'India's first': Certificate course launched to train support persons in child sexual abuse cases

By A Representative

The Centre for Legal Action and Behaviour Change (C-LAB) has launched India’s first Certificate Course for Support Persons in Child Sexual Abuse cases, following the Supreme Court of India’s 2023 directive that mandated the appointment of support persons in all cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The course has been developed to meet the growing demand for trained support persons who assist child victims and their families throughout the legal and recovery process. According to official data, the number of registered cases under the POCSO Act increased by more than 300% between 2019 and 2022, highlighting the gap between the number of children in need and the availability of trained support staff.

Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children, who conducted the inaugural session, said, “Justice is not only measured by verdicts but by the dignity with which a child is treated throughout the process. Support persons are often the silent force behind this journey. Whether in courtrooms, police stations or hospitals, they hold space for truth, healing and resilience. This initiative by C-LAB goes beyond training; it is a step toward systemic transformation.”

The 10-week course combines online and in-person classes, assignments, and fieldwork. It is designed to equip participants with knowledge of child rights, legal procedures under POCSO, communication with child victims, psychological first aid, and support during rehabilitation and compensation processes.

Dr. Sangita Gaur, Course Director, said, “Despite a strong legal framework like POCSO, many children continue to face the justice system without adequate guidance or support. Trained support persons can ensure their cases are handled sensitively and their rights are protected.” She added that the course is open to current support persons and social workers entering the child protection system.

The curriculum includes modules on child protection law, legal responsibilities of support persons, trauma-informed approaches, and practical skills for interacting with child victims. Experts from the fields of law, psychology, and social work will serve as faculty members.

C-LAB is incubated by India Child Protection, an organisation working to prevent child sexual abuse, trafficking, exploitation in digital spaces, and child marriage.

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