Job Description

Study, Research, and Evaluation Terms of Reference

[Understanding why Children come in conflict with the law]

1. Background

According to data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there has been a noticeable increase in crimes committed by children across India. The number of cases registered under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act has seen an upward trend over the past few years. Odisha has also seen an increase in such crimes. The NCRB data from recent years shows a year-on-year increase in the number of cases involving children. The most frequent offences by children in Odisha are theft and burglary. Additionally, there has been a rise in violent offences reported, including physical assault, and in some cases, grievous offenses like murder and rape. Drug-related offences among children have also been observed, which is a growing concern.

The growing cases of crimes committed by children has significant impacts on them, including their families and community. Children engaged in criminal activities can suffer severe psychological effects, educational disruption, stigmatization, social exclusion, and a criminal record that hampers future employment opportunities. Families of child who come in conflict with the law often experience emotional distress, financial strain, disrupted family dynamics, and social stigma. The long-term consequences include perpetuating a cycle of crime and intergenerational impacts, where children of offenders are more likely to experience socio-economic disadvantages and engage in criminal activities themselves.

Moreover, rising cases of crimes committed by children heightens public safety concerns, strains law enforcement and the entire justice system. Increase in crimes committed by children leads to higher caseloads in JJBs and CCIs and delays in adjudication, thus making timely justice challenging. The emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment requires tailored programs, but the growing number of children in conflict with law stretches the limited workforce reducing their effectiveness. At the same time, it is also a great challenge for the justice system to prevent children from coming in conflict with the law. This challenge is further exacerbated by a shorthanded child protection workforce vis-à-vis a large population across large geographic areas. Early involvement with the justice system often sets a precedent for chronic offending, making it crucial to address the underlying causes of such behaviour to prevent future criminality. Therefore, to address both preventing and rehabilitating children in conflict with the law, it is critical to understand why and how they come in conflict with the law in the first place.

Several global studies and research reports have been conducted on crimes committed by children, its causes, and its impacts. Here are some notable ones:

1. Delhi State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DSCPCR)

“Why Children Commit Offence”: this study critically examines the factors that predisposes children to being in conflict with the Law in India

2.United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):

"World Crime Trends and Emerging Issues and Responses in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice": This report provides a comprehensive analysis of global crime trends, including juvenile delinquency, and discusses emerging issues and responses in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice.

"Handbook on Restorative Justice Programmes": This publication focuses on restorative justice approaches and how they can be effectively used to address juvenile delinquency.

3.United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF):

"The State of the World’s Children 2016: A Fair Chance for Every Child": This report explores the impact of various socio-economic factors on children, including crime committed by children, and highlights the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all children to reduce delinquency.

"Child Protection: A Handbook for Parliamentarians": This handbook includes a section on juvenile justice, emphasizing the need for child-friendly justice systems and the protection of children’s rights within the legal framework.

4.World Health Organization (WHO):

"Preventing Youth Violence: An Overview of the Evidence": This report reviews the global evidence on the causes of youth violence and effective strategies for prevention. It provides insights into the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to children offending and suggests interventions.

"Violence Prevention: The Evidence": This publication compiles evidence on various preventive measures that can reduce violence among youth, including those at risk of offending.

5.International Centre for the Prevention of Crime (ICPC):

"International Report on Crime Prevention and Community Safety: Trends and Perspectives": This report provides a global overview of crime prevention strategies, including those targeting juvenile delinquency. It discusses the role of community-based interventions and the importance of multi-sectoral approaches.

6.Save the Children:

"The Hidden Impact of COVID-19 on Child Protection and Wellbeing": This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected child protection issues, including children coming in conflict with the law. It highlights the increased vulnerability of children during crises and the need for robust support systems.

7. The Campbell Collaboration:

"Systematic Review of the Impact of Interventions to Reduce Juvenile Reoffending": This review assesses the effectiveness of various interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among children in conflict with the law. It provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

8. Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa:

"Youth Violence in South Africa: Literature Review": This report focuses on the factors contributing to youth violence in South Africa and the effectiveness of different interventions. It offers insights into the local context of crimes committed by children and provide possible solutions.

Proposal Submission:

1. Deadline of Proposal Submission: 13 October 2024,  1700 hrs IST

2. Mode Of submission- thru InTend/ UNGM portal:

Study to understand "Why Children Come in Conflict with Law" for Child Protection Section (ungm.org)

3. Pre Bid Meeting – Online

Date: 26th September 2024

Time: 1630 hrs. to 1730 hrs., IST

Link (copy and paste on the web browser to join):

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OTM5NGVjZDctM2U3ZS00NDU4LWJiZjUtZTYzZmQzNGMzNDY5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2277410195-14e1-4fb8-904b-ab1892023667%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22226c85cc-c3fc-4d05-ba3f-dbf9e3b3dcf4%22%7d

Meeting ID: 314 823 399 427, Passcode: q9SyFY 

To be contacted for additional information about RFP

Email: sjameel@unicef.org (NOT FOR SENDING PROPOSALS)

For detailed information, please check the complete version of the advert attached below. 

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ToR Research_Understanding why Children come in conflict with law - Advert Copy Updated.doc

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