflected in the counseling. - Empathy, congruence, unconditional positive regard. - Empathy is a learned skill which comes with experience. - Objectivity. - Skills – Attending means physical presence of the counselor. - SOLER – Sit, Openly, Learning, Eye Contact, Relaxed Posture. - Due to eye contact, trust is established. - No eye contact from client indicates that he is not open, is lying, has no confidence, personality. - Listening is more advanced skill – mentally present. - Active listening – observe the client and read the non-verbal behavior of the client - How the client walks, sits, talks. - Expressions – facial. - Tone of voice. - Listening and understanding the verbal messages. - Listening to context – past or present situation. - Listen to the sour (negative) notes of the client.

Session III: Presentations by the Project Coordinators and Monitoring & Evaluating Officer

Moderators: Shri Rajvardhan Sinha, Spl. I.G. (Prisons), Prof. Vijay Raghavan and Ms. Mangala Honawar.

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Shri Sinha wanted to know as to whether the social workers had clarity about their role. He wanted the social workers to concentrate more on the aftercare and rehabilitation aspects – both convicts and under trials. He wanted to know what are the focus areas of the social workers in each prison on the basis of which the social workers plan out their work.

Day II – 10th October, 2017

Session IV: Citizenship rights documents and benefit of government schemes by Shri Dhananand Nagdive, VARHAD, Amravati - Initially gave information about the organization - Information about the various schemes including Bal Samgopan Yojana for the children of both under trial and convicted prisoners - Procedure for parole and furlough of convicted prisoners - Gharkul yojana - BPL certificate benefit - Shravan Bal Yojana - Procedure for inclusion of name in the BPL category list of the village - Grant-in-Aid scheme - Pre-mature release

Session V: Presentations by the social workers A presentation was done by all the social workers about their quarterly work in the prison related to cases handled, services provided, programmes conducted, visits conducted, etc. and the following suggestions were given to them:

Day III – 11th October, 2017

Session VI: Presentation by Anuradha Mane, Monitoring & Evaulation Officer

Suggestions about monthly reports submitted by the social workers and the respective changes to be made by them in future.

Session VII: Counseling Skills by Ms. Sadhana Bhatkhande. Social Worker, Psychiatric Ward, KEM Hospital, Mumbai - Why does one approach a counselor – when one is confused, to help take a decision, to face the consequences positively. - All problems are individual and the effects will also be individual socially, mentally, physically, financially, etc. - The three components of a human being are very important – biological, psychological, and social. - Biological - the physical effects on our body due to the stress and depression. - Psychological- mental effects like worry, fear, continuously think about one thing only. - Social - All the biological and psychological effects have a consequence on the social conditions of the individual. - When a person‘s psychological balance is disturbed most crimes occur. - For example, the person who is weak, immunity level very low will be more likely to get TB

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as compared to others and when they are staying in the dirty environment. - The biological factor is TB, the social factor is the dirty environment and the psychological factor is the weak person. - DOPAMINE – the chemical balance is due to the combination of all the 3 above mentioned factors. - Due to hereditary factor the host could have mental illness, personality of the host also is important – introvert and extrovert. - People are hesitant to go to a counselor as they do not want to make social their problems and have a stigmatized approach to it. - Psychosis and Neurosis - 2 types of mental illness. - Schizophrenia is a long term illness and is difficult to cure. - Hallucinations are of 2 types – auditory and visual. - Due to the mental imbalance it has effect on 3 things – behavior, thoughts and feelings. - And these 3 things are important because due to negative thoughts, it gets reflected through his behavior and feelings. - The line between a normal and abnormal personality is very thin. - As a counselor we need to observe these 3 things in the clients. - In mentally ill cases, there is 90% chance of the hereditary history. - There is a big stigma about mental illness. - The resource person took the exercise of Chinese Whispers with the participants. - What factors are involved in this exercise – no concentration, hearing problem, pronunciation, speech, the voice of the person, double meaning, gender factor – the acceptance of being told by a male to female and female to male. - What are the skills needed for listening – listening is a two-way process, there is a trust in the counselor, the counselor has a specific knowledge and some skills which will help me. - Due to our listening we create an image about the client in our mind. - Observing the facial expressions and behavior of the client will be very important. - When we are narrating the case to others we are filtering most of the information and adding some more of our own. - For good listening – one needs good concentration, attentiveness, one needs to pay attention to one‘s own illness or disabilities, we need to improve our speech, one needs to increase one‘s abilities to understand different dialects of the speech, one needs to be clear and simple and not use double meaning language. - For good concentration – practice is important. - To improve speech one needs to read loudly, hear news, lectures. - The resource person also conducted role play sessions on the various principles, characteristics of counseling, behavior of the counselor.

Session VIII: Aftercare work with women prisoners by Dr. Penny Tong, TISS & Ms. Varsha Lad, Prayas - The resource persons put 3 questions before the participants – Is imprisonment enough for a prisoner to be rehabilitated? How important is post-release intervention? Identify two factors that you think could significantly contribute to rehabilitation? - Purpose of rehabilitation is overcoming histories, addressing psychological/psychiatric states,

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persons development (education, vocational training), countering social conditions/circumstances, prevention of recidivism - Connecting the custody phase with rehabilitation – establishing contact, building rapport/relationship, understanding/learning about psycho-social circumstances, identifying vulnerability/need for support/susceptibility to further crime/inclination towards rehabilitation, observation of person while in custody, pre-release preparation, introducing information and opportunities for exposure - Some questions about rehabilitation – how does contact happen with a prisoner post-release, how long does it take for a prisoner to be rehabilitated, how much of follow-up do I need to do? - Returning to community – circumstances of release – bail, acquittal, conviction; is there a place to go to? Is there a life to return to? What are the areas of need? - Areas to be addressed in the process of rehabilitation – basic needs – shelter, immediate subsistence, health. Family/social support. Productivity – livelihood. Factors related to the crime – temperament/personality, relationships, addiction. Social networks. Short term/long term intervention (first time/subsequent crime, depth of problem). Recurrence of offending behavior. Making the contact and relationship available. - Some research findings about the situation of women – women as victims more visible and prevalent than women as offenders. Overall increase in women‘s offending, incarceration and sentencing. Women offending linked with marginality and attempts to cope with poverty. Crime is affected by women‘s place in society (formal education, job skills, children). Offending is often to earn, support families, escape violence/social conditions (survival crimes). Increasing violence by women – linked with experiences of sexual/domestic abuse and violence. Kinds of crime differ between women and men. Higher rate of mental illness even at time of remand. - Issues and challenges to rehabilitation of women prisoners – social stigma is greater. Cultural acceptance is lower. Access to documents, rights get challenged. Vulnerability is higher because of cultural practices, lack of education/livelihoos, relationships. Responsibility for and dependence of children. Shelter and support services are protective and sometimes discriminating. - Insights derived from direct experience of intervention – that different categories of women have different characteristics and intervention needs. That offending associated with property is more resistant. That reintegration is a greater challenge for women because of low levels of social tolerance/acceptance. That women located outside a social structure remain in a continuing struggle. That social, welfare, and other developmental services also tend to exclude women in crime.

Session IX: Aftercare work with released male prisoners by Mr. Chandrakant Shinde, Prayas - Nature of male prisoners coming into the prison - Need to observe with what objective is the inmate approaching the social worker for help or to reform himself - Keen observation of the inmates is very necessary - Attend to their immediate needs like contacting the family, legal aid, follow-up with lawyer,

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treatment for any illness - In two ways aftercare work can be done – one is reuniting them with the family and another is their rehabilitation through training, job placement etc. - Gathering the past history of exploitation, abuse, violence of the client is very necessary - Cases handled by Prayas workers were presented

Report of the Third Refresher Training programme for Social Workers appointed as per the TT-GoM MoU12th February, 2018 to 14th February, 2018

Day I – 12th February, 2018

Self and the Field (Altaf Shaikh) - This is a session where we have got ourselves, our thoughts and our heart. - An exercise of walking with the palms held cross-wise on their shoulders and walking at a slow pace, then medium pace and fast pace and then again slow pace. And made to sit where they stopped walking. Told to close their eyes and were told to concentrate on the voice of the resource person. - A few days back you were informed about this workshop through email, calls, etc. that on the 1st day is the session on ―Self and the Field‖. On getting to know this, what feelings and thoughts came to your mind? Any questions arose in your mind and have you got all those questions here today. Some of the participants reached on time, some reached before time and some reached after the scheduled time. What is happening in your mind now after reaching here? - Now you all are sitting in this room and the session has started. But some outside thoughts are going on in the mind – a few tasks left undone which can be done during the break. But until then, we will keep our mind concentrated on the present session. - Told to rub their palms and then put their palms to their eyes and open their eyes. - Later made to sit in a circle and express their thoughts about the session on getting to know about the session. - One participant replied that how we need to interact with people in the field will be told in this session - How the work we do has an effect on us and the people in the field - No quick responses from participants - So resource person asked what do you want to learn from this session or what do you want to do today - We want to learn how we need to work in the field - We would like to learn how group work can be done through this session - Resource person then asked - not many are speaking openly so what could be the reason for this? - Self means what I am as a person and field means the prison setting, client, clients‘ families etc. - How aware are we during our work in the field and how it can affect us, the department and the project - Resource person - How will people react to my work, what I say, etc.

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- But are our qualifications before us when we are interacting with anyone in the field. - This session and this workshop is a practice ground for you all as there are few authorities present here. To behave freely without any inhibitions. - No one is going to say anything to you. But to speak openly and freely will be finally with you. - There are some people who speak openly but some are not. - We are initially human beings and later on come our various designations

Then conducted a session by dividing the participants into 4 groups and each participant was told to remember past incidents which brought about a change in their life which one feels proud of. Either this could be thought about by closing the eyes or with eyes open. And the incident has to be described in brief in their respective groups. After hearing each person in your group what are you feeling about yourself and what feelings are coming to your mind – please share this in your group. - Others heard the persons speaking and felt proud of one another. It appeared like there are many thoughts suppressed within us - Our personal issues are not much discussed with everyone. The MSW course has brought about many changes in ourselves - Initially we discussed in short and then saw that the others were still discussing, so we further discussed in detail. There appeared some innovativeness in our thinking and talking. - We felt that there are many great people sitting among us and am feeling proud of it and have only got to know after they informed us

Resource person – if we are feeling great and why do we feel suppressed or inferior when we go in the field. So we are locked in the conflict of senior-junior, big-small. From these group discussions, we have come to know that all of us are also great and challenging people as we have faced many challenges in life, crossed over them and proceeded successfully in life. And there were some people in our lives who have helped us in such times – like parents, friends, siblings, teachers, etc.

There are many thoughts or issues which are creating obstacles in our lives. A small sheet of paper was distributed to each participant and they were told to write ―Likes and Dislikes‖. - Likes – write points of the things which you like during the course of your work. - Dislikes – write points of the things which you do not like, have problems during the course of your work. - Please feel free to express your dislikes as you will not be questioned about it as your names are not written on the sheets of paper. - Then all the participants were divided into 4 groups and they clubbed their respective group members‘ Likes and Dislikes.

What do you understand by social work – are you serving the society/community or are you doing something else. But the resource person‘s understanding is that this group is not only serving the society but also bringing about the change in this society and will use all strategies to bring about this change. This was approved by all the participants. So if you all are people who are bringing about a change in the society then you are brave people who will face all situations and not have any inhibitions and fears of what the consequences of your actions will be. Further, each group was told to list out the 3 major ―Likes and Dislikes‖ by rounding the same in the written out points. All the 4 groups clubbing were again clubbed on

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one sheet by the organizers and written point-wise in English while the participants had gone for lunch. The Dislikes were divided into 2 parts - Self (points related to self, personality, environment, colleagues) and Field (work related dislikes)

This training program has not only one resource persons but you all are also resource persons and you are also putting in something. Thus, recognize your strengths also and a part of the change. And when we get to know each other we tell our name, etc. But we did not introduce ourselves in this usual way but rather heard something else about each other.

Each group were told to state the top three Dislikes listed in their group. - Interference by the superiors in our work - Permission from the Project Director for each work - The roles and responsibilities of a social worker are too much if quality needs to be maintained - Pressure by superiors - Insulting attitude by superiors - Not working as per advised by superiors

One member said that he is just reading out what the group has discussed so all laughed at him but this is a sort of encouraging him which is not appropriate. But if all have felt bad about it then there is a need to express the same and pass on the message to the person that this attitude and behavior of his is not appropriate.

The Coordinators were instructed not to take a lead role during this session but rather help in developing leadership qualities in the social workers.

Afternoon session An exercise was taken called ―Bade Miya, Chotte Miya‖ where the participants were made to act out and behave like children and the same then analysed : - The child in us is still alive - We need to gain knowledge to work in the field - We need a willingness to help others, compassion for others - We need skills and one of the skills is to assume different roles as per the situations. - How we use our Self in the field – how comfortable are we with our body - A comparison between Narendra Modi and Manmohan Singh was discussed. Manmohan Singh – a quiet personality and a good economist but no impact on the public. Modi had many allegations against him and he is a fiery person and has not much knowledge but has a good impact on the public. He has kept the child within him alive. - If we are comfortable with our body then we do not have any fears or inferiority complex

Later there was a discussion on the compiled ―Likes and Dislikes‖ - You all like to bring about some change in the society through your work - Are happy with the power you have got in the course of your work - Are happy with your contribution towards the society - All this gives us a good position in the society

Likes - A link between the inmates and prison authorities. - Programs and activities for inmates and their children in the prison.

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- Working with the system. - Increase in listening and counseling skills. - Developing a friendly rapport with inmates. - Organizing special mulakats and Galabhet programs. - Use of one‘s previous experience and knowledge. - Challenging group work. - Handling of cases. - An opportunity to work inside prison. - Participation in meetings and programs with higher officials.

Dislikes - Interference in each work by superiors - Constant permission seeking for each work from Project superiors as well as prison staff. - Growing work pressure. - Communication gap between social workers and superiors of the Project. - Constant pressure from Project superiors. - Mental stress due to humiliating behavior of superiors. - Not following instructions of superiors. - The credit of the work done by social workers is taken by the prison staff. - Rigidity of the system to the welfare approach. - No respect from superiors for the work done. - Timely sanction of the program budget - Conflicts among project staff. - No liberty in decision making. - Sacrifice of one‘s own principles and values

Value has two meanings - price of the item and the importance of the item i.e. the principles in our lives. These values gradually develop from our childhood depending upon our upbringing. One should be aware of our values because then you are just living life without a goal in life. This also helps us in taking important and difficult decisions in life.

For each individual there are some important things in life so when they are snatched away from him then it troubles them a lot. Also because your values and principles are not developed due to lack of space.

- Through our dislikes, how our values are being trampled upon is visible - There will be a clash when two opposite personalities come face-to-face – one who wants to follow rules and values and another who does not want to follow any values - So to resolve this one needs to come up with a solution like a compromise or an understanding - One needs to respect each others‘ values and thus one should think twice before deciding for others - If one does not get respect then it affects one‘s work and relations therefore to get work done from them one needs to respect all - Not acknowledging one‘s work is not good or taking the credit of their work is also inappropriate - Flexibility in one‘s work is also important - Trust in oneself and one‘s work is important

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Why are we working in this field: - One important fact is that since we are getting money we are working - 1st time in India such an experiment is being undertaken where the prison department has appointed social workers with the financial help from Tata Trusts - The social workers of this project will be the first appointed social workers of the prison department. - And this will become a role model and replicated in other States likewise. - But if this project fails due to slackness, conflict among the staff, etc. then it will be a total failure - There is need to give 100% to your work or leave the job and be peaceful with oneself

Our needs – basic needs, education, health, safety, love, contribute, comfort, etc. - At different times, we are trying to fulfill our needs which is the same with the person in crime also. - The human touch is shown through the work of the social workers - All the participants need to be convinced as to why we are doing this job, what is your stand regarding the criminals, what is your vision of these criminals - So one needs to decide whether we want to continue this job or not - If we want to continue thinking that the clients/prison inmates too are part of the society, then you need to decide how will you work with them - Until you accept them as they are, you will not be able to work with them - Because they will be involuntary clients as they have been rejected by society and since you are a part of the same society you will be visualized by them in the same manner - So it is your main responsibility to change this mindset of theirs as they have not called you but you have gone their voluntarily and thus more efforts need to be put into your work with them - Your focus and vision after 3 years evaluation should be that in 3 years the social workers brought about a change in the system and thus there is need to increase the staff to bring about more changes - There is a need to change one‘s values, one‘s thinking to bring about the change in the society - If we encourage them to express their anger and ill habits then that will come out but if their good qualities are encouraged then that will be more developed - One needs to work on one‘s beliefs and one‘s feelings as these are in our control as compared to what others are saying about our work - There is no point in trying to cry over what you cannot do or were unable to do but rather think about how it can be done in future properly and try to avoid the earlier mistakes - Are the ways of expressing our feelings appropriate or is there a need to bring some changes

Anger is expressed by us to vent out our suppressed feelings, frustrations. But we are unable to do so with our superiors and thereby we go around with two faces. We are able to express our anger on weaker persons as compared to the stronger persons.

In the list of likes and dislikes, the value of honesty has not been expressed as we do not think it more valuable. When the situation goes out of control then we express our anger to the person and try to discuss with him about the intolerance of such disrespect and humiliating behavior.

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Realizations by the participants of the session - Helpful in changing my vision about the client group. - Will express my anger positively and appropriately. - We should not label anyone. - Will learn to respect others‘ values also and not have a selfish attitude of fulfilling only my values both in my personal and professional life. - Talking or behaving diplomatically is very dangerous which we will try to avoid. - We have understood how to handle the pressure from the prison staff with regard to cases which the social workers feel the need to handle but are prevented by the staff. - Henceforth, we will remember that we are the shapers of this important project and work likewise in the field. - We try to forget the bigger goals in life by cribbing about smaller issues. So now we will keep in mind about how positive we can be and go ahead in life. - Have been able to realize about oneself very positively which will be helpful in our lives and field as well. - We realized what should be the attitude of a social worker and how he can bring about changes in the field. - One needs to respect and value each others‘ work and encourage one another. - The session on the self has been helpful in us accepting both our positive and negative qualities or mistakes. - Try to understand the objective behind one another‘s behavior and not be de-motivated.

Day 2 – 13thFebruary, 2018

Leadership by Shri Zubin Mulla - The session started with a self-introduction by the resource person and then getting to know about all the participants. - Who is a leader: showed pictures of a few leaders to get to know about the definition of a leader. Since Queen Elizabeth is the queen so she is the leader. Pratibha Patil, Manmohan Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagat Singh, Kiran Bedi, Gadaffi, etc.

Leader means a person occupying a position, doing/achieving something. Only occupying the position is not leadership but rather achieving or doing something is also important. Making the team or group happy, has some talent, he is a role model. The person may have talent and achievement but the leader has to see how he takes the team members together and also motivates or helps in them achieving something. Due to a position, the person gets an opportunity to do something. But even by being on that position but if they do not do anything then it is of no use. The outcome of leadership is some kind of positive change then be it a social worker, principal, CEO, Chief Minister or Prime Minister.

Power is the ability of one person to control the behavior of another person. It can be forcibly, voluntarily and mildly. Power does not reside in the person but rather in the context or a relationship.

A leader has power but all those who have power are not leaders. Leadership is a special kind of power. Then what type of power is leadership? For what purpose you use the power is important – either for personal or for others. Coercion means for personal use and forcing oneself on others. So this is not leadership. The leadership should have concern for others and work towards the goals of others.

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Definition: Leadership is a relationship. Leadership is a power keeping in mind the goals of the people and there should be a positive change.

All important people are not leaders. We cannot assume our understanding of what is leadership or who is a leader. This is wrong because when such different understanding people come together then there will be no consensus about who is a leader and there will be a conflict.

All that important people do is not leadership. Leadership is a relationship where one individual influences another to do something willing.

There are three ways of working/ bringing about a change/getting things done: 1) By power: i.e. forcibly. Exercise of power without concern for the goals of others resulting in temporary compliance. 2) By Transactions : Exercise of power to achieve one‘s goals and the goals of others resulting in temporary commitment 3) By Leadership through inspiring others to go beyond the existing goals and engaging them in the pursuit of higher goals resulting in long term commitment.

Beliefs are whatever we know about others. And when many people started believing in one belief it becomes a truth. Beliefs constitute our knowledge. Some beliefs are evaluative beliefs which we use to give or make judgments and these are called values. We try to evaluate people as good or bad, etc.

Values do not exist in isolation though they may differ from one another. But the ranking of the values is different for everyone. One of the ways of understanding something is to understand their values. Without understanding values you cannot hope to change anyone. By pursuing, convincing them one can change them which is time consuming as here logic is more involved. One of the way in which we can change values is by becoming or putting forth role models. This is faster because here emotions are involved. And third way is by changing behavior because sometimes behavior also affects values as compared to what we have said earlier that values affect behavior. One of the best ways of changing values is by changing behavior of the person. If one is in a particular situation for a long time, then there are chances of changing values.

An exercise taken was to write 10 statements about oneself like ―I am…………‖ on a blank paper. There is nothing wrong in a definition of oneself which is known as Self Concept – social and personal self-concepts. If we want to change someone then which will be more powerful (social or personal)? The social self-concepts are easier to change as compared to personal self-concepts.

One of the job of the leader is to awaken the self-concepts which are relevant to the cause and help them act in a specific way. These self-concepts will change as per the context.

Clips from two feature films were shown where the hockey teacher instructs his trainees of identifying with his country and in the other how Mahatma Gandhi awakened the Indians about their nationality.

By grouping people also we can awaken social concepts and bring about a change. By

127 creating an imagery situation also and picturizing and visualizing a situation can help bring about a change. The task of the leader is to create an image or picture in the mind of the person to bring about a change as these images become simple in the minds of the person. By awakening certain identities (personal, human, national, etc.) some values can be awakened.

Aristotle had suggested that the characteristics of plants is that it grows, it is able to be nutritious and reproduction. Animals also have these 3 characteristics and besides this they feels pain and pleasure, and can move around (locomotion). Human beings also have growth, nutrition, reproduction, locomotion, sensitivity and also have language and wisdom. There are some human beings who do not have all these characteristics and sometimes they behave like animals, for example a man in a coma state.

3 gunas – sattva (wisdom), rajo (energy), tamas (inertia). We look at individuals by values, behavior, self concepts and also through these gunas.

Christ‘s entry into Washington in 2008 – a painting where Christ is not visible. The lesson of this painting is that the leader should realize what does one need to live. How can we help someone when it is not in our power? We must address this problem by saying that we cannot help him but then give him some options. Before that find out the reasons for it.

Wants and needs Wants are very subjective as they differ as per the individual person. The task of leader ship is to move from wants to needs. Needs are legitimate but there can be a debate on wants. Leaders should identify the followers‘ needs within their wants. Thus, the leader will be able to help them and bring about a change. Until the physical needs are not met then other needs will not be very important. No man will tell their needs but only tell what they want.

Afternoon session

Presentations by social workers about their work

Day 3 – 14thFebruary, 2018

Session on the mentoring aspects and problems faced by the social workers

Afternoon session

Presentations by social workers about their work

Challenges of the Training and Mentoring Unit

 To develop a regular intervention plan at Jail Officers Training Centers.  Convincing NGOs to take initiative on working with this group.  Motivating the colleges of social work to initiate student field work in criminal justice.  To encourage prison and allied staff to write articles for the magazine.  To motivate the Probation Officers to take up cases and refer them to Prayas for

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One day workshop on ‗Suicide Prevention‘ for prison staff

The workshop started by welcoming the participants with flowers. Dr. Penelope Tong, Field Work Supervisor, TISS, explained the work of Prayas. Ms. Sangeeta Gawali, Social Worker, Health Unit, Prayas, explained the objectives of the programme and the need for conducting this session. During the course of the work done by Prayas, it has often been observed that mental health is an important factor in the rehabilitation programme. Often it happens that many of the trainees are depressed or mentally stressed while some even suffer from mental disorders. Various interventions including sessions with psychiatrists, art and music therapy and other physical activities are undertaken.

The objective of the workshop was to understand suicidal tendencies, identify and prevent them. Shri Manohar, the resource person from Samaritans explained about the Samaritans Mumbai, a volunteer based organization working on Suicide Helpline.

The objective of this workshop was to know about suicidal tendencies, how to identify and prevent them. Shri Manohar commenced the session by first providing information about the Helpline started on 1st May, 1993. Samaritans Mumbai is a voluntary based organization that provides its services free of cost. Shri Manohar explained how conversing with a person can help free one‘s mind. Without interrupting or judging a person, listening should be encouraged.

Ms. Neha from Samaritans explained the process to the attendees. Through role play, a call was demonstrated by her. She explained how various skills of communication and listening are important and sharing of our thoughts is not the norm. One may feel low confidence, fear, embarrassment and low self esteem and not share one‘s thoughts but as confidentiality is ensured clients open up. Listening actively is important, ascertaining the feelings and emotions of the client are also very essential.

After lunch, an activity was conducted which involved drawing and role play to introduce listening skills. The activity encouraged active listening as one had to draw following the instructions without raising any doubts. Various other powerful tools for communication were discussed. How one could build trust with the client is also important. Asking open ended questions, encouraging the caller to talk is important. Regular daily communication is the key but forcing someone to talk should be avoided.

Instead of offering advice one should prefer to explore options. One must not work on solution orientation. According to the prison staff, most of the inmates belonging to the young generation consider suicide after fighting with spouse, love affairs, or issues related to children. A lack of an optimistic outlook, stigma, loneliness, sadness and remorse, violent behavior, crying are some of the other ways in which they express themselves.

The actual training for suicide prevention is a 6 day program. A questionnaire to check the suitability of the trainee has to be filled before enrolling. The workshop ended with Vote of Thanks by a representative of Prayas and distribution of files as gifts to the resource persons and the participants.

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Future plans of the Training and Mentoring Unit

1. Organize regional seminars for the various functionaries of the criminal justice system on the issues of probation, Children of Prisoners, rehabilitation of women prisoners, skill development of youth, etc. 2. Organize presentations on initiating work in the various settings of criminal justice system in various colleges of social work at district level to develop an awareness on need for rehabilitation of youth offenders and role of social worker. 3. Activate and expand NGO Forum and its activities. 4. Activate the newsletter and expand its circulation. 5. Plan a newsletter once in six months for the clients inside prison and released.

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Bharuch Unit

Statistics - Bharuch District Prison - Male Section Broad Services Specific Services Statistics No. of inmates given socio-legal 113 information Total Outreach No. of inmates reached out through 118 programmes Visit to prisons Visit to prisons 163 Provide socio-legal No. of inmates provided counseling 121 information to under trial services prisoners No. of inmates provided legal advice 194 No. of socio-legal counseling sessions 266 with inmates No. of applications written 46 No. of inmates getting legal aid lawyers 29 through support of Prayas Visit to Court 39 Visit to Magistrates 14 Visit to Advocates 21 Contact/Communicate with Phone call to family members 177 families, advocates, Hospital visits -- employers etc through Home visits 19 telephone calls, visits and Visits to Shelter Homes -- meetings No. of family members supported 18 a. Legal support 06 b. Educational support 01 c. Training support 01 d. Support for employment -- e. Support for rations 01 f. Support for medical 01 g. Support for shelter -- h. Support to avail benefit of government 04 scheme Organise information and No. of programmes organised in prison 04 training sessions/programmes No. of inmates participated in the 660 on livelihood programmes alternatives/legal awareness Follow up visits to prison authorities for 16 and citizenship rights obtaining permission to organise programme in prison Visits to identify resource -- persons/agencies for programme Visits (inmates and family Visits to government offices 21 members) Visits to NGOs encouraging mulakat 13 with inmates Referred to the Prayas 07 Rehabilitation Programme Follow-up after release 04

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Bharuch District Prison- Male Section

Socio-legal information to under trial prisoners: Socio- legal counseling was provided to 121 inmates and worker has helped in writing 46 legal applications for the inmates. During the socio-legal counseling sessions, worker discussed with them the following issues : - Clarification about legal process, information about legal status and discussion on doubts about their legal cases. - Discussion with clients in order to release their stress and anxiety as result of imprisonment. - Discussion with clients about the problems faced by their family members and the support Prayas worker can provide to them. - Information about Prayas Rehabilitation Programme. - Discussion with inmates about their post-release plan, issues which could be confronted after release and how the Prayas worker can support. - The problems faced by them during their stay in prison and whenever required co ordinate with the jail authorities. - Giving information about the various government schemes. - Encouraging them to continue education while in prison. - Initiate discussion on importance of de-addiction for their future rehabilitation.

Intervention for providing legal aid to clients: - Follow with legal aid lawyers in Sessions Court to get necessary documents so that client can approach High Court for legal follow-up. - Getting family involved in the process of legal aid and follow-up with the advocate about the status of the court case. - Follow-up with DLSA and TLSA lawyers and magistrates. - Discussion and suggestion to new inmates about keeping a copy of all legal documents with them, before giving it to advocates.

Challenges - Challenges while working for legal aid for inmates: - Inspite of wanting to avail of the legal aid services, some of the inmates are unwilling to file their bail applications in the High Court as they are unsure and anxious about before which bench of judges will their cases be put up. - Clients continue having problem of legal documents to be submitted to lawyer - - Either the legal documents are with the clients‘ previous private or legal aid lawyers and now the clients want to change their lawyers. - Or the legal documents are with the clients‘ previous private lawyers and the clients want to change the private lawyer for a legal aid lawyer. - Sometimes client is unsatisfied with the services of the legal aid lawyer, and if he wants to change the lawyer, then the legal aid lawyer does not give back the legal documents. - It is a challenge both for client and family to go through the process of gaining a copy of legal documents from the court.

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- In High Court, inspite of Prayas‘ follow-up, it is a major challenge to provide all legal documents to the legal aid lawyer of the High Court. - Though Prayas does a lot of work with legal aid lawyers, there are incidents where legal aid lawyers demand money from the clients or their family. When the clients or their families are unable to provide the money, then the lawyers linger on with the cases.

Challenges faced by the worker while working with youth in crime - They get easily influenced by other inmates in the barrack who are in for similar sections. - The inmates who are in prison from long period of time try to misguide the new inmates based on their experiences. - There is an overall misunderstanding about the CJS among the inmates in the prison. - The new inmates accused of serious crime and with poor support systems are anxious and fearful. - Sometimes, private advocates take advantage of the clients‘ vulnerable situation and keeping prolonging the case. Either they do not file the bail application or they file the bail application so early that it gets rejected. - It has also been observed that private advocates do their marketing through their clients as they give incentives to lure more inmates as their clients from the prison. - Initially, most of the clients do not have information or are unaware about the legal system so they are confident that they will be bailed out or will be acquitted soon. Thus, they do not want to seek the worker‘s support nor are they willing to discuss about their post-release plans. They are confident that they will get back to their normal routine life as soon as they are released. But as months pass by, and the case does not proceed as per their expectations, suddenly they start becoming anxious leading to depression. Then it becomes difficult for worker to intervene at this stage. As a result, some of the clients lose trust in the system and they do not want to engage legal aid lawyers thinking that the legal aid lawyers are also part of the system which has done injustice to them. So they pressurize the family to engage private lawyers which the family is unable to do because of financial constraints. This further affects the relationship between the inmate and the family. In such cases, the worker has to do a lot of counseling with them, so that the clients retain trust in themselves, in the family and in the system.

Outcomes As a result of Prayas‘s intervention, many pending cases where legal aid lawyers were working have been followed up and expeditated. As a result of the awareness about legal aid services given by Prayas, the inmates have started approaching Legal Aid Counsels visiting prison. They also discuss their cases with the Secretary of the DLSA who visits the prison regularly. Prayas workers have been able to build positive relationship with the Secretary and the staff of DLSA as a result of which we are able to gain their support in cases of our clients.

Due to a regular handling of the cases by the legal aid lawyers of poor and needy clients,

134 these lawyers have become more sensitive to the issues and problems of the prison inmates.

Future Plans - We have been observing that, inmates are being misled by some of the legal aid advocates who take the client‘s signature on the vakatanama and later handle the cases in the court as private advocates and thus cheat the clients and their families. So we are trying to identify a strategy to detect this and bring it to the notice of the respective local DLSA or the High Court. - A strategy needs to be evolved for visiting or contacting family members who live in distant places, and to encourage them to visit Prayas office or come for programmes. - Try to organize more legal awareness programmes in prison in coordination with DLSA- so that Inmates are more aware of the legal aid schemes of the government. Inmates can share about the challenges they face while availing legal aid services to Legal Aid officers present during the programme. - Better coordination between inmates, prison authorities, legal aid advocates and the staff of DLSA.

Contact/Communication with Families and Advocates

Intervention with the families - Follow up with families. - The worker contacted families through telephone calls, letters and home visits. The worker made 177 phone calls and 19 home visits. - It was experienced that, it was not possible for clients to be present at home during the worker‘s home visit, because of loss of daily wages. So, worker has started meeting the client‘s family when they come for mulakat. Most of the time, these meetings are preplanned after a discussion with the client. Once this meeting is done in prison itself, it is easier to meet the family in court or during home visit, as confidence and trust is already built up. - Thus, the worker has supported 18 family members of the clients by providing counseling, legal support, and citizenship rights documents, training and educational support.

Challenges - As many of the family members live in distant villages, worker cannot make regular visits as per plan as the worker also has to visit various courts for legal follow-up, Thus there is gap in the intervention with the family further affecting our intervention with the clients. - It is difficult to help out the family members in practical of upcountry clients and from far off districts of the state. We are instead in contact with the families telephonically and also provide them counseling and legal advice and guidance. - Since the families are unaware about the other services provided by Prayas, they approach Prayas with legal issues only. - It is difficult to approach families, go for home visits or expect them to visit Prayas office in Bharuch or to attend prorammes as majority of the families are daily wage

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labourers. - A few families accept the problems being faced by them as their fate. Thus, it requires lot of efforts to encourage them for some intervention from their end. - Worker has observed that in the cases of youth where the clients are habitual, the families do not wish to extend any support, whereby they are not available during the home visits.

Future Plans - A strategy needs to be evolved for visiting or contacting family members who live in distant places, and to encourage them to visit Prayas office or come for programmes. - A document /pamphlet needs to be prepared to share with the clients‘ family explaining the process after arrest which can prevent their exploitation and provide them guidance. The content of the document could be: 1) Explanation about the legal process 2) Role of the different government bodies 3) Information about legal aid and mulakat 4) Role of Prayas and other NGOs 5) Gaining community support

Information and training sessions/programmes on livelihood alternatives/legal awareness and citizenship rights

In this regard, four programmes were organized for the inmates

1. Information about Dental Hygiene : A renowned dentist was invited as resource person in which 113 inmates participated.

2. Awareness about Education: The worker himself conducted this awareness programme where 125 inmates participated.

3. Music therapy programme : This programme was organized in coordination with the Lions Club of Mumbai (Thane) in two sessesion where 350 inmates participated.

4. Vocational training programme for inmates: The training onfarsan making was organized in coordination with Baroda Swarojgar Vikas Sansthan which was participated by 38 inmates.

Objectives of the Vocational Training Programmes - Provide certified skill training to inmates - Facilitate personal development of inmates - Reach out to inmates - Provide information about Prayas Rehabilitation Programme - Initiate discussion about the aftercare plan on their release from prison - Provide recreation to inmates - Involve prison staff in the rehabilitation process of the inmates

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- Helps in the development of the worker

Role of Prayas workers in the Vocational Training Programme - Provide information about programmes to the inmates. - Register names of the inmates willing to participate in the programme. - Identify resources for the programme and coordinate with the resource agency. - Follow-up with the prison administration for the necessary permissions. - Hold discussions with clients about the importance of skills training in the process of rehabilitation. - Reach out to clients through individual counseling and group sessions during the training. - Involve clients in the programme to help reduce their stress levels. - Engage clients in a team process and develop leadership qualities within them. - Involve prison staff in the programmes. - Provide information about connecting the training/skills gained with their rehabilitation on release. - Encourage inmates to develop positive relationship with the training agency so that they can be supportive to them on their release.

Challenges - Identifying resource persons and coordinating with them. - Coordinating long-term and full time training programmes with the prison rules is a challenge.

Case Study Samir Ali Shaikh was arrested u/s 302, 363, 201, 114 IPC and he was in judicial custody since February‘16. He along with his wife and three year old son stayed at Ankleshwar. After his imprisonment, his wife shifted to Pune to live with her father. Nobody in his family knew about his arrest, except his wife, father-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law. His wife did not come for a mulakat until she was contacted by the Prayas worker.

Expectations of the client The client was anxious to know about the legal status of his court case. He had requested for legal aid and maintaining a follow-up in the court in regard to his court case. He wanted the worker to contact his family and request them to come for mulakat and also provide financial, emergency support to his family, educational support for his child and vocational training support for his wife.

Intervention by the worker The co- accused in his case were released on bail because of financial support. Since he did not have any support, he continued to remain in prison resulting in depression and anxiety. Continuous counseling in this regard was provided to the client followed by regular discussions with the prison staff regarding the client‘s mental condition.

A legal aid advocate had been appointed in his case. But the advocate was not working efficiently as he expected money from the client‘s family. The advocate was unwilling to file the bail application even after a discussion and follow-up by the social worker. The client

137 wrote many applications requesting for a change of the lawyer following by a continuous, regular, persistent follow-up by the Prayas worker with TLSA, DLSA and in court but nothing happened resulting in the client become more depressed and dejected. The worker also discussed the case with the Secretary of the DLSA but nothing happened. The delayed legal process resulted in the client losing trust in the judicial system whereby it became difficult for the Prayas worker to work with him.

Regular telephonic contact was maintained by the worker with the client‘s family, counseling them and encouraging them to come for mulakat. Prayas was also willing to provide the family financial support to come for mulakat. The family‘s lifestyle deteriorated after the client‘s arrest as his wife was neither trained nor educated to cope with the situation. Moreover, it was very difficult for the family to share their problems with any relatives and ask for support. So rations and other emergency support were provided to the family with the help of a local NGO. Medical support and educational support to the son was also provided. The wife was encouraged by the worker to undergo vocational training of tailoring where the fees of the course were given by Prayas, the required material was also provided. And on completion of the tailoring course, a tailoring machine was given to the client‘s wife to gain financial independence through self-employment.

Outcome Despite the many fluctuations in the case, the worker was able to gain the trust of the client whereby counseling by the worker proved effective and helpful. The family came for mulakat 8 months after the client‘s arrest. After continuous counseling, the client‘s wife was willing to undergo training in tailoring. The client‘s child was admitted into school. As a result of the continuous intervention of the Prayas worker at various levels, the legal aid lawyer was changed after 18 months.

In the course of handling this case, the worker had to pay visits to the court, DLSA and TLSA offices, NGOs, the local gurudwara and meet magistrates, advocates, the court Registrar, Visits paid by worker:

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Statistics:Bharuch District Prison - Female Section

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Total Outreach No. of inmates given socio-legal Information 77 No. of inmates reached out through programmes 57 Visit to prisons Visit to prisons 75 Regular visits to prison and No. of programmes organised in prison 09 organise group sessions, activities No. of inmates participated the programmes 137 and programmes Follow up visits to prison authorities for obtaining 33 permission to organise programmes in prison Visits to identify resource persons/agencies for 29 programmes No. of community resources contacted to organise 10 programmes in the prison Provide income generation No. of women given training for income -- avenues to interested women generation activity No. of women given work on piece rate basis -- Visit to Women's Section by Activity teacher -- Organise Legal Awareness No. of inmates reached out through legal 40 Sessions awareness programmes in a year Follow up visits to prison authorities for obtaining -- permission to organize legal awareness programmes in prison Visits to identify resource persons/agencies -- /DLSA/SLSA for programmes No. of applications written 09 No. of inmates getting legal aid lawyers through 04 support of Prayas Visit to court 38 Visits to magistrates 08 Visits to advocates 44 Provide socio-legal information No. of inmates provided counselling services 121 to under trial prisoners No. of inmates provided legal advice 121 No. of socio –legal counselling sessions with 305 inmates Contact/Communicate/emergency Phone call to family members 196 support for families of prisoners Home visits 20 No. of families reached out to 16 No. of family members benefitted by support from 13 Prayas Support for rations 05 Support for medical 02 Support for shelter 03 Support for education --- Support for training 02

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Follow-up visit to training center 07 Visits (inmates and family Visits to government offices 34 members) Visits to NGOs 09 Referred to the Prayas 07 Rehabilitation Programme (after care programme) Follow-up after release 07

Bharuch District Prison - Female Section

Group sessions, activities and programmes

Seven programmes were organized for the women inmates in Bharuch District Prison.

1. Importance of exercise for overall wellbeing The resource person for this session was a Gyneacologist who gave information about the importance of exercises – warm up and cool down, meditation and laughter for good health in our day-to-day lives. She also demonstrated certain exercises and also made the women practice them as later every day the women inmates can do them without any supervision by forming groups. She also conducted sessions of laughter and meditation.

19 women inmates actively participated in the programme. Some women wanted specific exercises to be taught based on their illness which the doctor taught them. After this session, two inmates have regularly started doing the exercises.

2. Awareness programme on Dental Hygiene

A dentist was invited to conduct this programme where she recreated an awareness and gave information about the importance and need for mandatory, regular and proper cleaning of teeth and the effects on one‘s health due to neglection of regular cleaning of the teeth. The important part of this session was information given regarding the effect of tobacco and alcohol addiction on dental and overall health of the person‘s body.

17 female inmates participated in the programme where they appreciated the information given regarding proper brushing of the teeth regularly. But they put forth the problem of not having toothbrushes and toothpaste to brush their teeth. A few inmates acknowledged the fact that they were not aware of right technique of cleaning the teeth. The prison Superintendent appreciated the information, and also expressed the need for a Dental Chair in the prison so that inmates could get their dental treatment done in prison itself.

3. HIV awareness programme in prison

The programme was organized in coordination with Bharuch District Network of Living with HIV (a project of Gujarat State AIDS Control Society). During the session the following information were given to inmates : - How HIV is transmitted. - The preventive measures from getting it transmitted. - Supporting and caring for HIV(+) patients.

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- Maintaining personal hygiene. - Emotional and psychological support for HIV(+) patients. - Information about BDNP+ and other related schemes of the government.

17 women inmates actively participated in the discussion. The importance outcome of the programme was that the women inmates became more sensitized of the issue due to which they were empathetically supportive to two other inmates who were HIV (+) and had children. This programme helped in making the coordination with BDNP+ easier whereby we could gain support of their schemes for women inmate while in prison and also on their release from the prison. As per the scheme, even though the ex-inmate may not have any required documents, on her release from prison she will immediately get rations support and other support from BDNP+.

4. Art and Dance Workshop for Women Inmates

This two days workshop with the objective of reaching out to women through art and dance was organized in coordination with Khulla Aasman Trust of Mumbai. The overall objectives of the workshop were : - To create a positive atmosphere in the prison. - Explore strengths of the women inmates. - Help in building positive relationships with each other. - Supporting inmates to set goals for achieving their dreams (while in prison and preparing them for their release from prison).

During the two days of the workshop, the Activity workers from Khulla Aasman Trust conducted various activity sessions for inmates on dance, music, art, drama, clay work, etc. Through these activities, they encouraged self-expression, positivity, and team building among the inmates.

17 women inmates actively participated in these sessions where they enjoyed and requested for more similar sessions. On the second day, most women expressed that they could sleep peacefully at night. Among the inmates, there are sub groups in the prison and these sessions helped in team building. We realized that the tension of the inmates was released and women coming from various backgrounds were open and ready to support each other.

One of the inmates was convicted just two days before the sessions commenced due to which she was very disturbed and was reluctant to participate in any activity. But as the sessions proceeded, she gradually got involved, and at the end of the session, she was completely relaxed and also set for herself a goal on her release.

After the programme, most of the women did not sleep in the afternoon which is their daily routine as they kept thinking about the session and discussing among themselves about the sessions.

The workshop managed to spread positive vibes in the prison as coincidently 3 women got acquitted during two days. The women correlated their release with the sessions and the positive energy that spread during the sessions.

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5. Vocational Training For Women Inmates: Jewellery and Handicraft Making

This training was conducted in coordination with Baroda Swarojgar Vikas Sansthan (BSVS) and it was for a period of 13 days daily for 6 hours. The programme was inaugurated in the presence of the Secretary of DLSA, Director of BSVS, prison Superintendent and Prayas Workers. The certificates were distributed to the inmates on the successful completion of their training.

During the 13 days of training, inmates were taught how to make jewellery items like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, western jewellery, head and leg jewellery and special jewellery worn during weddings and Haldi ceremonies. Besides this, they were also taught to make handicraft articles like the letter box, decorative matki, small jhula, toran, etc,

11 women participated in the training with a lot of enthusiasm as they would practice during their free time and at night also in making the articles with the material given to them. Women who had missed the training because of their court dates or hospital visits, made it a point to learn from the other inmates. Thus, the inmates supported each other and taught each other as this bonding between them was created after the Khulla Aasman workshop.

An inmate who has a migraine problem shared that she was relieved from her constant pain during the training. Another inmate who was released on bail was feeling proud and her eyes were shining with self-esteem when she showed the finished products made by her to the Nari Kendra staff where she was provided shelter.

During the certificate distribution, the trainer shared her experience that training these women inmates was an amazing experience by itself. And the women were like sponges very eager to absorb everything.

Challenges faced in the course of organizing the programme were : - To organize any programme in prison in coordination with an outside agency is difficult due to the rules and regulations of the prison, the discipline to be followed by the trainer, the trainer‘s behavior towards the inmates, etc. - Organizing a long term programme of 13 days and for 6 hours daily is also difficult in view of the shortage of prison staff to supervise during the training. - Availability or supply of the required material for the training. - Even if the coordinating agency is willing to provide the resource material it is - The strict rules and regulation of prisons. - The outside resource person‘s behavior with inmates. - Lack of enough resource material for the training. - It is difficult to give the finished products to the inmates who have made them. - Coordination with the resource agency regarding the discipline required to be maintained while working in prison.

6. Music programme for inmates

A music programme was conducted in the prison with the help of Lions Club of Mumbai (Thane) in which 11 inmates participated.

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7. Drama Activity

This activity was performed by 16 women inmates themselves with the support of Prayas. Thewomen themselves wrote a humorous drama about awareness on alcohol and one of the inmates directed it. Each woman inmate was involved in the practic and after enough practice, they performed the drama. To motivate them, Prayas workers provided them with necessary costumes for the drama.

For most of the women, the whole experience was for the first time from acting, working in coordination, etc. Some women who had never worn anything but a saree, wore shirt and trousers during the performance. All equally took responsibility for the practice as well as the performance of the drama and made adjustments with each other.

This drama is a direct outcome of all the activities and intervention done by Prayas in the prison, which encouraged the inmates‘ confidence, self-esteem, self-expression, positive relationship, team spirit and above all building an environment of trust and hope.

After the performance, the women experienced a general feeling of happiness, a feeling of achievement, feeling of capability, a feeling of extending support to each other and motivating each other and thus taking out the best from each other.

Some other Activities in Prison

Books for Prison Library

Most of the books in the prison library are religious and spiritual. The inmates had expressed their need for other fictional and non-fictional books, so Prayas has provided more than 100 fictional and non fictional books.

Due to this, some of the women prisoners are regularly borrowing books from prison library and reading them. Since the library is not easily accessible to the male inmates of the prison, Prayas workers have discussed the issue with the prison Superintendent which needs to be further followed up.

Get-together programme for prison staff

Most of the prison staff was transferred and new prison staff had been posted in the Bharuch District Prison. So the objective of organizing a Get-together programme for the prison staff along with the staff of Prayas was to inform the new staff about the interventions and activities of Prayas in prison. To build a professional relationship with the new staff and help them settle in their new posting and to finalize sensitize them towards the issues of the prisoners.

The programme was scheduled in the evening so that all the prison staff including the Superintendent and Jailor could participate in the programme. After a brief introduction regarding Prayas given by the prison Superintendent, and a presentation of the work of Prayas, lot of games were played together followed by dinner.

The programme was highly appreciated by the staff who expressed that it was for the first time in their lives that they could participate in such types of activities and that someone was

143 thoughtful to bring a change in their otherwise routine life. It helped in building a positive relationship with the staff thus increasing their support and cooperation for Prayas‘ work. Many felt that such programmes should be regularly conducted.

Education material provided

Prayas has provided basic material such as writing boards, chalks, writing slates, etc.

Socio-legal information to under trial prisoners

Worker discusses with the clients about their legal cases, the problems/issues raised by them, their family and other relationship issues and accordingly engages in counseling sessions with them. This is the most important service for clients which helps in developing a positive relationship with the clients and thus initiate a discussion on their post-release plans and rehabilitation. Such socio-legal counseling was provided to 77 inmates.

During these sessions worker reached out to inmates through the following interventions: - Facilitate counselling and discussions about themselves and their family members. - Tackle the issues faced by them in prison and by their families outside. - Providing legal guidance. - Discussing about the legal status of their cases and planning our the future action. - Discussing about their medical needs. - Informing the clients about the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme. - Discussing about the clients‘ post-release plans. - Planning and discussing about the services which could be provided by the worker such as paying home visits, making telephone calls, writing applications, maintaining a follow-upin court, etc.

Outcomes of socio-legal counseling - Building up a rapport between clients and worker. - Reduction in the anxiety and stress levels of the inmates. - Clients become more aware of their rights, legal status of cases. - Discussion on post-release plans initiates once the inmates get to know aware about Prayas Rehabilitation Programme. - Worker gets an insight into the problems and issues faced by clients and their families and be able to involve with the family in the process of resolving them. - Worker has followed up in the cases of 9 women inmates for legal aid. - Follow-up in the respective courts to get information regarding the names of advocates allotted to the inmates. - Giving information to the clients and their family members of the same. - Organizing meetings with the legal aid advocates and the family members in the court. - Attending court dates of the inmates so that meetings between the inmates and their advocates are possible to help the inmates get an update about their cases. - Followed up in the High Court for an inmate‘s case which had been pending since some months. And the worker discussed the case with the free legal aid advocate of

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the High Court.

Case Study: Maliniben

Maliniben‘s husband and her son were arrested u/s 302,201,114 IPC for the murder of their daughter-in-law. They have been in judicial custody since the past two years. They had appointed a private advocate, but since their bail application was rejected, they requested the worker‘s support to file the bail application in the High Court with the help of legal aid advocate.

Intervention by worker

Initially, the client was not unwilling to take the services of a legal aid advocate, but the financial condition of her family was not good whereby they could employ a private advocate to fight the case in the court. Lots of time went by in convincing the client to take the decision to engage a legal aid advocate in her case. For this, the worker had to make many visits to her family trying to maintain coordination between the client, her husband, son and other family members.

After the family and client consented to employ a legal aid advocate, the worker supported the client in acquiring a legal aid advocate at High Court to file her bail application. For this, the worker visited High Court to discuss the matter with the High Court Legal Services Authority, as the charge sheet was with the private advocate who was refusing to give it. Besides this, the FIR copy, reject application and the lower court order had to be obtained from the Sessions Court. And since the whole family was in judicial custody, it was not possible for them to obtain these documents.

The High Court Legal Services Authority suggested that an application mentioning these problems could be sent along with the request application for a legal aid advocate. So the worker supported the client in writing out the respective applications. On receiving the applications from the client, the High Court Legal Services Authority called for the documents from the Sessions Court and also appointed a legal aid advocate in the case.

Worker followed up on this order from High Court with the DLSA office of the District Court and also in the record room. As a result of this follow-up, the documents were sent to the High Court. The worker is also following up with the client‘s family to get necessary support so that client can be released on bail.

Once the papers from the lower court were submitted, the High Court granted bail with conditions that the Solvency Certificate of Rs.25,000/- be submitted and that the client cannot stay in the district of Bharuch. Now the worker is following up in the High Court for change in the bail conditions.

Outcomes

The client was granted bail by the High Court, but the condition laid was that the client cannot enter Bharuch District once released on bail. But neither does the client have any family or any support system outside Bharuch, nor does she have any financial capacity or skills to help her sustain outside Bharuch district. So though the bail has been granted, the client is still in prison. Since there was no possibility of any change in the bail condition laid

145 by the High Court, the worker supported the family to follow-up for the surety procedure.

Challenges

- The client was not ready to take the services of a legal aid advocate. - The client‘s son has strained relations with his parents due to which there is not much communication between them and thus the son does not take part in any decision making. - The client did not have any legal documents which were required to avail the services of the High Court Legal Services Authority. - It was quite depressing for the client that even after bail was granted 6 months back, she could not avail of it and is still in prison. - Again due to the required documents for the procedure of surety bail and despite efforts puts in by the worker at the Mamlatdar office, the client could not get any help there also. - The family members are checking out to find who could provide surety but have not been successful in their efforts.

Due to stringent application of the Prohibition law in the state, many women who are involved in illicit liquor business reach Bharuch District Prison. Though these women are in prison for a very short period, the worker reaches out to them to discuss the possibility of rehabilitation with them. She gives them the office address of Prayas and encourages them to visit Prayas whereby if at all they think of rehabilitation, they know where they can reach out for support and services.

Major challenges of working with these women are: - They are into this business from quite some time and the family is dependent on their income earned from this business. - Most of them think that there is nothing majorly wrong in doing this business as everyone does it. - Some of the women are arrested due to the recovery of liquor from their homes which was brought for some social function in the famiy. - Most of these women are in prison for a very short period of time whereby the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme cannot be properly discussed with them.

Case study – Challenges in obtaining legal aid

Anitaben was arrested u/s 302 IPC and was in Bharuch Sub jail since 11 months. After her arrest, her two children - daughter aged 11 years and son aged 8 years lived with her ex- husband‘s parents in Madhya Pradesh. There had been no mulakat with the children since her arrest and she was also not getting any information regarding them. Anitaben had no support from her maternal family also. Prayas had regularly contacted her maternal family in Uttar Pradesh encouraging them to come for mulakat and to obtain their support, but till date no family members have come for mulakat.

She herself had given the custody of her children to her in-laws after her arrest on the condition that they will get the children for mulakat regularly. She trusted her previous

146 husband to take care of the children. But since there was no mulakat with the children, she decided to seek back the custody of her children, and admit them into a children‘s institution.

Initially the family of her accomplice had engaged a private advocate for the both her accomplice and Anitaben. But since Anitaben did not trust her accomplice‘s family, she decided to engage a free legal aid advocate for her bail application. So an application for free legal aid was filed in the Chief Judicial Magistrate - Ist Class (CJM) of Ankleshwar. When the Prayas worker followed up regarding the application, she came to know that the application was misplaced and that the case was transferred to the Sessions Court. So the worker followed up in the Sessions Court with the court staff and the Judge to track the application on the basis of the Office Copy (OC). The Sessions Court Judge ordered the CJM court staff to track out the application and put it up before him. The application was finally found from the CJM court, but it was not processed as it was not put up before the magistrate of the CJM court. After this, the application was put up before the magistrate of the CJM court, but as the case was already transferred to the Sessions Court, he could do nothing about it.

Finally, after a lot of follow-up by the Prayas worker, a fresh application was submitted to the Judge for obtaining free legal aid to file the bail application and also to gain custody of her children. The application was sent by post and when a follow-up was done it was informed that the application has not reached the court even after one month. So another new application was submitted to the court on the basis of which Anitaben was given a legal aid advocate after a month‘s delay due to workload in the court and regular cancellation of police escorts to produce her in the court. Thus, in total the free legal aid advocate was appointed after a period of six months during which Anitaben was getting frustrated due to the delay. She had lost faith in the system and had developed a strong feeling that Prayas is not doing anything for her. To add to this, was the pain and separation from the children due to receiving no news about them and thus could not think of any future course of action.

Contact/Communicate/emergency support for families of prisoners

The worker followed up with families of 16 inmates.(15 under trial prisoners and 1 convicted prisoner).

Interventions - Provided support to the family members of under trial prisoners. - Encouraged families to get children for mulakat with the imprisoned mothers. - Provided rationing support to a client‘s family. - Some family members live very far away due to which regular visits or meetings with them are not possible. So the worker regularly calls up these family members to keep in touch. - Encouraged the family members to come for mulakat by providing them TA and also food. Counselled the family members to obtain support for the client. - Informed the family members about the legal status of the clients‘ cases. - Discussed and provided counseling on the various issues/problems faced by them. - Families are also encouraged to attend court dates of inmates to help them be in contact with their advocate and also get to know the legal status of the case. - Paid home visits.

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- Made telephone calls. - Encouraged the family members to come to Prayas office to get better understanding of Prayas Rehabilitation Programme.

Outcomes - Getting support for the client in legal process of the case – increasing involvement of the family in legal process. - Getting support of the family in safe custody and care of the children. - Getting support of the family in planning of rehabilitation of client. - Maintaining a bond between client and family members especially in cases of upcountry client.

Challenges - Keeping in contact with family members in distant rural areas becomes a challenge due to network problem and also due to the constant change of numbers by the family members. - When the whole family is arrested, getting support from the extended family becomes a challenge as they have their own priorities. - In most of these rural cases, their income and employment depends on land and agriculture due to which it is difficult for them to regularly come for mulakat, or get children for mulakat or attend the regular court dates. - The family members have many social challenges to face due to which it is difficult for them to extend their support to the clients.

Future Plans - Involving the family members of the clients in the rehabilitation process by organizing aintained continuous contact programmes for them.

Case Study

In the case of an female under trial prisoner, the worker maintained continuous contact with her family while she was in prison but her family never came to meet her. Later, the worker also paid home visits to encourage the family to support the inmate. And when the inmate was released, the family came to Bharuch and took the inmate with them. This was possible only because the Prayas worker had continuously followed up with the family.

Overall challenges while working with female inmates - Reaching out to short term cases is difficult as discussion on post-release plans is not possible. - Legal discussions take up a lot of time due to which there is not much time available for counseling sessions with clients. - In cases of upcountry clients, when it is not possible for family to come for mulakat, clients‘ expectations from the worker become limited and are only focused on getting messages from their families.

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- In some of the cases of these women inmates, since the decision making authority is with males, there are many challenges in taking decisions. - As a result of the long legal process, the clients‘ minds revolve around only the court and legal process which prevents them from discussing their post-release plans and options. - The feeling of injustice due to the long court process develops in the clients a negative feelings towards the system due to which they lose faith in the system and the society. - Awareness programmes cannot be organized in the prison as per our plans. - When the whole family is in prison, it becomes very difficult to find support systems for the clients to follow-up in their legal matters. - When inmates with no family support are released from prison, the only shelter option available for them is the Nari Kendra. But to get them admission into Nari Kendra is a challenge everytime as there is no prescribed rule for the admission. So every time, Prayas workers have to intervene to get the released women inmates admitted into the institution.

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Statistics - Intervention with Children of Prisoners Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Total Outreach No. of children reached out to 15 Inside prison 04 Outside prison 11 Arrange recreational, Follow up visits to prison authorities for 46 educational and health intervention with children in prison activities for children and their No. of programmes organised in prison 01 mothers in prison No. of government organisations contacted --- No.of non- government organisations 03 contacted Visits to identify resource persons/agencies --- for programme No. of women prisoners reached out through 05 programmes No. of children reached out through 03 programmes Regular meetings with Visits to Supervisor of ICDS --- anganwadi teachers in prisons Visits to CDPO or other senior officers -- and with ICDS officials Visit to anganwadis in prisons of the state -- No. of meetings with Anganwadi teachers 08 No. of meetings with Supervisor of ICDS -- No. of meetings with CDPO or other senior -- officers of ICDS programme No. of children benefitted as a result of these 11 meetings Support for continuing No. of children supported to continue --- education and make school education process visits whenever required Arranging for financial support for school -- fees, tuition fees, bus/auto fees, uniform, study material etc Visits to educational institutions --- Visits to community resources -- Visits to government offices 03 No. of meetings arranged between 01 Arrange meetings between imprisoned mothers and children living imprisoned mothers and their outside children living outside No. of children benefitted 03 Visits to shelter homes 05 Arrange institutional or foster- No. of children supported to be placed in 02 care for children without a institutions or foster-care family support 1. Visits to CWC 04 2. Visits to DCPO/Probation Officer 02 3.Visits to concerned courts 09 Other support to children Medical support 04 Support for rations ---

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Counselling with family members 45 Visit for Medical Support 04 Visit for NGO 03 Phone calls 81 Home Visits Home visits 05 Legal Support No. of applications written regarding 06 children No. of children / family members given legal 28 support

Intervention with Children of Prisoners

Arrange recreational, educational and health activities for children and their mothers in prison. Thus, an awareness programme was organized for women on ‗Day-to-day care of children‘. 5 women inmates participated in the programme. And the Prayas worker gave information to the mother inmates regarding the importance of regular bathing, cleaning, brushing, wearing clean clothing, and toilet training, mother- child communication and various options for strengthening communications, controlled emotional behavior in front of children and basic health care of the children.

Challenges The participating mothers spoke about the various needs of their children which Prayas is unable to fulfill because of prison administrative problems and lack of family support.

Regular meetings with Anganwadi teachers and with ICDS officials

Issue of Mamta Card to the children of prisoners housed inside prison

The Prayas worker initiated the process with the nearest anganwadi of issuing Mamta Card (card for immunization) for children of prisoners housed inside the prison with their imprisoned mothers. But it was informed that the Mamta Card cannot be generated now as it is issued when the mothers are pregnant. So the worker followed up the issue with the CDPO regarding the possibility of immunization for the children housed inside prison. The CDPO informed the worker that these children cannot be given immunization under the aanganwadi programme with the Mamta Card. The worker further took up the issue with the Medical Officer of the PP Unit of the Bharuch Civil Hospital who has agreed to issue the Mamta Card to the children of prisoners housed inside prison. Later, a discussion was held with the Visiting Medical Officer to the jail to refer the children of prisoners housed in the prison to thePost-Partum Unit of the Bharuch Civil Hospital to obtain the Mamta Card.

Supplementary food for children

Follow-up was maintained with the aanganwadi teachers to provide both dry snacks and hot- fresh snacks from the aanganwadi to the children of prisoners housed inside prison. The children are getting dry snacks but hot snacks are still not being provided due to shortage of staff both in the aanganwadi and at prison.

Admission of children of prisoners living in prison along with their mothers to the nearest aanganwadi

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Principally, it was agreed by both the anganwadi teacher and the prison Superintendent that the children could be admitted to the nearest anganwadi. But it was delayed due to the shortage of staff both in the prison as well as in the anganwadi to escort the children from the prison to the anganwadi and back. The Prayas worker discussed the issue in the Core Committee meeting where the prison Superintendent had taken responsibility to send the children to the anganwadi through the various options like nominating a regular prison staff for the task, requesting for police escort but nothing seemed to work out.

Later when the issue was discussed with the In-charge Programme Officer of ICDS, he requested for a written letter highlighting the issue after which he stated that a ‗tedagar‘(an anganwadi support worker who visits the homes of the children and gets them to the anganwadi) will be arranged to escort the children from prison to the anganwadi and back. So the said letter was sent to the Programme Officer from the prison. But by the time also this process was completed, the woman inmate who had the child got released from prison.

Arrange meetings between imprisoned mothers and their children living outside

The worker regularly maintains a follow-up with the families with whom the children are staying or with the Child Welfare Committee and Samaj Suraksha Department if the children are institutionalized to facilitate the mulakat between the children and their imprisoned parent or grandparents.

Custody of children to mother inside prison

At present, there are 3 women in prison whose children are living with their in-laws against their will. Now these women inmates want the custody of their children in prison with them and one woman wants her elder children to be transferred to the children institution. So the worker is supporting all the three inmates through a follow-up in the court.

Case 1

In a case, when the mother was imprisoned, her 2 year old son was in the custody of her brother-in-law. So the Prayas worker had contacted the brother-in-law to request him to give custody of the child to the mother inside prison, which he refused. So the worker supported the inmate to write an application to the court requesting for the custody of her child. The magistrate initially suggested that there is no need of an application to the court, as the Superintendent can take custody of the child according to the Prison Manual. But the problem was whether the prison Superintendent take custody of the child when the brother-in-law is unwilling to give the child.

Later, after the worker discussed the matter with the magistrate, he issued an order that mother is entitled to keep her child under 6 years of age with her inside prison. In the order he had ordered the prison Superintendent to take necessary action, but the Superintendent was unwilling to write to the family. But after a discussion with the Prayas worker, the Superintendent wrote a letter to brother-in-law to come and give the custody of her child to the inmate. But there has been no response from the family to the letter sent from the prison.

So the worker again brought the issue to the notice of the magistrate who then suggested that the Superintendent can approach the nearest police station with a request for a police escort. He was willing to pass an order in this regard only after receiving a letter from the prison

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Superintendent informing of the efforts taken by him to gain the custody of the child but gained no success. After a lot of follow-up with the inmate, jail Superintendent and magistrate, an order was issued to the Superintendent to get police escort from the nearby police station where the child was staying, to get custody of the child.

Thereafter, the prison Superintendent wrote a letter to the concerned police station, attaching the court order to take the custody of the child and get him to the prison to his mother. After a continuous follow-up with the concerned police station by the Prayas worker, they sent a written report to the prison Superintendent mentioning that they have not been able to find the child. Then the Superintendent informed the same to the Prayas social worker to which the social worker suggested that the police station letter be sent to the court.

The report received from the police station along with an application of the client of not having yet gained custody of her child was submitted in the court. When the worker followed up on this matter with the magistrate, he informed that he has given the respective orders in the case and now it is the responsibility of the I.G. (Prisons) for the necessary action in the matter. Later the case was also discussed in the Core Committee meeting by the Prayas workers after which the Superintendent of Police showed readiness to support in the case and follow-up with the concerned police station. After all these efforts put in, the woman inmate is presently in two minds of whether to get her child to be with her in prison or not.

Case 2

This woman was arrested u/s 302, 201, 114 IPC for the alleged murder of her second husband. She has 2 children from her first husband so when she got to know that the FIR has been registered against her and her male friend, she went to Madhya Pradesh – her native town and gave the custody of her children to her in-laws (parents of her first husband) on the condition that they will get the children for mulakat regularly. But after her arrest and her transfer to judicial custody, nor have her in-laws come to meet her neither have they brought her children for mulakat.

So the woman‘s request to the social worker was to get a free legal aid lawyer, to conduct a visit to her in-laws in MP to get to know the condition of her children and convince her in- laws to extend support to her. She wanted her children to be brought to Bharuch and institutionalized there.

With regard to her children, the inmate had applied to the lower court for the custody of her children from her in-laws. The court told her that when the case is transferred to the Sessions Court, they will give the necessary orders. When the case was transferred to the Sessions Court, the court asked for a fresh application. The Prayas worker supported her in getting a free legal aid advocate who can do necessary follow-up and support her in the legal procedure to gain custody of her children.

Meanwhile, the workers visited Madhya Pradesh to meet the family of the client with whom the children are living. During the visit, the workers tried to convince the family members to get the children for mulakat. The family was not ready to come to Bharuch but they were ready to send the children for mulakat with their father.

The worker has been continuously following up with the family for mulakat of the children with mother but there is no positive response from the family. The worker has also supported

153 the inmate in writing an application to the Child Welfare Committee of Reewa district, Madhya Pradesh and to the District Collector of Reewa District, Madhya Pradesh for mulakat of the children but till date no response has been received from them.

After a long and regular follow-up with the DLSA, a legal aid lawyer was appointed, both for her case proceedings and to gain custody of her children. The home visit to her family resulted in increasing the client‘s trust in the social worker whom she was doubting to be police. The client‘s parental family was willing to support her post-release and her brother also came down to meet her in Bharuch. The worker had met the Director of the MP Childline who was willing to provide the necessary support to the client‘s children.

Since the client is from upcountry, maintaining a follow-up with the family is very difficult.

Case 3

This woman was in prison since two years and she had submitted an application to the court 20 months back requesting for custody of her children from the in-laws. The Prayas workers followed up in this matter at various levels. Finally the concerned court suggested that the woman write an application to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in this regard. Since a lot of confusion was going on, Prayas supported the client in applying for a legal aid lawyer from the DLSA. On receiving the letter, the DLSA wrote to the mother enquiring about the location of the children. But since the woman was not aware about the whereabouts of her children she could not reply back whereby the matter was pending with the DLSA.

Meanwhile the social workers of Prayas made a home visit to the client‘s maternal house as well as her in-laws‘ house to find out the whereabouts of her children. They found that the children were staying with the client‘s brother-in-law and looked happy and contented. Even the client‘s maternal family were happy with where her children were and felt that they are being well cared for by her in-laws. During the visit, the worker also met the District Samaj Suraksha Adhikari of Amerali district and members of the District Child Protection Unit to extend the necessary help in this case to the children and also maintain a follow-up in the case.

As a result of the home visit, the client‘s in-laws came for mulakat once but they did not get the children. So the matter is pending as the client has not been able to meet her children.

Challenges related to mulakat of the children - In most cases, the women are unaware about their right to take decisions regarding the safe custody of their children. They also do know of any options available to them in regard to the custody of their children at the time of arrest and while in judicial custody. - Even police officers are unaware about the right of the arrested women with regard to the safe custody of their children. - The process for gaining the custody of the children for the imprisoned mothers is not clear as each case is processed differently. - There is no clarity as to which department should take responsibility regarding the safe custody of the children of imprisoned women. - Most of the concerned officers are not convinced with the idea of sending the children

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into prison - The women are tired, anxious, frustrated and as a result depressed because of the lengthy court procedures to gain custody of their own children.

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Statistics - Bharuch Policy & Advocacy Unit

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Visiting districts and meetings Visits to District Collector 07 with district judges and prison Visits to District Judge 05 Superintendents to ensure Visits to prison Superintendents 07 District IDC meetings in No. of districts covered in a year 01 Maharashtra and Core Committee meetings in Gujarat are held regularly Ensuring that schemes of No. of talukas covered in a year 07 DLSA/SLSA are implemented No. of districts covered in a year 05 for prison inmates in districts of Visits to TLSA 18 Gujarat Visits to DLSA 12 Visits to SLSA 05 Visits to District Judge 05 Visits to prison Superintendents 04 No. of programmes organised in TLSA --- No. of advocates participated in the --- programmes No. of programmes organised in prison --- No. of inmates participated in the programmes --- Implementation of ICDS No. of visits to ICDS officials 20 scheme in prisons of Gujarat To initiate ITI centers in prisons Visits to government officials for initiating 19 of Gujarat for vocational vocational trainings in prisons training of inmates Supporting inmates to continue Visits to government officers, Gujarat State 08 education while in prison: Secondary and Higher Secondary Board Visits to I. G. office 17 Visits to other prisons 13

Bharuch Policy & Advocacy Unit

Interventions Ensuring that the schemes of DLSA/SLSA are implemented for prison inmates in the districts of Gujarat - Workers have followed up with the Secretary, DLSA, so that a positive environment is built towards providing legal aid to prison inmates. - Follow-up is also going on with Secretary, DLSA, to organize meetings with legal aid advocates at the taluka and district level for their awareness and sensitization. - Prayas workers had organized a meeting with Secretary, District Legal Services Authority to discuss the following legal issues faced by under trials while in prison. a) Helping the clients who wish to change the legal aid advocate if they are not satisfied with them. b) Clarification of role of legal aid advocate – if once allotted for the case, the same

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advocate should support the client for filing all other applications in the court such as to put up the bail application, to gain custody of their children, etc. c) Organization of legal awareness programmes in prison in coordination with Prayas. d) Issues of women inmates concerning custody of their children living outside. e) Photocopies of legal documents for clients who wish to apply in High Court. f) Extending role of para-legal volunteers in prison for writing legal application and coordination between client, family and advocates. g) Find alternatives by which legal applications can reach faster to the courts. h) Acquire the judgment copy of clients when they are acquitted. i) Support to prison inmates to fill in forms for obtaining legal aid in High Court, need for coordination with High Court Legal Services Authority, advocates etc. j) Support to clients to obtain legal aid advocate at district level to do necessary procedures in bail application is granted from High court. k) Organization of meetings with taluka and district legal aid lawyers in the presence of Secretary, DLSA.

Implementation of ICDS scheme in the prisons of Gujarat Prayas had followed up with Director of ICDS and I.G. (Prisons) for setting up ICDS anganwadis within the prison premises. It was also discussed with the Director of ICDS if initially, programmes of ICDS could be extended to pregnant and lactating mothers in the prison and children living with them.

Outcomes As a result of Prayas‘ initiative, the Director, ICDS had written letters to all District Development Officers and Dy. Municipal Commissioners of Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Jamnagar & Bhavnagar to provide supplementary food to children living in prison along with their mothers through their mobile van programme. In places where mobile vans were not available, directions were given to provide supplementary nutrition by arranging local resources. As a result of the directions given by the Director, ICDS, the mobile van of the ICDS has already started visiting Rajkot Central Prison.

A meeting with the Director, Department of Women & Child Development regarding follow- up and issues faced by their Programme Officers in providing nutritional food and other services to children living in prison with their imprisoned mothers was held and the following issues were discussed: - The Surat Central Prison is shifted out of the Commissionerate area whereby the letter of the department has to reach the DDO. - In Vadodara, since the mobile van of ICDS is not available, the Municipal Commissioner of Vadodara has agreed to look into the matter and do the needful. - In places where mobile van is not available, and the aanganwadis are far away from the prison, it becomes difficult for the teachers to go to prison everyday to provide food to the children. - Services of ICDS also should reach pregnant and lactating mothers in prison. - Possibility of starting aanganwadis within the jail premises

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The Prayas worker followed up on the above issues discussed:

- In regard to the Surat Central Prison, the worker has been maintaining a follow-up with the DDO, but has not been able to meet him. - With regard to the Vadodara Central Prison, the worker has approached and maintained follow-up with the ICDS department of Vadodara and along with the Supervisor of Salatwadwithin which jurisidiction the Vadodara Central Prison falls. Following the visit, the Supervisor has submitted his report to the Department about providing nutritious food to the children living in prisons along with their mothers. And the Municipal Commissioner of Vadodara has shown willingness to start an aanganwadi within the prison premises, but the prison authorities‘ approval in this regard is awaited. - In regard to the Ahmedabad Central Prison, on-going follow-up was being maintained with the Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad. But recently, the ICDS activity has been segregated from the Health Department of the Municipal Corporation whereby a follow-up is being made in this regard. - The children living in Rajkot Central Prison along with their mothers are getting nutritious food under the mobile van facility of ICDS Department. - And as a result of the letter issued by the ICDS Department, children living in the district prisons of Mehsana, Junagarh and Porbandar are getting services of the ICDS Department.

Challenges 1. Maintaining follow-up and coordination between the jail officials in different prisons and the Municipal Commissioners and DDOs of different cities and districts, Programme Officers, aanganwadi teachers, I.G. office and Director, DWCD is a challenge because of distance and availability of the officers. 2. Administrative problems and practical difficulties also delay the process. 3. The grass root officers of the other departments are not comfortable to visit prison without the Prayas worker, and this also delays the process.

Future Plans 1. Organize a joint meeting with DGP, IG (Prisons) and the Director, DWCD for better coordination. 2. Maintain continued follow-up in the four districts where four central prisons are located.

To start ITI centers in prison for vocational training of inmates Prayas followed up with the Prison Department and the Department of Vocational Training so that government Vocational Training Centres could be initiated in the prisons. As a result of this coordination and follow-up, KaushalyaVardhan Kendras have been started in the central prisons of Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara. Though the intentions of the concerned departments are good and positive, many challenges are being observed in the continuous and smooth running of these centres inside the prisons.

Some of these challenges were that the responsibility of appointing Coordinators and faculty was assigned to Bharat Vikas Gruh- an external agency. There was a lot of delay on their part

158 in making the appointments and later after being appointed, the concerned faculty were not willing to work in the prisons. Further due to some administrative loopholes, the appointed faculty did not receive their monthly salaries in time. Further the necessary material required for the courses was not being provided in time and at times it would be also insufficient.

To discuss these issues, Prayas workers made continuous follow-up due to which a meeting was organized at the DGP - Prisons & Correctional Administration‘s office to discuss and find solutions to the problems being encountered. the IG (Prisons)- Gujarat State, Director of Employment & Vocational Training, Manager of Bharat Vikas Gruh, Principals of concerned ITIs, Technical Officer of the Department of Employment & Vocational Training, prison Superintendents, Welfare Officers, Udhyog Adikshak, Coordinators and faculty members from the different prison KVKs and social workers from Prayas were present in the meeting where the following issues were discussed : - There is a need of creating awareness among the prison inmates about the importance of the vocational trainings. - There is a need to initiate the process of starting a new batch for the trainings to maintain continuity in running of the vocational training courses. - The issue space requirements inside the prisons was discussed to start a full-fledged KVK or if possible, an ITI Centre. - The possibility of changing the present vocational training courses to the Pradhan Mantri Kaushalya Vikas Yojana was discussed to expand the scope of employment on release from the prison. - The possibility of a Placement Programme for the to be released prisoners who have undergone the trainings was discussed. - Inclusion of under trial prisoners in the trainings was also discussed. - Possibility of starting of NCVT courses in prison. - Responsibility of running KVKs in prison.

The outcome of this meeting was that: 1. There was a clear division of responsibility between prison department and the Department of Vocational Training & Employment. 2. A decision was taken to organize similar follow-up meetings every three months, where the concerned departments could be present. 3. The responsibility of organizing this meeting has been taken by the prisons department. 4. At present, KVK trainings are going on in the central prisons of Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot. 5. The permission to start a KVK centre in Bharuch District Prison has been obtained.

Future Plans 1. Maintain a follow-up in the four central prisons of Gujarat for institutionalizing the KVK centres. 2. Maintain a follow-up with regard to the KVK centre to be started in the Bharuch District Prison.

Supporting inmates to continue education while in prison

As a result of Prayas‘s initiatives and support from the prison department, after a follow-up with the Gujarat State Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, it has become

159 possible for the prison inmates to appear for Xth and XIIth exams from the prison. But it was observed that there were still many problems faced by the inmates while appearing for exams. Last year, Prayas coordinated with the prison department and the Education Department to organize a meeting to discuss these issues but there seemed to be no change as the same problems continued for this academic year also. Thus, again this year, Prayas followed up with the Prison Department and the Education Department to organize a meeting to resolve these issues. Finally a meeting was held in the month of November‘17 to discuss the issues. The meeting was chaired by the IG (Prisons) and the other members present were the Exam Secretaries of Gandhi nagar and Vadodara, Superintendents of the four central prisons, Superintendents of 6 district prisons, Welfare Officers and representatives of Prayas. The following issues were discussed in the meeting: - Make arrangements of appointing teachers for the inmates from the beginning of the academic year. - Make arrangements of providing text books and reference material from the beginning of academic year. - Decide about whose responsibility will it be to arrange for the inmates‘ documents from their previous schools required while filling up the exam form, and also whose responsibility will it be of conducting exams inside the prison. - Provide the exam results to the inmates at the earliest. - If the inmate who has filled the form gets released after bail has been granted or after he has been acquitted then make the necessary arrangements for him to appear for the exams. - Organization of regular meetings between the Prison Department and the Education Department.

The outcome of this meeting was: - As the prison Superintendents have now become familiar with the exam process now, this year more inmates had appeared for the exams as compared to the previous two years. This year about 155 male inmates appeared for the Xth exam, while 36 male inmates and 1 female inmate appeared for the XIIth exam. - Those inmates who could not arrange for the documents from their previous school were allowed to fill forms after making an affidavit. - In Surat Central Prison, arrangements were made by the District Education Officer for the teachers to regularly visit and teach the inmates. - In Vadodara Central Prison, arrangements were made with a missionary organization coming and supporting the inmates. - Text books were provided to inmates by the District Education Officers.

Core Committee meeting held in Bharuch District Prison The Core Committee meeting was organized in Bharuch District Prison where the following issues were presented by the Prayas workers : - Need for a visiting Female Doctor and Psychaitrist. - Education of prisoners – Adult Literacy classes and normal education opportunities. - Extension of the ICDS programme for children living in prison along with their mothers.

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- Shelter for released women prisoners without family support. - Medicines prescribed by the doctor for prisoners. - Education of children of prisoners living outside. - Legal aid issues of the prisoners.

The outcomes of the Core Committee meeting were: - The District Collector who is the Chairperson of the Core Committee after the meeting invited Prayas workers to his office to discuss the raised issues in detail and look for possible solutions for the same. - Gynecologist and psychaitrist have started visiting the prison once a week. - Support was extended by the District Education Officer to the interested inmates in filling the exam forms for the Xth and XIIth exams. The inmates were also given text books for the same. - The prison Superintendent agreed to send a child living in prison along with her mother to ICDS run aanganwadi. - The Secretary of DLSA has agreed to support Prayas workers in providing legal aid to the prison inmates.

State Level Workshop on ―Issues faced by Children of Imprisoned Mothers‖ organized on 22nd February, 2018 in coordination with the office of DGP (Prisons & Correctional Administration)

The objectives of the workshop were: - To raise issues faced by children of women prisoners into an inter-departmental forum. - To discuss, share various options available for the welfare and rights of these children. - To disseminate information about the initiatives taken by Prayas in Maharashtra and at the central level to bring some policy changes in regard to the problems of this group. - To encourage concerned government departments to take on a pro-active role for the welfare and rights of these children. - To explore the possibility of inter-departmental coordination regarding the issues of Children of Prisoners.

Participants of the workshop: The participants of the workshop were the stakeholders from the five districts of Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bharuch. They were the Chairpersons and members of the Child Welfare Committees, prison Superintendents and Welfare Officers from the five prisons, Samaj Suraksha Adhikaris, District Child Protection Officers, ICDS representatives and police officers.

The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of the DGP (Prisons & Correctional Administration- Gujarat State, IG (Prisons)- Gujarat State, Director of Samaj Suraksha Department, Secretary of Ahmedabad DLSA, State Programme Officer of ICDS Department and Director of Prayas. IG (Prisons) - Gujarat State was present in the workshop throughout

161 the day.

Sessions during the Workshop: The various sessions of the workshop were: 1. Issues faced by children of imprisoned mothers living in prison: Role of prison authorities 2. Importance of extending services of aanganwadi for children inside prison 3. Issues faced by children of imprisoned mothers living outside 4. Provisions of the JJ Act available for children of prisoners 5. Role of CWC, DCPU, Department of Samaj Suraksha and police with regard to children of prisoners 6. Various High Court and Supreme Court judicial orders related to children of women in custody

Outcome of the Workshop: 1. Most participants expressed that they had never looked at the issue of Children of women prisoners in a manner presented in workshop 2. A need was established to intervene with these children in most sensitized manner 3. Participants agreed on need for interdepartmental coordination 4. Prison department ready to follow up with concerned department and Home department in context to this issue. 4. ICDS department ready to provide education kits to women prisoners for their children and ready to train women inmates to prepare quality nutritious food for the children inside priso 5. Prison department appreciated Prayas for their efforts to bring about issues of children in an interdepartmental forum.

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Statistics - Socio-economic rehabilitation of women

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Total Outreach 21 Visits to identify Vocational No. of Government Training Centers 08 Training Centers identified No. of Vocational Training Centers (Non- 04 Government ) identified Visits to Vocational Training Centers 15 (Government) Visits to Vocational Training 05 Centers(Non-Government) Placement of clients in Visits to training centers with 04 training centers clients/family members (Pre-placement) Follow up visits to training centers 18 Phone calls to training Centers 55 Discussion/counseling with clients with 40 regards to training Discussion/counseling with family 22 members with regards to the training of client No. of clients with whom process of 04 identification of training is initiated No. of clients placed for Vocational 02 Training No. of clients dropped out from training -- No. of clients successfully completed 02 training Support clients for enhancing No. of clients with whom process of --- education continuing education is initiated No. of clients enrolled for continuing education No. of clients dropped out from the -- process No. of clients successfully reached the -- goal Visits to educational institutes --- Visits to educational institutes (non -- formal/open schools/distance education) Support clients for obtaining No. of clients supported to obtain 09 citizenship rights documents citizenship documents No. of clients who obtained citizenship 04 documents Visits to government offices 18 Linking clients with No. of clients with whom process is 02 government schemes initiated for taking benefit of government schemes No. of clients received benefit of 02 government schemes

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Visits to government agencies 20 Exploring possibility of Provide clients Income Generation Kit 03 income generation Visits along with client to identify --- entrepreneurs for training, raw material, marketing etc Discussions/counseling with clients/family 65 members No. of clients with whom process of self 02 employment/entrepreneurship is initiated Other rehabilitation services No. of clients given legal support 10 for clients No. of clients given medical support 05 No. of clients given emergency support 03 No. of children of clients supported 05 Visits for legal support 31 Visits for medical support 16 Visits for emergency support --- Visits to government offices 42 Home Visits 35 Visit of NGOs 24 Telephone calls 65 Discussions /Counseling with clients 183

Socio-economic Rehabilitation of Women

Identification of Vocational Training Centre

Interventions The worker visited government vocational training centers to identify new training agencies: - Baroda Swarojgar Vikas Sansthan, Bharuch - Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra, Bharuch - Urban Basic Services for Poor, Bharuch Nagarpalika - Taluka Panchayat, Amod - ITI, Jambusar - Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra, Ankleshwar - Nagarpalika, Ankleshwar - Taluka Panchayat, Ankleshwar

The worker visited non-governmental vocational training centers to identify new training agencies: - Hasinaben Tailoring Classes, Bharuch - Development Support Team, Ankleshwar - Mobitech Mobile Repairing Centre, Ankleshwar - New Latest Tailoring Class, Bharuch

Outcomes - Data base was created about the government and non-government training centres available in Bharuch district.

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- Relationship building was possible, which will play a supportive role during the admission and training process of the clients.

Challenges - One of the major and constant challenges of government training centres is that they function only when grants are released and thus these training centres are not available for the clients based on their needs. - Only two major trainings are available for the women clients i.e. beauty parlour and tailoring which limits the scope of training. - Most of the clients do not meet the criteria required for government trainings in terms of educational level and required documents.

Future Plans - Identify more training centres in Bharuch, Ankleshwar, and Jhagadia talukas - Prepare a data base of all the training centres available.

Placement of clients in Training Centres - Follow-up was made in two cases for providing vocational training.

- A client was placed for training in a tailoring class. She has completed the training and wants to develop her skills by taking further specialized training in tailoring. - A client‘s daughter was supported to take training in computers last year and present the girl is employed in an NGO as a computer training teacher. To improvise her skills she was supported to do the Tally course related to computers.

Linking clients with government schemes

Interventions - Two clients were supported to fill up the form under Manav Kalyan Yojana for income generation. Both the clients have received Income Generation Kits from District Industries Centre.

Challenges - As most of the clients do not fit in the0-16 BPL criteria, linking clients with government schemes becomes a challenge.

Future Plans - Create a data base of the various government schemes. - Gain more information related to APL and BPL ration cards.

Support clients for obtaining citizenship documents

Interventions - Follow up was made for citizenship documents in cases of four clients. - With the support of Prayas, one client was able to get an Election Card while two other clients got their Ration Cards.

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- The process of acquiring Ration Cards for two clients in going on. - Follow-up is being maintained in 5 cases of released prisoners for obtaining their Aadhar Cards. The process for the Aadhar Cards was done when the women were in prison but even after their release from prison they have not yet received them.

Challenges - Making ration card for upcountry clients is a challenge as the Mamlatdar office asks for the certificate of name delete from the old ration card. Getting this is a challenge for upcountry and migrant clients. - Most clients have different names, spellings in different ID proofs, so obtaining new documents becomes a challenge. - Aadhar Card cannot be tracked because of change in address and telephone number and as a result, new Aadhar Card also cannot be made.

Future Plans - Discussions and rapport building with district and taluka administration, so that their support can be obtained to make the citizenship documents for our clients

Providing Income Generation Kits

Interventions  Prayas has supported 3 clients for income generation by providing financial assistance.  Besides this, follow up is going on with two other clients who were supported for income generation last year.

Outcomes  Out of 5 clients who were supported, 4 of them are doing small businesses.  Clients are able to support themselves financially and as a result are gaining support from their family.

Challenges  Though clients are trying their best to do small business, the rotation of income is not much because their investment is also less. Moreover, their business client groups also do not have much investing capacity.

Rehabilitation services for clients

The worker has followed up with 21 clients out of which 14 clients are released prisoners, two cases were referred by a Self Help Group and other five cases were referred by the police station.

Following services were provided to these clients:  Counseling and discussions.  Obtaining family support for clients.  Discussion for income generation and provision of Income Generation kits.

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 Legal advice, support and follow-up in court cases.  Support and discussion for continuing education of the children.  Counseling with children of clients, training of children.  Support for obtaining citizenship documents.  Provided medical and psychiatric support.  Home visits  Discussion for initiating vocational training and identification of vocational training centres.  Discussion for continuing education.  Discussion with Sarpanch for safety and security of clients released from prison.  Encourage clients for savings.

To provide services, workers paid following visits: NGOs  Sewa Yagna Samiti (for medical support)  Ansuya J. Mody Women‘s Empowernment Trust, Bharuch  Navsarjan Trust, Surat  Sewa Rural, Jhagadia  Dr. Samir Desai, Psychiatrist, Surat  Bharuch District Network of People Living with HIV  Baccho ka Ghar, Amod

Government offices:  Bharuch Nagarpalika  Mamlatdar office, Bharuch  District Samaj Suraksha office, Bharuch  District Legal Services Authority, Bharuch  Children‘s Home for Girls, Bharuch  Children‘s Home for Boys, Bharuch  District Rural Development Agency, Bharuch  District Industries Centre, Bharuch  Director, Employment & Vocational Training, Gandhi nagar  Director, Samaj Suraksha Department, Gandhi nagar  Office of Integrated Child Development Scheme, Gandhi nagar  Mahila Wing, Department of Women & Child Development, Gandhi nagar  General Hospital, Bharuch  Bharat Vikas Group, Ahmedabad  State Legal Services Authority  Mamlatdar office, Amod  Collector office, Bharuch  Taluka Panchayat, Amod  Mamlatdar office, Ankleshwar

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 Taluka Panchayat, Ankleshwar  General Post Office, Bharuch  Post Office, Piramal, Ankleshwar  Police based Support Unit, Bharuch

Courts:  Bharuch Court  Ankleshwar Court  High Court, Ahmedabad

Other agencies/organizations:  Social Work Department, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, Ahmedabad  Gunjan Pathological Laboratory, Bharuch  Sagar Tailoring Classes, Bharuch  C.Dac Computer Centre, Bharuch  New Latest Tailoring Classes, Bharuch  Geetaben - Resource person for tailoring training, Bharuch

Challenges  Women with young children and without family support face many challenges to take up training.  Lack of support from immediate community to initiate income generation programme.  It is a challenge for released women prisoners to go back to their village.  It is a challenge to follow-up for obtaining citizenship rights documents.

Future Plans  Organizing awareness programmes for women.  Try to connect clients with the Self Help Group of the areas.  Identify resources to provide support our client group for citizenship rights documents.  Identify innovative vocational training programmes which are in coordination with employment opportunities in rural areas.

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Statistics - Socio- economic Rehabilitation of Youth

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Total Reach out 22 Visits to Identify Vocational No. of Government Training Centers 04 Training Centers Identified No. of Vocational Training Centers 07 (Non- Government )identified Visits to Vocational Training Centers 10 (Government) Visits to Vocational Training 09 Centers(Non Government) Placement of clients in Visits to training centers with -- training centers clients/family members (Pre-placement) Follow up visits to training centers -- Phone calls to training Centers 07 Discussion/counseling with clients with 12 regards to progress of training Discussion/counseling with family -- members with regards to the training of client No. of clients with whom process of -- identification of training is initiated No. of clients placed for Vocational -- Training No. of clients dropped out from training -- No. of clients Successfully completed -- training Support clients for enhancing No. of clients with whom process of -- education continuing education is initiated No. of clients enrolled for continuing -- education No. of clients dropped out from the -- process No. of clients successfully reached the -- goal Visits to educational institutes -- Visits to educational institutes(non -- formal/open schools/distance education) Support clients for obtaining No. of clients supported to obtain 16 citizenship rights documents citizenship documents No. of clients who obtained citizenship 10 documents Visits to government offices 52 Linking clients with No. of clients with whom process is 04 government schemes initiated for taking benefit of government schemes No.of clients received benefit of -- government schemes

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Visits to Government agencies 44 Exploring Possibility of Provide clients income generation kit 03 Income Generation Visits along with client to to identify -- entrepreneurs for training, raw material, marketing etc Discussions/counseling with 30 clients/family members No. of clients with whom process of self 03 employment/entrepreneurship is initiated Other Rehabilitation services No. of clients given legal support 05 for clients No. of clients given medical support 04 No. of clients given emergency support 02 Visits for legal support 16 Visits for medical support 08 Visits for emergency support 06 Home Visits 112 Telephone calls 120 Visit of NGO 07 Discussions / Counselling with Client 135

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Socio Economic Rehabilitation of Youth Identification of Vocational Training Centers The worker visited the following government and non-governmental Vocational Training Centres:

A. Government Vocational Training Centres

1. Mobitech Institute(PMKGY) 2. I.T.I., Walia 3. I.T.I., Pursa, Tal.: Amod 4. Baroda Swarojgar Vikas Sansthan

B. Non-governmental Vocational Training Centres:

1. Siksha Academy, Ankleshwar 2. Shroff Foundation, Ankleshwar 3. GOALS Skill Development Training Centre, Ankleshwar 4. Shraddha Niketan Women‘s Training Centre, Ankleshwar 5. Jagruti Mahila Siwan Classes, Ankleshwar 6. Pavani Hobby Classes, Ankleshwar 7. Sewa Rural, Jhagadia

Outcomes - Data base was created about the government and non-government training centres available in Bharuch district. - Relationship building was possible, which will play a supportive role during the admission and training process of the clients. - We can share information about the Vocational Training Centres with the clients.

Challenges - One of the major and constant challenges of government training centres is that they function only when grants are released and thus these training centres are not available for the clients based on their needs. - Most of the clients do not meet the criteria required for government trainings in terms of educational level and required documents. - Most of the government training centres insist on trainees from the BPL category. - If we consider training for the clients from private training institutes then the fees are very high and unaffordable to both clients and the organization.

Future Plans - Identify more training centres in Bharuch, Ankleshwar, and Jhagadia talukas - Prepare a data base of all the training centres available in the above talukas.

Supporting clients to obtain citizenship documents - Process for obtaining citizenship rights documents was initiated for 16 persons (10 clients and 6 family members).

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- Seven clients have obtained their Aadhar Cards. - Eight clients obtained Election Cards. - Two clients obtained BPL Cards. - Process is initiated for acquiring of Pan Card for 3 clients. - Process is initiated for acquiring of Election Card for 2 clients.

Worker visited following agencies for the process of obtaining the above mentioned documents: - Collector office, Bharuch - Taluka Panchayat office, Jhagadia - Taluka Mamlatdar, Jhagadia, Ankleshwar - Gram Panchayat office, Dadhal, Gowali and Vadadala - Aadhar agency, Bharuch - Gram Sevak, Waghara - Talati, Dadhal, Gowali and Vadadala - Sarpanch, Dadhal, Gowali and Vadadala - Booth Level Officer, Dadhal, Gowali and Vadadala - Nagarpalika, Ankleshwar - Rationing shops, Rajpardi and Gowali

Challenges - Gram Panchayat officers are available only twice a week on fixed days whereby the worker has to adjust his and the client‘s schedule accordingly, and thus there is sometimes delay in the process. - Some clients do not have enough supporting documents required. - Repeated follow-up is required for the process and the clients get tired of keeping a continuous follow-up.

Future Plans - Awareness programme for clients and family members regarding the process of obtaining citizenship rights documents. - Sensitization of government officials regarding challenges faced by clients to obtain citizenship rights documents. - To understand and document the exact process of obtaining each citizenship rights document.

Linking clients with government schemes - Process was initiated for two clients to get Income Generation Kits under the Manav Garima Scheme of the District Industries Centre. - Process is initiated for two clients to avail benefit of the Sankalit Dairy Vikas Yojana. - Support was provided to one client to acquire loan under the Bajpai Bankable Yojana. - Process was initiated for one client for to acquire a toilet under the Swachata Abhiyan and housing under Indira Awas Yojana.

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Worker visited the following agencies for processing the above benefits : Taluka Panchayat, Jhagadia Taluka Rural Development Agency NREGA Taluka Development Officer Gram Panchayat, Gowali Talathi Sarpanch District Industries Centre Matsaya Udhyog Adhikari Prayojana Vahivat Adhikari Chairperson, Sahakari Dudh Mandali

Exploring possibility of Income Generation 3 clients were supported to initiate small businesses by giving financial support, out of which 2 clients have put up small stalls to sell daily household requirements. 1 client has started a small snacks stall to sell egg preparations. 4 other clients were provided information about starting small business ventures through discussions and paying visits.

Challenges - Even though clients want to initiate small businesses, investment of around Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 20,000/- is required which is not affordable to them. Due to this, they depend entirely on Prayas for it. But Prayas also has certain funds limitations and thus the process becomes a challenge. - Due to administration difficulties, the process is prolonged and thus the clients often lose hope and sense of direction. - Lack of community support.

Future Plans - Develop partnerships with other agencies who can provide financial support to clients to initiate small businesses. - Conduct regular group discussions with clients about starting small businesses. - 3. Identifying training agencies which can support clients for developing small businesses.

Rehabilitation services for clients The worker has followed up with 22 clients, out of which14 clients are released prisoners, two cases were referred by Self Help Groups and other five cases were referred by the police station.

Following services were provided to these clients: - Counseling and discussions. - Obtaining family support for clients. - Discussion for income generation and provision of Income Generation Kits. - Legal advice, support and follow-up in court cases. - Support and discussion for continuing education of the client, their family members. - Support for obtaining citizenship rights documents, linking with government schemes

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- Providing medical support - Conducting home visits - Discussion for initiating vocational training and identification of vocational training centres. - Encourage clients for savings. - Provide emergency support. - Provide support for de-addiction.

To provide the abovementioned services, the workers paid the following visits: NGOs - Sewa Yagna Samiti, Bharuch (for medical support) - Development Support Team, Ankleshwar - Ansuyaben J. Mody Women‘s Empowerment Trust, Bharuch - Kaka-Ba Hospital, Hansot - Vivekanand Gram Technology Kendra, Gumandev - C. Dac Computer Training Centre, Bharuch - Chetna Vysan Mukti Kendra

Government offices - Primary School, Gowali, Dadhal, Bhimpor, Vadadala - Taluka Panchayat, Waghara - Samaj Suraksha Adhikari, Bharuch - Ginwala High School, Ankleshwar - State Bank of India, Nandelav Branch - Gujarat Gramin Bank, Dadhal

Courts - Bharuch District Court - Ankleshwar District Court

Other agencies/organizations - Bapu Cabinwala - Sai Fabrication - Diwakar Fabrication

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Prayas Production Unit

Orders

Regular orders were placed for jute and cloth bags, files and folders during seminars, conferences and workshops.

Turnover

Proceeds from sales through individual purchases and exhibition cum sales amounted to Rs. 593270.00

Challenges

● Bulk orders are received but due to inadequate staff in the unit Prayas is not able to accept all orders. Presently, the work is getting done by outsourcing of piece rate work with local community women. ● Purchasing raw materials and maintaining of accounts remains a key challenge. ● Trying to get a clarity on finishing the GST Certificate Registration.

Future plans

● To explore the production of jute products in the production units to be set up in Kalyan District Prison and women institutions on piece rate basis. ● To explore the market for the cloth vegetable bags and production of the said bags from the Women‘s Section of Kalyan District Prison. ● Arrange training programmes for Prayas beneficiaries for their livelihood within custody through our trained karigars of the workshop.

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Statistics

Sr. Particulars Amount No

1. Orders completed – 35 556125.00

2. Workshop sales -

3. Outside sales - 5 stalls 37145.00

Total 593270.00

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Prayas Staff Welfare and Staff Development

The details of staff members who have been given financial support and/or education leave to study further are as follows:

Sr. Name of the Course Number of Staff Members No. appearing for exam

1. Appearing LLM (2nd Year) 2 staff members

2. Appearing LLM (3rd Year) 1 staff member

3. Appearing M.S.W (1st Year) 3 staff members

4. Appearing M.S.W (2nd Year) 5 staff members

5. Appearing B.S.W (2nd Year) 1 staff member

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A token of appreciation was provided to 12 children of staff members as educational support.

The details of children of staff members who have been given financial support towards their education are as follows:

Sr.No. Name of the Course Number of children of Staff Members appearing for exam

1. Appearing Mechanical Engineering 1child

2. Appearing Diploma in IT 3rd year 1child

3. Appearing Diploma in Fire and Safety 1child Engineering

4. Appearing B Pharma 4th Semester 1child

5. Appearing HSC 1child

6. Appearing FYJC 2 children

7. Appearing Standard IX 1child

8. Appearing Standard VII 1child

9. Appearing Standard VI 2 children

10. Appearing Standard V 1child

11. Appearing Standard IV 1child

12. Appearing Standard II 1child

13. Appearing Standard I 1child

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