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Prayas Annual Report from April 2015 to March 2016

Mumbai and Thane Unit Field Interventions Prisons (Maharashtra) Mumbai Mumbai Central Prison Inputs and interventions

Scheduled prison visits, and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned Visits to homes and families and the court were made as appropriate Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates for whom

there was a need identified for the same 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 135 inmates were reached out to during this period 90 prison visits were paid – 75 inmates were counseled, legal guidance and

information was provided to 125 inmates. Legal aid was arranged for 20 inmates, 114 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.

23 inmates were provided with emergency support. Repatriation support was provided to 5 inmates. 7 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (NGO Placement

Programme) Follow up with inmates post release is being carried out with 17 inmates

Challenges

While there are positives in the form of greater interest in Prayas programmes from prison authorities and proactive demand for more activities, there are some challenges as well.

The percentage of inmates opting to enter the Prayas Rehabilitation programme is low since inmates prefer looking for immediate employment which will pay them a regular salary over earning a stipend at a Prayas identified NGO.

Level of acceptability for people with a possible criminal background is still low in some NGOs.

Future plans

Introduce new programmes in the prison. Influence more inmates to enter the Prayas Rehabilitation programme by improving

personal touch with inmates as well as exploring the possibility to make this a legal requirement.

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Statistics

Broad Services

Specific Services Statistics

Cases Total outreach 135 Visits Visits to prison 90

Home/family visits 13 Visits to court 25 Visits to police stations 09 Visits to NGOs 10 Visits to government offices /homes 08

Interventions

Counselling (Psycho-Socio support) 75 Legal guidance and information 125 Legal aid 20 Number of applications written 10 Phone calls to family members, police stations, advocates etc.

114

Emergency support 23 Education support - Rationing support - Medical support 05 Support for shelter 06 Repatriation 05 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care programme)

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Follow-up after release 17

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Byculla District Prison - Male Youth Section Inputs and interventions

Scheduled prison visits, and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned Visits to homes and families and the court were made as appropriate Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates for whom



Outputs and outcomes A total of 397 inmates were reached out to during this period 111 prison visits were made – 132 inmates were counseled, legal guidance and



Programme) Post release follow is done with 52 inmates.

Challenges Arranging Mulakat has now become a challenge since several inmates and / or their

families do not possess the ID card required to be produced at the time of meeting. This in turn makes it difficult to provide other kinds of support to inmates.

Absence of required identity proofs is also an impediment to get a bail for several prisoners

Future plans Work with prison authorities to arrive at a resolution for the challenge posed by

inadequate identity proofs. Work with the Activity worker to increase the scope and number of activities

conducted in the prison.

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Statistics Broad Services



Home/family visits 20 Visits to court 34 Visits to police stations 3 Visits to NGOs 9 Visits to government offices /homes -

Interventions

Counselling (Psycho-Socio support) 132 Legal guidance and information 114 Legal aid 27 Number of applications written - Phone calls to family members, police stations, advocates etc.

327

Emergency support 41 Education support - Rationing support - Medical support - Support for shelter - Repatriation 3 Referred to the Prayas RehabilitationProgramme (after care programme)

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Byculla District Prison - Women’s section

Inputs and interventions Scheduled prison visits, and visits to NGOs were carried out as planned Visits to homes and families, the court and hospitals were made as appropriate Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates for whom


shelter and repatriation was provided to various inmates. Referrals Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (NGO Placement Programme).

Outputs and outcomes A total of 200 inmates were reached out to during this period 49 prison visits were paid –97 inmates were counseled, legal guidance and

information was provided to 135 inmates. Legal aid was arranged for 13 inmates, 212 phone calls were made to family’s members, police stations, advocates etc.

8 inmateswere provided with emergency support. Rationing support was provided to 1 inmate. Medical support was provided to 1 inmate. Shelter support provided to 4 inmates. Repatriation support was provided to 2 inmates. 10 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (NGO Placement

Programme) Post release follow is done with 8 inmates.

Challenges Presence of high profile prisoners reduced access to inmates intermittently due to

security reasons. Absence of adequate information and lack of forthrightness on the part of some

inmates occasionally slows down the processes for providing them with support. We need to find a way to ensure financial support to inmates as soon as they are

released from the prison, when they are most desperate for income. Acceptability of released inmates in the community is low, which makes their

placement a challenge.

Future plans Provide legal aid to the targeted number of inmates Make each new inmate better informed legally and connect with their families at the

earliest

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Statistics

Broad Services

Specific Services Statistic


Home/family visits 25 Visits to court 45 Visits to police stations 7 Visits to hospital 2 Visits to NGOs 20 Visits to government offices 2

Interventions


212

Emergency support 8 Education support - Rationing support 1 Medical support 1 Support for shelter 4 Repatriation 2 Referred to the Prayas RehabilitationProgramme (after care programme)

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Work with Children of Prisoners – Byculla District Prison (Women’s Section)

Inputs and interventions Scheduled 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 appropriate Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to children for whom

there was a need identified for the same 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

Legal assistance was provided in the form of follow up with lawyers Mulakat was arranged between mother and child / children.

Outputs and outcomes Prayas responded to a total of 27 children of prisoners. 46 prison visits were paid 12 visits were made to the various children’s institutions. 3 visits were made to Dongri CWC and 4 visits were made to Mankhurd CWC. Counselling was provided to 27 children. 20 children were provided with emergency assistance and 5 children were provided

medical assistance. 17 children were provided educational support and 13 families were provided

rationing support. 6 families were provided with legal guidance and follow up with lawyers. Mulakat was arranged for 12 children with their mothers. Follow up of Balsangopan Scheme for 1child.

Challenges

There is no facility for face to face mulakat between children and their mothers, which can be emotionally disturbing for the children and their mothers.

Mulakat between mothers and children from other states is not possible. None of the children have received the benefit of the Bal Sangopan Scheme Duty Counsilsare not visiting the prison. Probation Officers are not visiting the prison.

Future plans Arranging mulakat with mothers and their children. Educational and awareness programme once in two months. Regular follow up of Bal Sangopan Scheme.

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Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total Outreach 27

Visit to prison 46 Home visits 18 Visits to police stations 9 Visits to DWCD 6 Visits to schools /college 7 Visits to children institutions 12 Visits to NGOs 8 Visits to hospital 5 Visits to CWC, Dongri 3 Visits to CWC, Mankhurd / Bhiwandi 4 Visit to Court 6

Visits to government offices - Interventions Counselling (Psycho-Socio support) 27

Telephonic contact with families 52 Provided emergency assistance 20 Provided educational support 17 Provided rationing support 13 Provided medical support 5 Follow for scheme (Bal Sangopan Scheme) 1 Follow up with lawyers 6 Mulakat arranged for children 12

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Thane

Thane Central Prison – Male Youth Section

Inputs and interventions Scheduled 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 appropriate Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates for whom

there was a need identified for the same 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,


Outputs and outcomes A total of 287 inmates were reached out to during this period 91 prison visits were made 143 inmates were counseled, legal aid was arranged for 47 inmates, 176 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc. 3 inmates were provided with emergency support 5 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care) 19 inmates are being followed up with after their release.

Challenges Not too many people enter the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme, which has led to

several cases of inmates get re-arrested soon after release. The reason they do not join the Rehabilitation programme is that they prefer a direct job which will pay them more than the stipend amount.

Mobilizing bail money for inmates requires repeated follow up with families.

Future plans Increase contact with families of inmates to influence them to get into the

Rehabilitation Programme upon release. Inmates face high levels of stress for various reasons. The focus now is to help them

release this stress, so that they’re ready to undergo other programs.

Work with government institutions and NGOs to get inmates trained and certified on identified skills before their release so that they can be employed immediately on release.

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Statistics

Broad Services




Interventions


176

Emergency support 3 Education support - Rationing support 2 Medical support 4 Support for shelter - Repatriation 5 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care programme)

5


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Thane Central Prison – Women’s Section

Inputs and interventions Scheduled 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 appropriate Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates for whom


shelter, provision of rations and repatriation was provided to various inmates Referrals to aftercare program were made as appropriate

Outputs and outcomes A total of 136 inmates were reached out to during this period 56 prison visits were made – applications were written on behalf of 2 inmates, 58

inmates were counseled, legal aid was arranged for 9. 175 phone calls were made to family’s members, police stations, advocates etc. 3 inmates was provided with emergency support 5 inmates were referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care) 7 inmates are being followed up with after their release

Challenges Unsupportive families and lack of acceptance makes placement of some inmates a

challenging task and require frequent follow up Mindset of some inmates limits the scope of intervention that can be made for their

rehabilitation and requires prolonged counseling Future plans

Increase focus on after care by facilitating better assimilation of released inmates in NGOs where they are placed

Identify and follow through on a specific area within income generation

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Statistics

Broad Services




Interventions


175

Emergency support 3 Education support - Rationing support 2 Medical support - Support for shelter - Repatriation - Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care programme)

5


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Work with Children of Prisoners

Thane Central Prison - Women’s Section





Legal assistance was provided in the form of follow up with lawyers Mulakat was arranged with children as appropriate

Outputs and outcomes Prayas responded to a total of 36 children of prisoners. 30 prison visits were paid 6 visits were made to the various children’s institutions. 2 visits were made to Dongri CWC and 11 visits were made to Mankhurd and

Bhiwandi CWC. Counselling was provided to 31 children. 1childwas provided with emergency assistance. 4 children were provided educational support and 2 families were provided rationing

support. Mulakat was arranged for 3 children with their mothers.

Challenges Arranging Mulakat with inmates whose children live outside the prison is a challenge

for those live both outside and within Mumbai since in most cases, people cannot even figure out a way to reach the prison.

The diet of children living in the prison is inadequate. Data regarding this has been collected and passed on to the policy group for further action.

Future plans

Conduct a summer camp for women and children in prison, where they are allowed to do what they wish and also learn something new in the process.

Start regular activities in the prison to provide a distraction and also to facilitate new learning.

Take up counseling to get those children who live outside the prison and have dropped out of education, back to school.

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Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Work with cases Total Outreach 36 Visit to prison 30 Home visits 18 Visits to police stations 6 Visits to DWCD 1 Visits to schools /college 8 Visits to children institutions 6 Visits to NGOs 3 Visits to hospital 1 Visits to CWC, Dongri 2 Visits to CWC, Mankhurd / Bhiwandi 11 Visit to Court 6

Visits to government offices 1 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-Socio support) 31

Telephonic contact with families 120 Provided emergency assistance 1 Provided educational support 4 Provided rationing support 2 Provided medical support - Follow for scheme (Bal Sangopan Scheme) - Follow up with lawyers - Mulakat arranged for children 3

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Kalyan District Prison – Male Youth Section

Inputs and interventions Scheduled 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 appropriate Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates for whom



Outputs and outcomes A total of 168 inmates were reached out to during this period 63 prison visits were paid – 75 inmates were counseled, legal guidance and



Programme) Follow up with inmates post release is being carried out with 55 inmates

Challenges

Probation Officers and Duty Counsils are not visiting regularly in prison. Escort issue Limited time for conducting Skill Based Training and Activities. Minor migrant’s prisoner age proof (transferred to JJB).

Future plans Regular visit to prison with legal aid panel of DLSA Skill based activities. Personality development, Awareness sessions Implementation of activities along with Taluka Legal Services Authorities.

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Statistics

Broad Services




Interventions


294

Emergency support 30 Education support - Rationing support 13 Medical support 5 Support for shelter 8 Repatriation 16 Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care programme)

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Kalyan District Prison – Women’s section

Inputs and interventions Scheduled 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

appropriate Psychosocial support in the form of counseling was provided to inmates for whom



Outputs and outcomes A total of 210 inmates were reached out to during this period 68 prison visits were made – applications were written on behalf of 1 inmate, 133

inmates were counseled, legal aid was arranged for 16 inmates, 166 phone calls were made to family members, police stations, advocates etc.

1 inmate were provided with emergency support 10 inmates was referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care

programme) 16 inmates are being followed up with after their release

Challenges Inmates face legal challenges since not all of them are produced in court when

required. Getting some inmates out on a bail is a challenge since not all of them have someone

to pay the surety amount, and in some cases, despite repeated counseling, family members refuse to pay.

Future plans

Tie up with more lawyers to improve the quality of legal aid available to inmates. Build a greater rapport with prison authorities.

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Statistics

Broad Services




Interventions


166

Emergency support 1 Education support - Rationing support - Medical support - Support for shelter - Repatriation - Referred to the Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (after care programme)

10


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Work with Children of Prisoners

Kalyan District Prison - Women’s Section





Legal assistance was provided in the form of follow up with lawyers Mulakat was arranged with children as appropriate

Outputs and outcomes Prayas responded to a total of 66 children of prisoners. 29 prison visits were paid 10 visits were made to the various children’s institutions. 5 visits were made to Dongri CWC. Counselling was provided to 66 children. 20 children were provided with emergency assistance and 7 children were provided

medical assistance. 46 children were provided educational support and 31 families were provided

rationing support. 10 families were provided with legal guidance and follow up with lawyers. Mulakat was arranged for 41 children with their mothers. Follow up of Bal Sangopan Scheme for 5 (in process) children.

Challenges Problem facing while re-admission of the drop out cases. Letter has to be provided

from Education Officer to the School. School does not provide a copy of the fees details on schools letter held on time to

process the cheque. Several follow is required. Home visits in rural areas are difficult because of long distance and transportation

problems.

Future plans Regular follow up for mulakat between mother and child. 4 mulakat planned in one

month. Health awareness programme. Celebration of Independence Day. Celebration of cultural programme.

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Statistics


Work with cases Total Outreach 66 Visit to prison 29 Home visits 112 Visits to police stations 8 Visits to DWCD 3 Visits to schools /college 57 Visits to children institutions 10 Visits to NGOs 26 Visits to hospital 12 Visits to CWC, Dongri 5 Visits to CWC, Mankhurd / Bhiwandi - Visit to Court 7

Visits to government offices 9 Interventions Counselling (Psycho-Socio support) 66

Telephonic contact with families 190 Provided emergency assistance 20 Provided educational support 46 Provided rationing support 31 Provided medical support 7 Follow for scheme (Bal Sangopan Scheme) 5 in process Follow up with lawyers 10 Mulakat arranged for children 41

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Training Programs / Awareness Sessions

Mumbai Central Prison

Inputs and interventions Awareness sessions were conducted in the following areas for inmates:

o Introduction to Prayas and role of the activity worker o Prayas rehabilitation programme o Legal awareness o NGOs and the various kinds of work they do

A session on de-addiction was conducted in collaboration with Nashabandi Mandal Maharashtra Rajya

Discussions on the following topics were carried out with inmates: o Hobbies and interests o Work opportunities and related training programs to help them earn an income o Cultural activity – different ways of celebrating Indian festivals, new trends

etc.

Outputs and outcomes A total of 391 inmates were reachedout. 23 prison visits were made during this period. 8 NGOs and 5 government institutions were approached to explore possibilities of

training and certification for inmates

Challenges While we focus on after care and getting inmates trained and certified on release

before helping them find employment, they have immediate financial requirements on release, which should get addressed to ensure that they do not resort to unlawful activities to meet this requirement.

Future plans

Conduct income generation programs within the prison through low skill activities such as making envelopes etc.

Conduct skill training in the prison so that inmates can start earning at the earliest.

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Statistics Statistics

No. of Trainees attended the training sessions

Activities / Sessions conducted

Total Outreach 391 inmates

Awareness session on De-addiction 100 inmates Awareness sessions on Prayas Rehabilitation

Programme and Legal Awareness 50 inmates

Conducted Session on Prayas Introduction & Activity Worker Role

12 inmates

Discussions with inmates regarding their Hobbies and Interest

10 inmates

Conducted De-addiction Session Collaboration with Nashabandi Mandal Maharashtra Rajya

125 inmates

Discussion with inmates on Work Opportunity and related to Training Program for their income

11 inmates

Conducted Cultural Program 50 inmates In the month of January 2016Discussion cum

Session on the topic of Cultural Activity. 11 inmates

In the month of February 2016 conducted Session on personal Hygiene, Grooming & Life Skill.

14 inmates

In the month of February 2016 Discussion with inmates on the topic of Various NGO Work in Mumbai is its Work for Awareness.

08 inmates

Visits conducted Prison visits 23 visits

NGO visits 8 visits

Government institutions visit 5 visits

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Byculla District Prison – Male Youth Section

Inputs and interventions Awareness sessions were conducted in the following areas for inmates:

o Introduction to Prayas and role of the activity worker o Prayas rehabilitation programme o NGOs and the various kinds of work they do

A session on de-addiction was conducted in collaboration with NashabandiMandal Maharashtra Rajya

Discussions on the following topics were carried out with inmates: o Hobbies and interests o Work opportunities and related training programs to help them earn an income o Cultural activity – different ways of celebrating Indian festivals, new trends

etc. Learning sessions were conducted in the following areas:

o Self confidence o Personal hygiene, grooming and life skills o Stress management and personality development

Outputs and outcomes A total of 599 inmates were reached out to through the above programs 17 prison visits were made during this period 8 NGOs and 5 government institutions were approached to explore possibilities of


Challenges While we focus on after care and getting inmates trained and certified on release

before helping them find employment, they have immediate financial requirements on release, which should get addressed to ensure that they do not resort to unlawful activities to meet this requirement.

Future plans

Conduct income generation programs within the prison through low skill activities such as making envelopes etc.

Conduct skill training in the prison so that inmates can start earning at the earliest

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No. of Trainees attended the training

sessions Activities / Sessions conducted


Awareness sessions on Prayas Rehabilitation Programme

45 inmates

Group activities (2 sessions) 25 x 2 50 inmates Conducted Session on Prayas Introduction

& Activity Worker Role 17 inmates


247 inmates

Discussions with inmates regarding their Hobbies and Interest

20 inmates

Discussion with inmates on Work Opportunity and related to Training Program for their income

15 inmates

Conducted session on Self Confidence(2 sessions)

15 inmates +15 inmates =30 inmates

In the month of January 2016Discussion cum Session on the topic of Cultural Activity.

8 inmates

In the month of February 2016 conducted Session on personal Hygiene, Grooming & Life Skill.

7 inmates

In the month of February 2016Discussion with inmates on the topic of Various NGO Work in Mumbai is its Work for Awareness.

9 inmates

In the month of March 2016conducted Session on Stress Management & Personality Development

151 inmates

Visits conducted Prison visits 17

NGO visits 8

Government Institutions visits 5

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Byculla District Prison – Women’ s Section

Total Outreach 372 inmates, 39children of prisoners and

38 staff’s family

membersand their children

Byculla District Women’s Section

In the month of May 2015 conducted entertainment and competition program for 8 children of prisoners, 9 staff’s children (Boys), 14 staff’s children (Girls), 15 family members (ladies).

47 members

In the month of August 2015 conducted 2 days training programme thru Project Mainstream training on Rakhi making for Rakshabandhan festival.

40 inmates

In the month of August 2015 conducted 1 day awareness programme thru TISS Student a film on self defense.

50 inmates

In the month of August 2015 conducted 1 day awareness programme for 8 children of prisoners thru TISS student a film on health hygiene.

8 children

In the month of September 2015 conducted 1 day health awareness programme thru Jamsetji Tata Ambulance Trust, Bombay on First Aid.

40 inmates

In the month of October 2015 conducted 2 days training programme thru Project Mainstream of Diya painting in respect to Diwali Festival.

40 inmates

In the month of October 2015 conducted 1 days training programme on Yoga thru Croma – Product of Tata Group.

50 inmates

Conducted 2 days Mehandi training programme thru ManavSevaSangh

40 inmates

Conducted 2 days Rangoli training programme thru Project Mainstream.

35 inmates

Awareness Session on the issue of “Menstruation Cycle” thru Family Planning Association of India .

20 inmates

Legal awareness session was organized on the issue of “bail” thru Legal Clinic of Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

30 inmates

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Legal awareness sessions was organized on “Stages of Trials” thru Legal Clinic of Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

27 inmates

On the occasion of the Children Day 23 kits were distributed ( Kit included napkin, soap, coconut oil, powder, Vaseline, chocolate and biscuits).

23 Children

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Thane Central Prison – Male Youth section Inputs and interventions

An awareness session was conducted to introduce inmates to Prayas and the role of the activity worker


Discussions on the following topics were carried out with inmates: o Guidance for future studies o Career guidance and skill development

Learning sessions were conducted in the following areas: o Difference between street play and theatre o Stress management and career opportunity o ShivajiMaharaj, the historical leader

A chain painting activity was conducted for inmates


training and certification for inmates Future plans

Inmates face high levels of stress for various reasons. The focus now is to help them release this stress, so that they’re ready to undergo other programs.

Work with government institutions and NGOs to get inmates trained and certified on identified skills before their release so that they can be employed immediately on release.

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Statistics

Statistics No. of Trainees attended

the training sessions Activities / Sessions conducted


Conducted Session on Prayas Introduction & Activity Workers Role

18 inmates

Discussions with inmates on Guidance for future studies

08 inmates

Discussions with inmates on Career Guidance and Skill Development

12 inmates


210 inmates

Conducted Session on Difference between Street Play & Theatre Play

58 inmates

Conducted Session on Stress Management & Career Opportunity

87 inmates

In the month of January 2016conducted Session on Job Opportunities in the Market.

9 inmates

In the month of January 2016Discussion on the Topic of Historical Leader ShivajiMaharaj.

8 inmates

In the month of March 2016conducted Activity of Chain Painting.

15 inmates


NGO visits 10 visits

Government Institutions visits 5 visits

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Thane Central Prison – Women’s Section

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Total Outreach 390 inmates and 12

children


Session on Care and Protection through Child Welfare Committee.

120 inmates

Conducted Certificate Training Programme on First AID through CORP.

24 inmates

Conducted Health Awareness Session on Menstrual Cycle through Family Planning Association of India

108 inmates

Prayas had received donation of 12 Sweaters which was distributed to the children of Prisoners in Thane Central Prison.

12 children

Conducted training programme on Art Therapy (Collage Activity, body and mind relaxation activity and body relaxation games) at total of 15, 22, 17 women participated respectively

54 inmates

Conducted continued session on Art Therapy (body relaxation games) 13 women participated and for Clay Molding 46 women participated. And also conducted session on Best Out of Waste for 25 women inmates and 30 women inmates participated respectively

84 inmates

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Kalyan District Prison – Male Youth section Inputs and interventions

An awareness session was conducted to introduce inmates to Prayas and the role of the activity worker


Discussions on the following topics were carried out with inmates: o Guidance for future studies o Career guidance and skill development

Learning sessions were conducted in the following areas: o Difference between street play and theatre o Aksharkala o ShivajiMaharaj, the historical leader

A chain painting activity was conducted for inmates



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No. of Trainees attended the training sessions



Awareness sessions on Prayas Rehabilitation Programme (3 sessions).

150 inmates

Conducted Session on Prayas Introduction & Activity Workers Role

13 inmates

Discussions with inmates on Guidance for future studies

11 inmates

Discussions with inmates on Career Guidance and Skill Development

10 inmates

De-addiction Session in Collaboration with Nashabandi Mandal Maharashtra Rajya

77 inmates

Conducted Session on Difference between Street Play & Theatre Play

80 inmates

In the month of January 2016conducted Session on Job Opportunities in the Market.

12 inmates

In the month of January 2016Discussion on the Topic of Historical Leader ShivajiMaharaj.

13 inmates

In the month of February 2016Conducted Session on Aksharkala.

13 inmates

In the month of March 2016conducted Activity of Chain Painting.

12 inmates


NGO visits 10 visits

Government Institutions visits 5 visits

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Kalyan District Prison (Women’s Section)

Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions


Work with cases Total Outreach 657 inmates and 4 children

Activities conducted

In the month of April 2015 conducted two sessions on Stress management through Drawing and Drama therapy and group therapy.

23 inmates

In the month of April 2015 conducted a session on NIOS and Pratham’s Library project for women inmates and their children.

50 inmates + 4 children. =

54 In the month of April 2015 conducted a session by Rationing KrutiSamiti on PDS and making Ration Cards.

60 inmates

In the month of July 2015 conducted 5 sessions (every Friday) on Stress management through Drawing and Drama therapy and group therapy.

20 inmates

In the month of August 2015 conducted 3 sessions (every Friday) on Stress management through Drawing and Drama therapy and group therapy.

25 inmates

In the month of August 2015 conducted session by The Bombay City Ambulance Corporation Jamsetji Tata Ambulance College on Fist Aid.

50 inmates

In the month of September 2015 conducted session by De-addiction Centre, Government of Maharashtra on De-addiction.

60 inmates

In the month of September 2015 conducted session on Legal Awareness session through TISS Legal Clinic.

40 inmates

In the month of September 2015 conducted session by MAVIM on women empowerment and social equality.

25 inmates

In the month of September 2015 conducted 4 sessions (every Friday) on Stress management through Drawing and Drama therapy and group therapy.

25 inmates

In the month of October 2015 conducted sessions on Warli painting (paper, cloth and wall) through a resource person from CIDCO.

20 inmates

In the month of October 2015 started Library for women inmates. 25 books were distributed.

25 inmates

In the month of October 2015 conducted Diya Painting and Wall painting through KhulaAasman.

20 inmates

In the month of November 2015 conducted Fancy Blouse Pattern (5 patterns taught) for 10 days.

21 inmates

In the month of December 2015 conducted Quelling Paper Ear Ring making training through KhulaAasman.

15 inmates

In the month of December 2015 conducted sessions on Warli painting (earthen pot) through a resource person from CIDCO.

20 inmates

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In the month of January 2016 conducted sessions on Canvas Painting through KhulaAasman.

20 inmates

In the month of February 2016 conducted sessions on Canvas Painting (part 2) through KhulaAasman.

20 inmates

Visits conducted Prison visits 60 NGO visits 36 Hospital visits 1 Court visits 15 Lions club of Kalyan 1 Home visits 5

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Court Unit

Mumbai Court

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.

Case work

Illustration 1: RamuDhamne1

His case was referred by the Deputy Superintendent of Mumbai Central Prison.According to him, Ramu had attempted suicide on various occasions and the prison officials were at a loss in terms of dealing with him. As a last resort, they lodged him in the Anda Barrack (high security cell). Prayas worker sought a meeting with Ramuand accordingly he was called to the office of the Dy.Superintendent. After discussion with him, the worker realised that he had been falsely implicated under the Arms Act by a police officer who faced departmental enquiry because Ramu had hurled a sandalat the magistrate at the time of his remand. He was agitated and furious as the magistrates granted him surety bail of Rs.30,000/- and his sister was running from pillar to post to arrange for surety. He had been in prison since last 10 months and during his remand by another police station, another case u/s 353 was filed against him. Prayas made a home visit and filed a social enquiry report to the Jail Court magistrate, with a request to release Ramu on Personal Bond. But the magistrate refused the request on the ground that his cases were serious in nature and that Prayas may approach appellate court. The social enquiry report indicated that his case was fit for rehabilitation as he was very much attached to his elder sister. He used to work as labourer. He had previous antecedents whereby he was acquitted in 3 cases and convicted in one case and had served one year’s imprisonment before coming to prison under the present case. The Prayas worker assured him that he would try to get him released on Personal Bond from the Sessions Court if he promised to live a crime free life. Prayas provided him legal aid and obtained an order of Session Court for his release on Personal Bond.

Illustration 2: Suresh Singh

The case was referred by his elder brother. His brother Dilip was an old client of Prayas. Both were accused in a false case u/s 307 of the IPC. Out of 9 accused persons, 7 had been arrested. The police had filed charge sheet against them. Suresh and Dilip were shown as absconding accused. At first our social worker approached the victim and requested him to spare the name of Dilip as he was not involved in the attack. The victim agreed and wrote a letter to the police station informing he had taken the name of Dilip by mistake. He also submitted an affidavit in the Sessions Court. Prayas worker filed anticipatory bail application 1 All names changed to protect identity of the person.

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for Dilip and he was released on anticipatory bail by furnishing P.R. Bond. The police vide its report agreed to file application u/s 169 of Cr.PC. for Dilip not to press charges against him.

Prayas then helped Suresh move an anticipatory bail application. The victim this time refused to co-operate. But the trial court considered above-mentioned facts and also released Suresh on anticipatory bail.

MahaLokAdalat to Settle Compoundable Matters

Prayas prepared a list of cases to be put before the MahaLokAdalat held on 11/4/2015 and 10/10/2015 with the help of Mumbai District Legal Services Authority and Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Prayas also provided a list of social workers for the adjudicating panel across metropolitan courts in Mumbai. The Prayas worker joined the MahaLokAdalatpanel and facilitated the process of appointment of young lawyers to join the panel across various M.M. Courtsin Mumbai.

Follow up with District Inter-Departmental Committee

The Second meeting of Mumbai District Inter-Departmental Committee took place in Byculla District Prison on 25/6/15under the chairmanship of Principal Judge, Mumbai City Civil and Sessions Court and necessary directions were issued to departments concerned as per Prayas suggestions. They are as follows:

a. Police Escort: To resolve the issue of lack of police escorts, the Joint C.P., Mumbai Police, assured that they are appointing 600 new police personnel which would address the problem. Prayas suggested that if specific attempts made, the problem could be resolved. We suggested that arrangement be made for providing police escorts to escort under trial prisoners to Kurla and Andheri Courts as the problem was very serious especially in these courts. Under trials were not produced in these courts for the last 4 to 5 months. In both these courts, there are court lock-ups, therefore, if a large van is made available, production of under trials would be possible with fewer escorts on court dates.

b.Jail Court: Prayas gave a brief background about the functioning of jail courts and about our role in facilitating the process of magistrates to consider cases for release of under trials on personal bond and probation. This could be done by paying home visits and submitting Psycho-Social Reports to magistrates for appropriate decision to be taken by the court.

c.Video-Conferencing Facility: After a brief discussion on the subject, the Addl. Collector stated that the government is planning to install more video conferencing facilities in various courts. We suggested that there is need for legal aid lawyers to represent the under trials prisoners during their production through the video-conferencing process. We also informed that currently, there are only six lawyers trained by Mumbai District Legal Services Authority doing this work by rotation. The Principal Judge stressed the need to increase the honorarium of legal aid lawyers.

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d.Jail Hospital and Health Issues: There were complaints of under trial prisoners about the poor medical facilities in prison and lack of escorts to take them to J.J.Hospital for treatment in serious ailments. The representative from Health Department informed that they have appointed a doctor and are in process of finding a permanent solution, as the doctors usually get appointed on deputation. After much discussion, it was decided that the doctor should refer serious cases to J.J.Hospital and the superintendent should monitor the process. It was further argued that if the doctor and prison officials failed to meet the request, the prisoner could write to his trial court judge. The issue of the condition of the jail hospital was also discussed and the prison officials stated that the barrack that was used to keep Ajmal Kasab may beconverted in to a hospital.

5. Awareness through FM Radio: All India Radio has invited the Prayas worker to speak about the situation of under trial prisoners including the jail court concept on its FM Gold and FM Marathi and Hindi channels on 12/4/2015.

Some Outcomes and Future plans

Prayas prepared a list of advocates to train them on legal aid in jail courts at Mumbai Central and Byculla District Prisons with active collaboration with the of Mumbai DLSA. Since last three months, the worker has helped resolve various queries of lawyers by providing them legal guidance.

The honorarium of legal aid lawyers was increased from Rs.600 to 1200/- plus Rs.800 for typing and other expenses at Metropolitan Courts and from Rs.700/- to 14,00/- plus Rs.800 for typing and other expenses at Session Courts due to Prayas’s continuous follow up with MSALSA and Law and Judiciary Department.

Jail Court in Mumbai: An experiment towards speedy justice for under trial prisoners

Background

The concept of the ‘Jail Court’ or visits by judicial officers to prisons for ‘disposal’ cases of under trial prisoners in petty offences emerged in response to the problem of lack of police escorts to take UTPs to court on their court dates. This problem was especially acute in the metropolitan cities where the under trials continued to languish in prisons in large numbers. In worst cases, UTPs were not produced in court on their dates for months and sometimes, years.

Practices and procedures in Jail Court before 14/10/2009

In Mumbai city, metropolitan magistrates would visit the prison once or twice a month and dispose cases of under trials arrested in petty offences who wished to plead guilty to their charges, by sentencing them for the period already undergone by them as under trials under a

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‘set off sentence’,2 irrespective of whether the cases pertained to their trial courts where they presided. Thereafter, the magistrate would note down details of under trial prisoners who wanted to plead guilty and inform the magistrate of trial court concerned to pass the necessary orders for a set off sentence.

Practice and procedures in Jail Court after 14/10/2009

The Prayas spoke to some of the magistrates and informally ask them how the jail court system could be used more effectively. These suggestions were then communicated to the then CMM, Hon'ble Mr. Bage, who in turn forwarded the same to the administrative judge in charge of metropolitan courts in Mumbai at the Bombay High Court.

The Bombay High Court took an initiative based on the suggestions and issued a notification on 14/10/2009, directing the C.M.M. to conduct daily Jail Court in Mumbai Central and Byculla District Prisons for under trials languishing in prisons in offences punishable for a maximum of three years or those keen to plead guilty. It directed the metropolitan magistrate concerned to visit the Jail Court through a rotation system along with the case files of under trial prisoners being heard in their respective courts.

While attending the Jail Courts, the first problem that came up before the metropolitan magistrates was that they were directed to take up cases only where the maximum punishment was three years, although they are empowered to try cases where the maximum punishment is seven years or in some cases ten years or life i.e. under section 326 of IPC (although triable by MM, the maximum punishment is life imprisonment).

Some of the magistrates started taking up cases only of the under trials who wanted to plead guilty and some of them refused to inform UTP how much sentence they would give if the prisoner pleaded guilty. Under trials therefore refused to plead guilty before these magistrates who were notorious for inflicting maximum sentence.

Prayas intervention

Since the new Jail Court system had emerged out of Prayas making suggestions to the C.M.M. and since the Prayas worker was a member of the DLSA Committee, the Prayas worker was allowed to sit with the magistrates during the jail court hearings, and interact with the under trials from the point of view of their rehabilitation. The Prayas worker was allowed to go through their charge sheets, make them aware about their legal rights, enquire about their family support, and make future plan for them after their release. After making the plan, the worker would discuss the same with the magistrates. Based on his assessment, the worker made suggestions to the magistrates in specific cases for reduction of bail amount or release on P.R. Bond or exploring the possibility of a parent/relative/friend/employer acting as surety

2 Section 428 Cr.P.C. provides for setting off the period already served before conviction as an under trial against the total period of conviction,

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(although not having the necessary documents), on the basis of a home inquiry made by the worker.

Prayas organized an informal workshop with the help of Mumbai District Legal Services Authority in 2010 to orient them about the functioning of the Jail Court and getting them on board about the need to make the system more effective. Recently, a seminar was organised by Prayas in January 2016 for magistrates, in collaboration with the MDLSA, to improve the functioning of Jail Court. In these workshops, the following issues were discussed with them:

a. Release of UTPs by giving them benefit of Probation of offenders Act or Borstal Schools Act.

b. Considering the option of release on bail, reduction of bail or release on P.R. Bond on the basis of a parent/friend/employer standing as surety (even if not possessing valid documents, based on a home visit made by the social worker).

c. Taking the help of a home inquiry report submitted by a Probation Officer or recognised NGO while considering release on the basis of a home visit.

d. Considering the plea bargaining option in serious cases.

e. Taking up cases triable by them irrespective of the maximum punishment in the case.

f. Framing of charges or recording statement of the accused in the Jail Court under section 313 Cr.P.C.

g. Considering the option of release on community service while giving benefit of probation under the P.O. Act, 1958.

Outcomes

After working with the Jail Court Project and on the basis of regular interactions with the metropolitan magistrates on a ‘case by case’ basis, the situation has considerably improved. Prayas made a representation before the Guardian Judge of metropolitan magistrates of Mumbai in the Bombay High Court and was able to bring the following changes in Jail Court procedures:

The metropolitan magistrates can frame charges in the Jail Court. They can record statement of the accused under section 313 Cr. P.C. The Assistant Public Prosecutor of the M.M. Court started attending the Jail Court to

give his say in bail applications immediately. Taking of evidence in Jail Court is in process. Committal orders are now passed in the Jail Court. Magistrates regularly release under trials on Bail or P.R. Bond. In some cases, they

considered the home inquiry report by Prayas for reduction of bail, and accepted parents as surety, despite them not having necessary documents.

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In more and more cases, the magistrates released under trials on Probation, and in one case, an under trial was sent to the Borstal School under the Borstal Schools Act, 1929.

The MMs expedited cases of those who did not want to plead guilty and could not afford bail due to number of cases or serious offences against them.

The MMs take the help of an NGO Al Birr Foundation for payment of fine amount, based on Prayas recommendation.

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Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases Total cases 155

Interventions Legal guidance to litigants

87

Arranging legal aid through MDLSA

27

Arranging legal aid through Prayas

31

Referral of cases from magistrates and Session Court Judges

3

Meetings conducted/attended Meeting with judicial officers (Sessions Court)

25

Meeting with judicial officers (M.M. Court)

12

Attended Thane District IDCmeeting

1

Discussed the escorts and jail court issues. Suggested to use Karnataka HC guidelines to provide escorts from the arresting police station, and suggested to replicate the Mumbai Central prison Jail Court model.

MDLSA Meetings attended

6

Outcome/suggestions

Consistent follow up for increasing honorarium of legal aid lawyers so as to keep the issue live. Suggested alternate measures to increase the same as the committee has power to do so and there are

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enough funds available. Suggested program for session court judges as received letter from the registrar to find ways to resolve the issues of under trial prisoners could not give excessive bail.

Conducted seminar for metropolitan magistrates of Mumbai city on strengthening jail court initiative and cop.

Suggested to use probation, and borstal school acts provision in jail court, maximum use of PR. Bond, relaxing stringent conditions of bail, to consider surety by relatives, parents, friends, community people who may not have necessary documents.

Visits conducted Jail Visits 28 Court Visits 116 Home visits 14

Seminars attended

CHRI Delhi

Presented a paper at a national conference organised by CHRI at Delhi on Jail Courts and use of correctional laws (probation/borstal schools acts) for the reformation of young /first time offenders and woman offenders and convincing the judiciary to use PRBond relaxing stringent conditions of bail, considering surety by relatives, parents, friends, and

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Pune seminar for prison and probation officer organised by Prayas in collaboration with DWCD and Prison Department, GoM

community people who may not have necessary documents.

Enthused the participants about their statutory powers and duties while dealing with judicial officers. Providing them latest case laws of the Apex Court and High Courts. Encouraged them to take bold measures while interacting with judicial officers.

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Juveniles in Conflict with Law Umerkhadi Observation Home (Mumbai) Inputs and interventions

Cases were referred to the Prayas social worker by JJB and Prayas social worker also received cases through self-referral.

Legal aid and guidance was provided through the Prayas panel of lawyers and Mumbai DLSA.

Social Investigation Reports were submitted to the JJB, at their request.

Emergency assistance was provided to families of Juveniles in Conflict with Law (JCL), as per the need.

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 JCL and to reconnect families with children.

Stipend and educational support were provided.

Balak Palak Melava was conducted in the month of November 2015.

A recreation workshop was conducted in the March 2016. Outputs and outcomes

A total of 359 children were benefited through the Prayas Programme.

87 home visits paid.

Visits were made to 79 NGOs.

142 cases were referred to Prayas by the JJB and 130 cases were identified through self-referral.

Legal aid was provided through referral to DLSA in 24 cases and 110 cases were referred to the Prayas panel of lawyers.

52 clients were provided with emergency assistance.

170 social enquiry reports were submitted to the JJB.

243 children were provided with legal guidance and information.

85 clients were provided with educational support and vocational training.

65 clients were provided with stipend every month.

6 clients were placed in de-addiction centres and this has shown positive results.

7 clients have found full time employment in the past one year Challenges

Working with juveniles in conflict with law with repeat offence background, especially those into substance abuse is very challenging due to high dropout rate.

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Prayas is exploring de-addiction centres in Mumbai and are yet to identify one that provides de-addiction services free of charge.

With the implementation of the new Juvenile Justice Act, 2016, the number of juveniles in Observation homes has increased since several cases of related to love are pending bail application.

For the past two months, cases for which the final order had been passed by the JJB are being referred for observation.

Future plans

Work towards exploring shelter options for clients without family support. Conduct a workshop on career guidance. Continue with the practice of conducting education cum recreational workshop so that

children learn something new and also have a change in environment. Conduct a meeting with police to influence them to allow Prayas to meet every client

for every court order that is passed; help parents with filing charge sheets; and also to resolve any issues that the police might be facing in this regard.

Statistics Broad Services Specified Services Statistics Work with cases

Total Outreach 359 Cases referred by JJB 142 Self-referral cases 130 Follow-up cases 87

Visits conducted

Home visits 87 Visits to NGOs 79 Visit to vocational training centres 49 Visits to Observation Homes 64 Visits to police stations 33

Interventions Provided legal aid through DLSA 24 Provided legal aid through Prayas 110 Provided legal guidance 243 Provided emergency financial assistance 52 Submitted Social Investigation Reports to JJB 170 Provided educational support& vocational training

85

Provided monthly stipend to trainees 65

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Women’s Institutions (Mumbai) NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha (NMV) Inputs and interventions Training activities In the month of April 2015, the vocational training teacher of Prayas trained a new and big group that had recently been admitted into the institution in flower making. Trainees learnt how to make different types of small flowers besides making broaches for saris, hair broaches, crowns and wall hangings. In the same month, Prayas organized training in juice making through C. B. Kora Kendra for 35 trainees, where they were taught how to make pineapple juice, amla juice, raw mango juice, lemon ginger juice, and red rose juice. In the month of May 2015, the Prayas teacher taught crochet making to 30 trainees. They learnt the basic stitches of crochet, how to make different designs of torans, napkin borders with crochet, how to make square, triangular napkins with wool. In the same month, Prayas held the annual day celebration at NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha (NMV) for which the different NGOs working in NMV took responsibility of the program. Prayas distributed 150 handbags as gifts to the women in NMV. In the month of June 2015,Prayas initiated the piece rate basis work where the inmates made hand embroidery on jute pieces. A total of 12 trainees were involved in this work and they completed 4 pieces in an hour. This embroidery patch was used on bags for sale by the Prayas Income generation Unit. In this same month, Prayas organized a three-month hand embroidery and fabric painting certification training for 40 trainees. The program started on 16th June’15 and was conducted by Jan ShikshanSansthan. Trainees learnt the basic stitches of embroidery and basic techniques of painting. Jan ShikshanSansthan provided them the training material for the 2 courses. In the month of July 2015,Prayas organized hand embroidery training for one more batch of 20 trainees as few more inmates had been admitted in NMV. Besides this, the previous batch of 40 trainees of hand embroidery and fabric painting continued. According to their curriculum, Jan ShikshanSansthan (JSS) teacher taught them the basic stitches of hand embroidery and fabric painting besides giving them information about the material required for both the trainings. JSS gave the trainees I-Cards that are worn when they are present for the class. Now there are a total of 60 trainees attending these classes. As the number of inmates is high Prayas teacher also helps out in distributing material, making list of the trainees, their seating arrangement, drawing of designs, etc. This month, the teacher taught how to draw designs on tracing paper as well as cloth, what type of cloth is used for embroidery as well as fabric painting. Initially, in fabric painting she gave small designs for painting and according to the designs (flowers and leaves, stems, animals, pictures, etc.) she taught the strokes of painting. Trainees also learnt 7 different kinds of embroidery stitches.

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On 1st July’15, a meeting with NGOs was held at NMV in which cases were discussed who needed help. Besides this, the other points on the agenda were the annual day celebrations, feedback, reports, new information, case discussions, etc. Representatives from 7 NGOs attended this meeting.NMV Superintendent introduced the new doctor, Dr. Pathak, who has 16 years experience in the Beggars’ Home. In the month of August 2015, Prayas again initiated the piece rate basis work where 14 inmates made hand embroidery on jute pieces, which were later on stitched into jute bags. Besides this, the training of hand embroidery and fabric painting continued. Since 8 inmates had been discharged from the institution, NMV provided new trainees. This month, Prayas provided the material required for the training. Trainees learnt 10 embroidery stitches, and in fabric painting training they were taught how to paint a sari and dress. Both Prayas and JSS teachers filled up the admission forms of the trainees and sent them to JSS. The workers attended a one-day workshop on disaster management in Tata Institute of Social Sciences. During an exposure visit to the Nature Park in Dharavi, the workers interacted with the trainees who were released from NMV. In the month of September 2015,Prayas organized a fabric molding and mural designing training for 11 trainees in NMV for 10 days, which was conducted by C.B. Kora Kendra, Borivali. They taught trainees how to make molds from ceramic powder, types of material required for molding, process of molding, coloring, costing etc. And in the mural designing training, they taught how to make 5 items i.e. key holder, name plate, 4 types of showpieces. C.B. Kora Kendra provided the material and notes of mural designing to all trainees. Our workers filled up the forms of each trainee and submitted them to C.B. Kora Kendra. In same month, the classes of fabric painting and embroidery training continued with the teacher conducting written and practical exams of embroidery and fabric painting. All the written papers and practicals were submitted to the office of Jan ShikshanSansthan. The teacher taught the trainees a total of 30 stitches of embroidery and 25 designs of fabric painting. She also showed them how to colour bed sheets, dress material, sarees and table cloth as well as how to do embroidery on bed sheets, dress material, sarees and table cloth. Prayas teacher as well as the NMV teacher coordinated with each other in organizing the trainees according to their batches, providing materials such as thread, design book, cloth, etc. for sampling purpose as each trainee had to maintain a sample file of her own. Both these teachers guided and helped the trainees how to cut and stick samples on paper, stick name on every sample, how to decorate front page, sign on every sample, etc. In the same month, Prayas gave piece rate basis work of embroidery on jute cloth to the trainees who are good in embroidery. Calculations of the piece rate work of each trainee was done and maintained in a register and also shown to the trainees. The money earned by the inmates was handed over to the counselor in front of the trainees after taking the signature of each trainee in the register. In the same month, NMV organized a certificate distribution program where they invited Shri Karade from the District Legal Aid Services Authority and Shri Rahul More from DWCD. In this program, 5 NGOs presented their work while Prayas and Save the Children distributed certificates. Prayas distributed certificates to the trainees who participated in the fabric molding course.

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Prayas provided files, papers, fevicol to make a sample file to the trainees to maintain their embroidery and fabric painting training work done. In the month of October 2015, Prayas organized training cum certification program on making toys and best out of waste. This was conducted by Jan ShiskshanSansthan and was attended by 40 trainees. The trainees learnt how make articles from waste CDs, pen stands from ice cream sticks, and hanging fish from old clothes. Prayas organized an activity where trainees were taught different shapes in paper quilling such as flowers, earrings, butterflies etc. 15 trainees participated in this activity. A training program on flower making was also organized in this month. Trainees learnt about organdi and stocking flowers and also how to make brooches from these flowers. This training was continued till December 2015. In the month of November 2015, Prayas conducted training programs in Rangoli making and Diya painting, which were attended by 30 and 20 trainees respectively. Prayas also initiated piece rate basis work in which 2 inmates stitched quilts. In the month of December 2015, Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) continued their training program on best out of waste and toy making. A total of 40 trainees participated in this program and this month they learnt how to make patterns in soft toys such as rabbits, rats, tortoise etc. Trainees also participated in programs of other NGOs conducted for Christmas and New Year. Piece rate based work was initiated once again, and inmates stitched razai’s and hair towels. In the month of January 2016, the training and certification in toy making and best out of waste was conducted by Jan ShikshanSansthan continued, with 40 trainees getting enrolled. During this month, JSS contacted written and practical exams. Prayas celebrated SavitribaiPhule Jayanti in NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha. Most trainees were unaware of SavitribaiPhule. Prayas spoke about her and also explained to them the importance of education for women. Apart from this, Prayas organized games such as pataka making, ball throwing in basket, jumps in the ring (inner and outer ring) for women. Trainees made beautiful rangolis as a part of this celebration. Chocolates and sweets were distributed to all women and children. The new superintendent Smt. PratibhaOvhal was called for an introductory meeting of NGOs. All NGOs who work with NMV participated in this meeting and pending and new issues such as exposure visits, court cases, rehabilitation plan, training, education, legal guidance, maheryojana etc. were discussed. In the month of February 2016,Prayas organized a one-day training program in puppet making, which was conducted by Mobile Crèche’s. 45 trainees participated in this training and learnt how to make bird puppets. Prayas organized self-recreational development exposure visit for Prayas rehabilitation trainees from 19th February to 22nd February2016 in Shegaon. A total of 55 trainees

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participated in the exposure visit. Students of Tata Institute of Social Sciences took recreational activities during the exposure visit. In the month of March 2016, a new group of 15 trainees participated in an activity on crochet making. Prayas organized an 18 days training and certification program in home management, conducted by the Ratna Nidhi Trust. This training consisted of informative sessions on health, personality development, childcare, care of old persons, savings, documents, art therapy, beauty care, house-keeping and cooking. 25 trainees participated in this program. Prayas team visited the Nagpur Protective Home, reception centres, Court, DWCD, Police station and NGOs in Nagpur. The objective of this visit was to learn about the system of protective home, rehabilitation plan, court process, police role and process, participation of NGOs in rescue and rehabilitation. Outputs and outcomes To engage the new inmates who were admitted into the institution, Prayas conducted a flower making activity where a total of 45 trainees participated. In the training, they learnt how to make crowns, sari and hair broaches and how to make their own designs of bouquets also. 35 trainees participated in the juice making training where they learnt to make pineapple juice, amla juice, lemon ginger juice, rose juice, mango juice (kairipanhe), etc. They also learnt about how to preserve these items, how to take precautions while making these juices, at what prices they can sell them, etc. 30 trainees learnt crochet stitches where they made samples of crochet for filing and thus each trainee made their own sample files. In same month Prayas participated in NMV annual day program where we distributed 150 gift bags to women inmates. A total of 20 trainees participated in the fabric painting training and 20 trainees participated in the hand embroidery training. A new batch for hand embroidery was begun in the month of July 2015 for 20 trainees. They learnt total 30 stitches of hand embroidery and different shades in fabric painting. They made sample files of embroidery and fabric painting. Through the above-mentioned activities and certified trainings, and regular counseling, 22 cases were ready to attend the Prayas Rehabilitation Program after discharge from the institution. A total of 26 trainees were involved in the piece rate work where they made hand embroidery on jute pieces. These pieces were used as patches on bottle bags, small money purses, mobile pouches, big bags, etc. according to the respective design. Calculations of the piece rate work of each trainee was done and maintained in a register and was also shown to the trainees. The money earned by the inmates was handed over to the counselor in front of the trainees after taking their signature of each trainee in the register. A total of 11 trainees participated in fabric molding and mural designing training for which they received a government certificate. The women wanted to show their certificates in the court so Prayas also gave them all items prepared by them as a sample. They had made key

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holder, name plate, show pieces, etc. Presently, another batch is ready to undergo this training. 40 trainees participated in the training and certification program on best out of waste and making soft toys, conducted by Jan ShikshanSanthan. Trainees learnt how to make different kinds of soft toys, and also how to use waste products in a best way. They also took up written and practical examination. 15 trainees participated in the quill making training where they learnt to make oval, circles, leaves, flowers, greetings, earrings, decorations for photo frames etc. 30 trainees participated in the flower making training. They learnt organdy, stocking, and duplex paper flowers. They also learnt how to make hair and sari broaches. 46 women participated in the SavitribaiPhule Jayanti celebration. They learnt about Savitribai and her struggle to get women educated. 45 women participated in the workshop on puppet making. They learnt bird puppets and made beautiful puppets such as butterfly, crow, parrot etc. Prayas organized self-recreational development exposure visit for Prayas rehabilitation trainees from 19th February to 22nd February2016 in Shegaon. A total of 55 trainees participated in the exposure visit. Students of Tata Institute of Social Sciences took recreational activities during the exposure visit. 15 trainees participated in the crochet making training where they learnt to make small round, square, floral designs, woolen socks, caps etc. 25 trainees completed home management certified training from Rant Niche Trust. Challenges

Skin diseases are prevalent in the institution, which makes working with inmates difficult since we are required to take several precautions.

Not all trainees stay through the entire duration of a certification course. This affects the whole batch since there is a minimum number of a student required for a batch to be completed. While we bring in new trainees to maintain this number, raw material needs to be provided again and special attention needs to be given to bring these trainees on par with the rest of the batch. Trainees who drop out get disappointed as not receiving their certificate.

Future plans

Through our regular activities in the institution, identify cases for rehabilitation.

Organize certified trainings through various training agencies in NMV.

Give piece rate basis work to the inmates.

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Statistics Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with cases

Total outreach 667 New Cases 123 Old Cases 544 Dropout cases from training 100 Cases came in Prayas Rehabilitation program or contacted Prayas

27

Visits to NGOs for exploring training opportunities 24

Interventions Training programs conducted Certified courses organized 9 Trainings conducted by Prayas staff 10 Practice follow-up of certified courses 7 Meetings with DWCD and magistrate (NGO meeting and case management meeting, meeting in court)

7

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NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha

Case Work

Inputs and interventions

Visits were made to homes of clients to reconnect them with their families, 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.

Conducted joint meetings with clients’ families to solve 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.

Conducted a meeting in the shelter home for client admission and client personal problems.

Provided emergency and ration support to clients to help them overcome their family crisis situation, when required.

Provided medical support to clients and their families in medical emergency situation.

Arranged visits to various NGOs to mobilize resources for clients.

Visits to court to inquire on behalf of clients and to follow upon cases.

Visited Majlis organization for inmate’s property issues.

Paid a visit to Sukh Shanti and Ashray to resolve client’s shelter issues.

Arranged upcountry visit to Mangalore for client’s child related rights through her husband. This also included ensuring police protection given the complications of the case.

A meeting was conducted with the CWC Chairman at his office in Shagil, Deralakatte.

Attending meeting in NMV for client related issues and general issues regarding protective home.

Outputs and outcomes During this period, Prayas responded to 126 women who were rescued from

prostitution.

Some clients have enrolled into Prayas placement programme and they have expressed their satisfaction with the stipend.

23 clients were provided with emergency assistance.

12 clients were provided with medical assistance.

124 clients were provided with counseling.

Visits were conducted to shelter homes at Sukh Shanti, Urja and Ashray for client follow up and also to inquire about new shelter vacancy in the shelter homes.

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45 joint meetings were arranged with clients’ families for resolving their problems. Additionally, regular follow ups were conducted telephonically with clients and their families.

Assistance for child support in Mangalore was arranged for a client in Mangalore through the Women and child department in Mangalore.

Arranged for child and family support for a client in Delhi by networking with Koshish organization.

2 clients were provided with shelter arranged in Urja and you can free us.

Assisted 1 client with home rent.

Challenges

Clients prefer direct jobs to NGO placement for financial reasons

Building support for clients with their families and getting them to take responsibility for them continues to be a challenge.

Several clients have urgent requirements of money, shelter, medical aid and employment, and most have come to Prayas in personal emergencies.

Several clients belong to small villages where it is difficult to find resources and organizations to help them in an emergency situation.

Sometimes clients suddenly drop out, which affects their rehabilitation.

Rejection from families and society affects the clients’ rehabilitation and they have to return to NMW.

Future plans

Work towards rehabilitation cases getting referred to Prayas directly by the Court.

Work towards getting cases referred directly from the system – JWC, police etc.

Conduct a workshop with the Court and NMV to facilitate better understanding of each other’s work.

Ensure that the cases referred by NGOs are accompanied by a letter.

Work towards making the benefits of Maher Yojna available to clients.

Conduct up country follow up through home visits.

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Statistics

Broad Services

Specific Services

Interventions Total Outreach 126

New cases 39

Old cases 87

Cases referred from Court 47

Prayas picked up cases 74

Case referred from Rescue foundation 05

Counseling 124

Emergency assistance/ rationing support 23

Medical assistance 12

Visits conducted

NGOs visits 27

Hospital visits 04

Home visits 19

Court visits 17

Follow up with family 53

Shelter visits 20

Police station, Udpi 02

Meeting Meeting with NMV and Court 14

Net working with other NGO 10

Meeting with family 45

Contact Contact with family 42

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Work with children of women living in NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha Inputs and interventions

Provided emergency assistance such as medical support, shelter, police station visit, rationing and educational support as per need.

Home visits were conducted to assess the situation of the families and to reconnect families with children.

Visits were made to police stations, schools, hospitals, children’s institutions, NGO and DWCD.

Contact was established with families through telephone and home visits. Identified organizations to donate for the children’s training and education. Provided travel assistance where required. Identified alternative resources for educational assistance. Arranged upcountry visit at Mangalore regarding maintenance of client’s children by

their father. Visits were made to Police station at Gazimand, Manglore to resolve client’s family

issues. Visits were made to CWC at Manglore and Mankhurd to follow up on chidren’s

institutions and their rights. Arranged joint meetings with clients’ families regarding issues related to their

children. Followed up with schools and tuition classes for children’s progress reports. Followed up for enrolling children in Balsangopan scheme by DWCD. Arranged follow up visits to NGOs to monitor day to day progress and their problems. Visited Wave organization to procure admission in MS CIT computer course.


Prayas responded to a total of 54 children from women’s institution. 20 home visits were conducted by the social worker. The purpose of these home

visits was to study the children’s family background and their problems and needs and also to identify school and tuitions close to their homes.

10 Tuition classes’ visits were done to meeting with teachers for concession in tuition fees.

Counseling was provided to 54 children with regard to problems related to school, health, shelter, tuitions and any other personal or behavioral problem.

6 children were provided with medical assistance. 8 families were provided with nutrition. Visits were conducted to an organization named Pradnyain Mangalore to exploring

resources for child shelter. 32 children were provided with educational support. Visits were made to schools for concession of school fees of our clients. 3 children received benefit of Balsangopanyojana, which a scheme of the Maharashtra

state government. 1 client received a donation for education from Rotary club. 2 children received economical support from C.W.C. Manglore. Prayas arranged MS-CIT computer course for one client.

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Visit done to organization of ManavSevaSangh for child shelter problem. Provided 1 client with Rs 2000/- for developing their small scale business. Visited to school for concession of school fees of our clients. 1 client received medical assistance and shelter for her children from project

Parivartan. Conducted a meeting with lawyer of Project Privartan with regard to our client’s

property.

Challenges Prayas has not able to get concession for financially weak students in convents

schools. The tuition fee for 10th and 12th standard students is high, which makes it difficult to

fund. Prayas yet has to identify a shelter home (free of cost) for HIV positive children. Helping clients overcome problems faced by their families and their rehabilitation

continues to remain a challenge.

Future plans

Assist children to get admission in schools/tuitions. Follow up to make the benefits of Balsangopan scheme available to all eligible

children of women at NMV. Identify donors to fund for children’s education.

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Statistics


Work with cases

Total Outreach 54 New cases 12 Old cases 32 Home visits 20 Visits to DWCD 02 Visits to schools/Tuitions 10 Visits to children institutions 05 Visits to NGOs 11 Visits to hospital 04 Visits to CWC, Mankhurd 06

Interventions Counselling 54 Provided emergency assistance 26 Provided medical support 06 Children provided with educational support 32 Rations provided to the client’s family 08

Provided shelter fees 03 Provided computer fees 01 Institutionalization of children 04 Provided bus/train pass to the child 14 Provided school fees 22 Provided tuition fees 14 Meeting Meeting with Family 05 Meeting with Teacher 02

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Prayas Livelihood and Reintegration Programme Work with women (Mumbai and Thane) NGO Placement Programme Pre-Placement and Exposure visits to NGOs Inputs and interventions

Trainees were taken for an exposure visit to ARDSI in J.J. hospital compound where they learnt about care givers’ training. Post exposure visit, Prayas sent 7 women for training at ARDSI.

Trainees visited KhulaAasman, where they attended a full day session on relaxation and also learnt how to make idols of Lord Ganesha. KhulaAasman expressed its willingness to admit Prayas trainees and to continue their programme with Prayas.

A visit was organized to Kshitij, where trainees got exposure to their work. Kshitij has agreed to provide skill based training to Prayas’s trainees. However, placement of trainees is not possible since they work with mentally disturbed people, which requires a lot of experience.

Visits were also done to FPA, Project Mainstream and TISS Trainees were also taken for a recreational visit on the monorail, to provide them with

a different kind of informational experience. Visits were done with trainees at KhulaAsaman, FPA, Project Mainstream, Kshitij,

and TISS. After several delays due to unavailability of all trainees for personal reasons, a visit

was organized to Matoshree Old Age home at Khadavli. Matoshree is open to adopting our placement program provided trainees first visit the old age home, spend time with their people and understand their problems.

2 trainees were provided with one-day training in hospitality at Kotak Unnati. Trainees are typically provided with employment in shopping malls or hotels on completion of training. This is different from the usual Prayas trainings. However, we got an assurance from Kotak Unnati that trainees have usually settled well in their jobs wherever they have been placed.

A small group visit was organized to TISS library, which the trainees found very informative and expressed a desire to visit again. On the basis of this feedback, the next visit will be with a bigger group.

Prayas arranged an exposure visits for an old trainee to Sukhshanti, Ashray, J.J. Hospital, K.E.M. Hospital and FPA. Prayas has helped her with getting certified training programme on Assistant Nursing at FPA.

A group visit was conducted to the BMC run VashiMaha E-Seva Kendra, which makes small documents such as PAN card, Aadhar, changes/edits in documents etc. for a fee.

One trainee was enrolled at a self helpcentre in Thane to receive training in jewellery making.

A group visit was conducted to Urja - a women’s shelter and rehabilitation centre. A group visit was conducted to the Chembur and Mumbai Central branches of Kotak

Unnati training institution. Follow up visits were made to FPA, Sahara-Mumbra, Ashray, Kasturba government

reception centre, Urja, Maha E-Seva Kendra. One trainee was enrolled at FPA for training and to provide medical support.

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A group visit was conducted to Yusuf Meharali Centre in Panvel, in which 12 trainees participated.

Individual and group visits were conducted to two shelter homes - Kshamata shelter home and You Can Free Us. Both these institutions work with victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

A database has been initiated to document placements, trainings and visits and also to compile lists of institutions that work on health issues, provide shelter, deal with TB or HIV patients, provide training etc.

7 workers of the Women’s Institution Unit visited Nagpur to visit the Protective Home, Crime Branch (which carries out rescue of victims of CSE), a social work college and the Child Welfare Committee. They also visited shelter homes, court, the red light area and NGOs that work with children and women, and other government homes in Nagpur city. This was part of exposure and exploration visit to understand the situation of rehabilitation of victims of CSE and develop resources for Prayas in the field.

The following recreational visits were conducted during this period to provide trainees with a change in environment:

o Visit to K-Star Mall, Chembur o An overnight exposure visit was conducted to Shegaon in Akola district with

old and new participants of the placement program. Outputs and outcomes

48 clients were reached out to during this period, out of which 25 were old trainees. 7 clients were sent for the ADRSI training. After the trainings, 2 out of these 7

trainees got a job while another 2 trainees were sent for a placement in a medical related NGO.

Initially, during the placement process, new trainees are not comfortable travelling long distances in bus or train. They prefer a placement near their residence where they can walk or go by auto. However, after a few visits and counseling by the worker about time management, money management, etc., they understand and resolve their concerns.

During pre-placement, in the first month, the worker has to make significant effort to maintain the motivation of the women. By the third or fourth month, the trainees understand the NGO and the work done by it and thank the worker for providing information and showing them a path to earn a living by appropriate means. After some time, they also gain confidence to travel by bus and train. Gradually, by the fifth month, there is tremendous change visible in the clients.

Several old trainees come back to Prayas for help when they face a problem in life. A hospital visit for awareness that we conducted for such trainees ensured that at least one of them has been able to deal more effectively in an emergency situation for a family member.

1 trainee enrolled at the self help group in Thane for jewellery training is also earning on a piece rate basis for the products that she makes as part of the training.

Children of clients also attended the overnight recreation trip at Shegaon, which built camaraderie among all.

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Challenges

Lack of time on the part of clients (due to the multiple challenges in their lives) and due to procedural delays on account of TISS accounting systems pose challenges due to which Prayas is forced to postpone, or even cancel, visits and programs.

At times, delay in payment of monthly stipends to clients leads to drop out of clients from the Prayas Placement program.

Future plans

Making outstation visits to NGOs. Arranging the following sessions:

o Karate and self defense o Breast cancer o First aid o Disaster management o Personality management

Arranging the following recreation activities: o Exposure to metro rail o Movie screening in a cinema hall

Exposure visit by Prayas team to Delhi to explore resources for victims of CSE. Pre placement programs for new trainees as well as the old ones.

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Pre-placement program - Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with individuals

Total out reach 48 Old trainees 25

New trainees 20 Drop out 03

Visits conducted

Exposure visits 89 Individual exposure visits 47 Group visits 34 Recreational visits 09 Visit to NGOs for planning of exposure visits

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Visits to new NGOs 11 Interventions Short placements/training follow

up 20 clients

Meeting with clients 18 Meeting with NGOs for follow-up 13 Group sessions 05

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NGO Placement (Local) Inputs and interventions

Issues that impede on overall development of clients were addressed (e.g. negative

relationships, family disturbances, shelter). Professional skills were developed in clients through short term placement. Follow up of cases with regard to medical issues and stable shelter was taken up. Regular counselling was provided to clients on their medical and personal problems. Regular guidance and information was imparted to the clients about their family

reconnection, behaviour problems, skill development, educational support etc. Shelter homes were identified for clients with medical problems. Suitable placement agencies are being identified for clients. Home visits were conducted to identify family issues and collecting data to facilitate

reconnection. NGOs have been followed up with regularly to enquire about the clients’ progress in

the placement agencies. Trainees have attended meetings with placement agencies to resolve their placement

issues. Follow up with KhullaAasaman for job placement of our clients. Placement and shelter opportunities are being explored in Ahmednagar district for one

client. Visits to upcountry NGOs are being arranged to explore new NGOs for the placement

program. Outputs and outcomes

A total of 15 women were enrolled in the placement programme. All clients were paid their monthly stipend and also provided with emergency

assistance if required. 2 clients, facing health and family problems, discontinued their placement. We have

provided them with family support and medical assistance. 1 client was hospitalized in the Rajawadi Hospital at Ghatkopar. On her discharge, we

arranged for her shelter in Kasturba MahilaVastigruha at Chembur. This has also been done for another client who was hospitalized and regular follow ups are being done with the client and the shelter home.

Shelter vacancies in various shelter homes have been explored through personal visits to Ashray, Sukh Shanti and Kasturba MahilaVastigruha, Urja, You Can Free Us.

1 client has been assisted to get shelter in Snehalay in Ahmednagar. Visits to tuition classes to monitor educational progress and resolve problems for 4

clients. 6 trainees were placed in the NGO Caregivers for a short-term course in patient care

training through J.J.Hospital. 2 trainees were placed in Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) for para-

medical training. Individual exposure visits were conducted to the Family Planning Association of India

for exploring trainings in the medical sector for our clients. A joint meeting was arranged with the officials of the Cheeta Camp Health Post and

FPAI for exploring placement of our client.

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Medical support was provided from the Rajawadi Hospital doctors and their staff to one of our clients.

2 trainees underwent a three days certification program at Pace (Pratham) organization on communication skill.

We have explored a new NGO named Jeevan Adhar Kendra for our clients’ placement. The NGO is quite positive about our placement program and is willing to place our clients in their local and upcountry centres.

Organized Women’s Day celebrations for our clients. Visited StreemuktiSanghatana at Khoparkhairane for exploring new placements in

their centre. Identified 6 new NGOs for our NGO Placement Programme. 38 Follow up visits have been done to placement agencies regarding client placement

progress and challenges in the field. A home visit was conducted to Virar for a client’s placement. Arranged a one day Disaster Management programme for 15 clients through B.M.C. Arranged a one day recreation programme for 20 trainees through KhullaAasmaan. Individual exposure visit was conducted to Jeevan Asha.

Challenges

1 client had to discontinue her placement due to her health problems. 1trainee has been consistently irregular in the placement program because of unstable

behaviour problem and also because she is involved in begging. Prayas referred her to KhullaAasmaan for training and counselling but she has been irregular there as well.

Placement agencies have very high expectations from our clients placed with them under the placement program.

Clients are not satisfied with the stipend amount being given to them. Many clients prefer jobs in the private sector because of higher salaries.

1 client who had completed her nursing course could not complete her nursing practice in the health sector due to health problems. Though she is now fit for placement, many NGOs are unwilling to accept her for placement assuming that she might be weak.

Families are unwilling to send the client for placement which is a big challenge towards her rehabilitation as it is difficult to change the mindset of the family.

Finding shelter options for TB patients continues to be a challenge. Future plans

Conduct upcountry educational and NGO visit for 10 participants. Conduct upcountry visits to health related NGOs in Ujjain and Akola to identify

institutions working in the TB and HIV spaces. Identify new organizations in Mumbai and Thane and bring them onboard for

placements. Ensure group exposure and individual visits for new clients who join in the coming

6months (approximately 5-6).

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NGO Placement (Local) – Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Work with individuals

Total Outreach 15 New cases 06

Old cases 04 Drop out cases 05 Referred to other NGOs for Job 04 Pursuing further training 02 Short term placement 06 Medical cases 01 Provided medical assistance 01

Visits conducted

Home Visits 02 Finding new NGOs for placement 06 Visits to placement agencies 38 Group exposure visits 05 Visits to hospital 12

Shelter visits to Ashray and KMV 17

Upcountry visits 05

Meetings conducted

Meeting with trainees 19 Meeting with placement agencies 13

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Health Unit Inputs and interventions

Orientation sessions on First Aid were conducted at NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha, male and female sections of the Kalyan District Prison, female section of the Byculla District Prison, and the male section of the Thane Central Prison.

Session on de-addiction was conducted at the male section of the Kalyan District Prison.

Sessions on disaster management was conducted at NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha and for the Rehabilitation unit staff.

Visits were made to K.E.M. hospital, FPAI, IAPS, Red Cross, Corps (Tata Jamsetji Ambulance College for first aid) and Department for Disaster Management & Civil Defense to explore areas of collaboration. The objectives of these visits were:

o To organize sessions on health issues in custodial settings o To identify placement and training opportunities for clients o To seek medical support for clients


A total of 1215 inmates were reached out through training programmes and awareness sessions.

100 inmates attended the awareness session on disaster management at NavjeevanMahilaVastigruh.

A total of 45 inmates (20 male and 25 female) were trained through 2 training programs conducted on Disaster Management at TISS.

A total of 247 inmates were certified on First Aid through various training programs. 160 inmates attended a session on yoga, conducted in 2 batches. 183 inmates attended sessions conducted on gynaecology. 190 inmates attended sessions on general health awareness. 25 inmates at NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha attended a session on de-addiction. 170 male and 95 female inmates from Thane and Kalyan prisons attended the eye

camp conducted through NAB. 20 visits to government offices were taken up during this period. 45 visits were made to NGOs. 26 hospital and 3 home visits were taken up.

Challenges

Prayas has been regularly conducting awareness sessions with the help of NGOs and

certified medical practitioners. However, there is now a demand from the prison department that only MD doctors be brought inside prison to conduct these sessions. To address this challenge, we have tied up with K.E.M. hospital, whose doctors have now started their visits to prisons.

Prayas needs to identify resources and get the approval of prison authorities to introduce alternative medicines to prison inmates through awareness sessions.

While we are training and certifying prison inmates in the area of First Aid, as other health related courses require a minimum qualification of 10th pass, which most

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inmates do not possess. Hence we need to identify courses that will be suitable to the prison population.

Acceptance level of doctors from outside by the prison doctors is low. Prison doctors are most interested in getting a supply of medicines rather than awareness building in prisoners. A balance needs to be brought about between the two groups of doctors.

Future plans

Develop awareness sessions on alternative therapies such as naturopathy, yoga,

meditation, etc. and identify ways to connect these practitioners to the prison, given the current disregard for non MD doctors.

Resolve issues with the prisons departments so that health requirements of prisoners are addressed smoothly.

Work with others to improve prospects of employment in the health sector by exploring organizations such as Lions’ club, red cross etc. so that placement can be taken up at a national level.

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Health Unit – Statistics

Training Programmes / Awareness Sessions


Work with cases Total Outreach 1215 Inmates Activities conducted

In the month of April 2015 conducted awareness session on Disaster Management in NavjeevanMahilaVastigruh

100 inmates

In the month of June 2015 conducted a two day training programme on Disaster Management at TISS for Prayas Male Rehabilitation Unit (YDC).

20 trainees

In the month of August 2015 conducted certified course on First AID through Tata Jamsetji Ambulance College of First AID in Kalyan District Prison (Women’s Section).

25 inmates

In the month of August 2015 conducted a two day training programme on Disaster Management at TISS for Prayas Female Rehabilitation Unit.

25 trainees

In the month of August 2015 conducted certified course on First AID through Tata Jamsetji Ambulance College of First AID in NavjeevanMahilaVastigruh.

25 inmates

In the month of September 2015 conducted certified course on First AID through Tata Jamsetji Ambulance College of First AID in Byculla District Prison (Women’s Section).

25 inmates

In the month of September 2015 conducted a two day training programme on first aid at TISS for Prayas Female Rehabilitation Unit

15 trainees

In the month of October 2015 conducted certified training on First AID through Tata Jamsetji Ambulance College of First AID in Thane Central Prison (Male Section)

108 inmates

In the month of October 2015 conducted 2 hours Session on Yoga through CROMA – A product of Tata Enterprises in Byculla District Prison (Women’s Section).

80 inmates

In the month of November 2015 conducted certified training on First AID through Tata Jamsetji Ambulance College of First AID in Thane Central Prison (Women’s Section)

24 inmates

In the month November 2015 conducted session on Gynecology through FPA in Thane Central Prison (Women’s Section)

108 inmates

In the month December 2015 conducted 2 day training programme on First Aid through Red Cross in NavjeevanMahilaVastigruh.

25 inmates

In the month of December 2015 conducted 2 hours Session on Yoga through CROMA – A product of Tata Enterprises inByculla District Prison (Women’s Section).

80 inmates

In the month December 2015 conducted session on Gynecology through FPA in Byculla District Prison (Women’s Section)

25 inmates

In the month January 2016 conducted session on Gynecology through FPA in Kalyan District Prison (Women’s Section)

50 inmates

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In the month February 2016 conducted General Health Awareness session through Lion’s Club, Thane in Thane Central Prison (Male Section)

120 inmates

In the month February 2016 conducted session on De-addiction through NashamuktiMandal Maharashtra Rajya in NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha

25 inmates

In the month March 2016 conducted Eye Camp through NAB in Male and Female Section of Thane Central Prison

100 male inmates 50 female inmates

In the month March 2016 conducted Eye Camp through NAB in Male and Female Section of Kalyan District Prison

70 male inmates 45 female inmates

In the month March 2016 conducted General Health Awareness session through Chembur Lion’s Club in NavjeevanMahilaVastigruha

70 inmates

Visits conducted

Government Offices 20 Visits NGO visits 45 Visits Hospital visits 26 Visits Home visits 3 Visits

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Citizenship Rights and Information on Schemes

Schemes and Documents


Guidance was provided to clients regarding income certificate, UID card (Aadhar Card), Caste certificate, Ration card, Gazzette, Pradhan MantriJivanJyotiBimaYojana and Pradhan MantriJivan Suraksha BimaYojana, Mudra Yojana Scheme.

Prayas followed up closely to acquire a client’s income certificate for enrolling in the Sanjay Gandhi NiradharYojana and availing its benefit.

Follow-up was doneto acquire UID cards of two clients.

Consistent follow-up was done with the personnel of the Social Welfare Department regarding a client’s problem related to documents.

Attended regular meetings with RKS about rationing issues and solutions related to our clients.

Efforts were made to help a client to acquire a job.

Organized sessions on various government schemes.

Visited Goregaon Police Station to acquire panchanama copy regarding the burnt house of a client.

Visited KhullaAasmaan regarding the house related issues of a client.

Conducted a meeting with the housing society members where a client resides regarding her problems related to maintenance, allotment letter, etc.

Visits were made to Mantralaya for arranging a workshop for clients on the implementation of Right to Food Act.

Visits were made to the Social Welfare Department regarding a client’s documents.

Visits were made to Tehsil office for arranging workshops regarding information related to the income certificate, domicile, birth certificate, caste certificate, etc.

Consistently followed up with the rationing office for acquiring the BPL card of a client.

Tried to procure new document such as income certificate, domicile, affidavit for residential and income resource for a client.

Followed up with regard to Sanjay Gandhi NiradharYojana for one client.

Explored resources for one client for small scale business in Creative handicraft.

Followed up with Gazzette office for name correction of one client.

Followed up with Social welfare department to resolve clients’ difficulty to procure residential certificate.

Visited SnehaSagar to address client shelter issues and to find educational status.

Procured gazette certificate of one client for name correction.

Conducted home visit for the purpose of finding status of small scale business of one client.

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23 clients were provided with guidance regarding income certificate, UID card, caste certificate, ration card, Gazzette, Pradhan Mantra JivanJyotiBimaYojana and Pradhan MantriJivan Suraksha BimaYojana.

Enrolled 2 clients into the Pradhan MantriJivanJyotiBimaYojana and Pradhan MantriJivan Suraksha BimaYojana.

2 clientsreceivedtheir UID card.

1 client received an Income certificate and Domicile certificate.

22 attended sessions on Pradhan MantriJivan Suraksha BimaYojana, Pradhan MantriJivanJyotiBimaYojana, Atal Pension Yojana and SukanyaSamruddhiYojana at TISS. This session was conducted by Shri Ranjan Sinha, Manager of State Bank of India at Deonar branch where he provided information about these government schemes to the trainees.

4 clients were able to open new bank accounts in SBI.

2 clients received their PAN card.

1 client was assisted to get her name changed through the Gazzetted Officer.

One client acquired a BPL card.

45 people attended a one day workshop on the Right to Food Act and citizenship documents on 14th September’15 at TISS, conducted by the Rationing Officer of the Food Department and two officers from the Tehsil office. Information related to acquiring of documents like birth certificate, caste certificate, Death certificate, UID card, Election card, Passport etc. was provided by the officers from the Tehsil office while the Rationing Officer gave information about Right to Food Act, 2013.

30 clients attended a program organized on SavitribaiPhuleJayanti at TISS.

Challenges

Various documents are required to avail the benefit of the Sanjay Gandhi NiradharYojana or to acquire a single document. To acquire the income certificate, the local Corporator’s letter is necessary, which at times is difficult to get due to the poor economic background of the client. Overall a tedious process is involved in acquiring the income certificate. In one case, we finally acquired the Special Executive Officer letter to avail of the income certificate.

In government schemes, many applications were rejected due to lack of appropriate documents.

It is difficult to get government officials as resource persons for workshops or lectures since they do not respond until their higher officials are approached despite appropriate issuing of letters, maintaining a follow-up with them.

Getting domicile certificates is a challenge because our clients who require this certificate do not have any required which states that they have lived in the city since past 15 years.

Getting a UID is a challenge since there are no introducers in several cases.

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Future plans

Conducting quarterly sessions on schemes and documentation.

Ensure 100% schemeenrolment for every client as appropriate by getting documentation for each person and following up with the relevant government stakeholders for each person.

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Statistics

Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Interventions Total Outreach 21

Counseling and Guidance 21

Visits conducted

NGO visits 09

Rationing office visits 16 Home visits 12 Visits to bank and Jan DhanYojana agency

31

Visits to Tehsil office 22 Visits to Talathi office 06 Visits to Mantralaya 12 Visit to S.E.O. office 02 Visits to court 02 Visits to police station 07 MMRDA 02 Pan Card office 03 Gazzette office 02 Getting New Bank account 04 Getting UID card 02 Getting new pan card 02

Meeting Attendance for RKS meeting 04

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Work with Male Youth Rehabilitation

Youth Development Centre (YDC) and Thane-Kalyan Rehabilitation Unit Inputs and interventions

Educational, awareness and recreational sessions conducted at the Youth Development Centre, Mumbai.

Emergency assistance such as medical support, shelter, police station visits, rations and legal aid was provided, as per need.

Referrals were made for short and long term vocational training courses. Exposure visits were conducted to NGOs, eventually resulting in placement of several

trainees in NGOs. Counseling was provided to clients as required. Families were reached out to and support was provided as per need. Assistance with acquiring citizenship rights documents was provided to clients Short and long terms training programs were conducted in the following areas:

Anger management Personality development Current affairs Drawing and painting Stress management Basic electronic and painting work on computers

A group of clients was provided with psychological testing. Daily reading activity was carried out as planned.


61 clients were reached out to during this period.

22 clients attended the social awareness session on Disaster Management.

18 clients participated in cultural activities conducted through the year.

12 clients attended various short and long term training programs

44 home visits, 25 court visits and 17 police station visits were made during this period.

Follow up visits of 27 clients on placement and 15 clients in shelter homes were conducted.

24 clients were taken on NGO exposure visits.

26 clients supported through vocational training courses.

Temporary shelter was arranged for 16 clients.

Counselingwas provided to 61 clients.

Medical support was arranged for 15 clients.

Family support was provided to 19 clients.

Educational support arranged for 4 clients.

NGO placement was arranged for 12 clients.

Job placement was done for 8 clients.

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Legal aid was provided to 15 clients.

2 client found employment through their own efforts

12 clients were supported for making documents.

4 clients were repatriated back home.

Challenges

Lack of sufficient manpower makes it difficult to respond to emergency situations like shelter, medical and food especially for clients without family support.

Very few NGOs in Mumbai offer residential facilities posing hurdles in the rehabilitation of clients without family support.

In dealing with cases of addiction, there is a tradeoff between the time spent on addressing this issue and progressing on the placement program.

Addiction problems of some clients lead to challenges in the night shelters, which need to be resolved by the social worker.

Future plans

To explore NGOs that offer residential shelter to clients who do not have any family support.

To reduce the number of emergency situations in the lives of clients by developing local support systems.

To develop a cultural activity group of clients.

To arrange for health related sessions and related NGO placement for client group.

Meetings with police stations to create referral system and influence them to refer youth in Youth Development Centre.

To develop aftercare programme at Thane and Kalyandistricts.

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Statistics

Broad areas Specific services Statistics Number of trainees Total outreach 61

Family based clients 40 Upcountry based clients 21 Old cases 16 New cases 35

Activities conducted

Social awareness sessions 22 clients Participation in cultural activities 18 clients Participation in YDC activities 10 clients

Trainings: 1)Anger management 2)Personality development 3)Psychological testingsession 4)Current affairs discussion sessions 5)Drawing activity 6)Stress management 7) Basic electronic &painting work

09 09 09 06 10 11 12

Visits conducted Home visits 44 Court visits 25 Police station visits 17 Follow-up visits of trainees on placement

27

Follow-up visits of trainees on Shelter Homes

15

NGO exposure visits 24 Other services Arranging shelter 16

Counseling 61 Providing medical support 15 Providing family support 19 Providing educational support 04 Providing vocational training 26 Placement in NGO 12 Job placement 08 Repatriation 04

Police Station Support 13 Legal Aid 15 Making Documents 12

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Osmanabad, Latur and Nanded Visit:

A brief study was conducted in rural Maharashtra, primarily in three districts, Osmanabad, Latur and Nanded, in the month of July 2015, to understand issues of rural crime.

Objectives:

1. Study the situation of male youth and women in crime. 2. Explore situation of de-notified communities. 3. Study the initiatives by NGOs, and people’s responses to these initiatives. 4. Understand the gaps in intervention, and explore scope for Prayas intervention in rural

areas.

Keeping the above objectives in mind we visited Osmanabad, Latur and Nanded districts in Maharashtra. We conducted meetings and discussions with following organizations and individuals:

1. TISS Tuljapur campus 2. NGOs in Solapur and Osmanbad 3. Osmanabad Sessions Court 4. Kalamb and Itkur area visit to Pardhi community 5. Osmanabad District Prison 6. Women and Child Development Department, Osmanabad 7. NGOs in Latur district 8. Latur Sessions Court 9. DLSA, Latur 10. District Probation Office, Latur 11. Udgir Court and Sub-Jail, Latur 12. NGOs in Udgir 13. SRT University, Social Work Department, Nanded 14. Nanded Court and Jail 15. Nanded Police Department

During the visit, on the basis of discussions with the organizations, institutions and individuals, we felt that there is scope to work with youth and women at community level towards crime prevention and rehabilitation.

The de-notified communities are unable to avail of government schemes due to lack of education and documents. People do not have basic documents like certificates of birth and death, ration card, election identity card, or caste certificate. Due to lack of employment opportunities and citizenship documents, more of the youth pushed into criminal activities.

Majority of the people found in prisons are from the minority community. Inter-personal fights, religious riots, and victimisation by the feudal system provoke them into crime. Due to lack of education and opportunities for employment, social stigma and low social status, youth get pulled into crime.

In conclusion, we need to discuss the issue and the findings from our visits among the Prayas staff and discuss about the Prayas stand to work in rural area and our future plan of action.

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Prayas Policy Unit

Major Achievements

Workshop on Probation of Offenders Act A One-Day Workshop on Probation of Offenders Act 1958: Issues and Challenges was organized at the YeshwantraoChawan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), Pune, for Probation Officers and Prison Officers in Maharashtra. Around 80 Probation Officers and 15 Prison Officers participated in the workshop. The Commissioner, DWCD, ADG and IG Prisons, Maharashtra, DIG Prisons(HQ) and Probation Superintendent participated in the inaugural and concluding sessions. Various issues of concern were discussed in detail and both departments promised to resolve the obstacles in implementation of the Act with the spirit of rehabilitation. Accordingly, the prison department has issued a circular to prison superintendents to identify the cases for benefit of grant in aid scheme for released prisoners and process them atleast three months prior to the release of convicted prisoners. The circular also instructs the prison superintendents to contact the district probation officer so that he may visit the prison and guide the prisoner and his/her family members about schemes for rehabilitation of prisoners. The workshop helped to keep alive the issues related to rehabilitation of youth offenders, implementation of probation services under the PO Act, arranging mulakat between children of prisoners left outside and their parents in prison, etc.

Transfer of youthful offenders to the Borstal School

The Borstal Schools Act, 1929, is a correctional legislation that was designed to facilitate the rehabilitation of youthful offenders below the age of 21 years. Under this Act, prisoners sent to the Borstal School are to be treated as trainees and provided ITI certified vocational courses. As per the provisions in the Borstal Schools Act, 1929, a circular has been issued by the ADG and IG Prisons, Maharashtra instructing prison superintendents to identify convicted prisoners below the age of 21 years who could be transferred to the Borstal school at Nasik, to facilitate their rehabilitation process, within next three months.

Suo Moto PIL on children of women prisoners

In the Suo Moto PIL filed in the Bombay High Court on the situation of children of women prisoners left outside, the DWCD has filed an affidavit in which they have accepted almost all the suggestions made by Prayas (as the Amicus Curae) to improve the situation of these children. The High Court has passed orders asking the Prison Department to prepare a list of children living outside prison across Maharashtra.

Permission to Prayas to visit prisons in Maharashtra

Permission has been granted by the ADG and IG Prisons, Maharashtra to Prayas to visit prisons across Maharashtra, in pursuance of a request made by Prayas to this effect. This permission will be helpful in making visits to various prisons in the state to identify issues that need to be addressed at policy level.

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Increase in honorarium to legal aid lawyers The honorarium of legal aid lawyers was increased from Rs.600 to 1200/- plus Rs.800 for typing and other expenses at Metropolitan Courts and from Rs.700/- to 14,00/- plus Rs.800 for typing and other expenses at Session Courts due to Prayas’s continuous follow up with MSALSA and Law and Judiciary Department.

Increase in honorarium given to Duty Counsels in prisons

Due to the efforts of Prayas, the honorarium provided to Duty Counsels to visit prisons to provide under trial prisoners legal guidance is proposed to be increased from Rs. 6o/- per visit to Rs. 500/- per visit. This decision was taken in the State Inter-Departmental Committee on Prisoners meeting, which was called at the request of Prayas.

Skill development courses for prisoners

At the request of Prayas in the State IDC meeting, the Maharashtra Skill Development Society has agreed to give certificates to convicted prisoners if they have undergone skill training in prison. They have also agreed to start a certified vocational training course in Yerawada Central Prison, Thane Central Prison and Borstal School, Nasik. The CEO, Maharashtra Skill Development Society has paid a visit to Yerawada Central Prison to start this pilot project.

Increase in newspapers provided to prisoners

At the request of Prayas, the ADG and IG Prisons, Maharashtra, has increased the number of newspapers given to prisoners from one copy for 20 convicted prisoners to one copy for every ten convicted prisoners.

Health awareness sessions for prisoners

At the initiative of Prayas, the KEM Hospital has agreed to start health awareness programmes inside prison in Mumbai and Thane.

Anganwadis for children of prisoners

As per the orders of the Supreme Court in the R.D. Upadhyay Vs. State of Andhra Pradesh and Others case, Prayas has been pursuing with the Prisons Department and the DWCD to start anganwadis under the ICDS for children of women prisoners living in prisons with their mothers. Due to these efforts, ICDS anganwadis have been so far started in Byculla, Kalyan, Thane and Yerawada prisons. Efforts are on to start anganwadi in Nasik, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Kolhapur prisons.

Pilot project to start social work intervention in prisons

Prayas has been promoting the idea of appointment of trained social worker in the criminal justice system. After continuous follow up with the home department, an MoU has been signed between the Tata Trusts and the Home Department on 31st March 2016 to start a pilot project to appoint trained social workers in five Central Prisons and Nasik Borstal School for three years. Prayas has been requested to play the role of a knowledge partner in this project. The Programme Implementation and

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Monitoring Committee will have representatives from Prayas, Tata Trusts and Prison Department, which will look after the implementation of the project.

Legal awareness programmes in Gujarat prisons

As a result of follow up with Gujarat SLSA and DLSAs, legal awareness programme was organized in Vadodara Central Prison in coordination with Vadodara District Legal Services Authorities and IG Prisons Gujarat.

National Seminar on Youth at Risk organized by Don Bosco Veedu Society

A two-day National Seminar was organised on the theme of 'Reaching the Unreached: Youth At Risk' by Don Bosco in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The seminar was organised to share experiences of working with youth at risk. Prayas made a detailed presentation about working with young offenders, women and childrenat the request of the organisers. An interactive session covered queries related to the issue and challenges in the field. Prayas made an appeal before the members to extend their services to released prisoners in terms of shelter, education, skill training and placement of clients. Around 110 participants from across the country attended the seminar.

Newsletter: Dialogues in Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation

Two issues of the Dialogues in Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation were published during this period – a special issue on children of prisoners and a special issue rehabilitation of youth offenders. The articles were based on experiences of field staff working on the above issues the challenges they face in the field. Cases studies were presented to help readers understand the difficulties faced in the field. These issues would be helpful for the newcomers to the field, and students of social work. We hope that the publications would be helpful in highlighting issues relating to rehabilitation of marginal groups in the CJS.

One day workshop for the students of social work

A one-day workshop on the social work intervention in the Criminal Justice System was jointly organised by Prayas and the Department of Social Work, Mahatma Gandhi Vidyapeeth, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Around 70 students from first and second year attended the workshop. After the presentation by resource persons from Prayas, student social workers participated in an interactive session and asked relevant questions. We hope that this workshop will lead to initiating student field work placements in prison setting from the next academic year.

Round Table of Western Region States on the implementation of JJ Act

UNICEF organised a two-day roundtable of western region states on the issues of children in conflict with law and new JJ act in the Maharashtra Judicial Academy under the chairmanship of Justice Madan Lokur, from the Supreme Court. Juvenile Justice Board members and related stake holders, members from the judiciary and

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NGOs working with JCL participated in the round table. Prayas provided insights on the rehabilitation of CCL and the Prayas rehabilitation model was included in the resource material given to participants.

Strengthening Prison Libraries and Vocational Skills


43 meetings were held with officials of various government and non-government library officials, and officials of prisons and custodial institutions, academic institutions, etc.

27 visits to libraries across Maharashtra

25 visits to prisons across Maharashtra

1 visit to the Marathi SahityaAkademi

2 visits to the Nasik Borstal School

5 NGO visits

24 follow up visits

A committee has been formed by the prison department to explore strengthening vocational training at Thane and Yerawada prisons and the Nasik Borstal School to through certified courses run by the Maharashtra Sill Development Society, a Government of Maharashtra enterprise. Prayas was invited to participate in this endeavour. The plan is to start government certified short courses for prisoners and also develop a system to certify the prisoners who have already received training in the prison factories such as carpentry, welding, weaving, tailoring, etc.

Visits were made to Thane Marathi GranthSangrahalaya to discuss and resolve issues related to the prison library.

Visits to Thane District Library Grant Pradarshan resulted in the library officer expressing interest in lending books to the Thane Central Prison.

Meetings with SahityaAkademi in Dadar resulted in their expressing interesting in providing books to the prison libraries.

A meeting was held with the Sr. Jailor at the Thane Central Prison to discuss the possibility of setting up a separate library in the Women’s section. However, this will not be pursued as of now.


2 new libraries were activated in prisons – namely Ahmednagar District Prison and Visapur District Open Prison

Challenges

The current mindset of several prison administrators that questions the use of books to prisoners, and the assumption that the prisoner will invariably damage books needs to change.

Several district prisons lack a dedicated space or even a shelf to host a library.

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Books to under trial prisoners are routed through convicts since it is erroneously assumed that the former will be spending very little time in the prison.

Newspapers in several prisons are currently available in very limited quantities, which needs to change, since it is significantly below the 1:10 ratio as per the latest prison rules.

Future plans

Work towards creating a separate post of a librarian in central prisons.

Create a proposal for getting corporate funding to run libraries in prisons.

Source books related to technical subjects, especially in central prisons where prisoners get involved in technical work, so that they can gain theoretical knowledge about their work.

Source books specific to various graduation courses since some inmates pursue higher education while in prison.

Influence prisons and district libraries to host book exhibitions in prisons.

Pursue discussions with the skill development department to examine and certify prisoners who currently undertake skilled work in the prison.

Organize certification programmes for young under trials so that their time gets optimally utilized. Pilot projects to this end have been launched in Thane Central Prison, Yerawada and Nasik Borstal School.

Statistics

Details of Activities Statistics Number of activated libraries in prison 2 Meeting with officials of various govt. and non govt. libraries, prisons, custodial institutions, NGOs, S.N.D.T.Women’s College, etc.

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Visits Library visits 27 Prison visits 25 Visit to Sahitya Academy 1 Visit to Nasik Borstal School 2 Mantralaya visits 2 NGO visits 5 SNDT Women’s Collage (B’ Lib Course ) 1 Follow up visits 24 Letter to IG prison Pune 1 Attended Workshop on Children of Prisoners and Jail Court 1 Attended Workshop on PO Act 1 Attended IDC Meeting 1

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Bharuch Unit

Bharuch Sub Jail Male Section

Sr.No. Broad Services Specific Services

Statistics

1 Total Outreach No. of Inmates given Socio-Legal Information

309

No. of inmates reached out through Programs

112

2 Prison visits Visit to Prisons (3 male workers) 188 3 Socio-Legal Information

provided to Under Trial Prisoners

No.of inmates provided with counseling services

256

No. of Inmates provided with legal advice

347

No. of Socio-Legal counseling sessions with inmates

417

No. of Applications written 158 No. of inmates getting legal aid lawyers through support of Prayas

65

Visits to Court 45 Visits to Magistrates 13 Visits to Advocates 29

4 Contact/Communication with families,advocates,employers etc. through telephone calls, visits and meetings

Phone calls to family members 197 Home Visits 87 No. of family members supported 38 a. legal support 25 b. educational support 08 c. training support 02 d. support for employment ---- e. Support for ration ---- f. Support for medical ---- g. Support for shelter 03 h. Support to Government Scheme 02

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

No. of programs organised in Prison 06 No. of inmates who participated in the programs

152

Follow up visits to Prison Authorities for obtaining permission to organize programs in prison

12

Visits to identify resource persons/agencies for program

06

6 Visits (inmates and Family Member )

Visits to Government Office 14 Visits to NGO 05

7 Encouraging Education Amongst Inmates

No. of clients encouraged to pursue education

15

Visits to Educational institutes /District & State Education Departments

12

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8 Referrals to After care

No. of cases 11 Follow-up after release 07

Bharuch Sub Jail - Male Section

Provide Socio-Legal information to under-trial prisoners

Prayas social workers visited the prison and held discussions with inmates regarding problems and issues that they face. They provided inmates with counselling services as well as legal advice. Options were discussed with inmates to resolve issues related to their imprisonment and to initiate post release plans.

We found that various issues related to their imprisonment and their family members outside prison keep inmates anxious and worried. Here is a list of what we identified:

Several inmates do not have advocates. The ones who doare unable to coordinate with their advocates.

Several inmates feel that they have been falsely implicated in the case.

Prison inmates and their family members do not have adequate information about the legal cases, the status of the case etc.

Some inmates wish to write applications for legal aid advocates.

Some inmates are always worried and anxious about the situation of their families outside the prison.

In some cases, the relationship between inmates and their families are strained as a result of imprisonment.

In some cases, inmates are not taken to court on the date of their hearing, and there are some have not even received their charge sheet.

Some of the inmates have medical problems.

Several inmates and their families are poorly educated, which also constrains their future options.

As a consequence of such anxieties, some inmates isolate themselves. Others pressurize social workers for immediate support. Social workers reach out to all of them to provide counselling services and legal advice. While most cases require one time help to support inmates till they can deal with their problems independently, there are a few that require long term engagement depending on the need of the inmates.

The topics that the social worker typically discusses with inmates during Socio-Legal Counselling sessions are:

Clarification about process, information about legal status and discussion on doubts about their legal cases.

General discussion with clients to help release the stress and anxiety caused by imprisonment.

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Discussion with clients about problems faced by their family members and the support that Prayas can provide.

Information about Prayas Rehabilitation Program.

Discussion with inmates on post release plan, issues that could be faced and how the Prayas social worker can support the inmate in this process.

Problems faced by inmates in prisonand coordination with prison authorities, where required, to resolve these.

Providing information about Government schemes. Outcome of Socio-legal Counseling:

The social worker built stronger relationships with inmates.

Inmates adjust better to the prison environment as a result of the counseling that they receive.

Inmates shed their inhibitions and share their problems with the social worker.

The social worker is able to bridge gaps between inmates and their families.

Discussions beginon Prayas Rehabilitation Program and post release plans.

As an outcome of these Socio-legal counseling sessions, services for inmates and family members are planned. These include:

o Home visits o Telephone calls to family members o Writing legal applications o Follow ups in court, TLSA, DLSA and SLSA, and meetings with

advocates and magistrates o Coordination with prison authorities regarding problems faced by

inmates in prison o Addressing and supporting family members in their problems

regarding education, shelter, legal, documents, training,medical and other emergencies

o Awareness and training programs in prison o Coordination with prison and other Government official for special

cases (mentally ill, juvenile etc.) Challenges:

Inmates do not easily trust the social worker, who has to make tremendous effort to reach out to them. 1. New inmates are anxious about their future, especially as they hear of experiences of older inmates. 2. Negative experiences in the world outside the prison, including those with police, court and community contribute to their general distrust.

Legal services are their primary need and priority of inmates and they are not easily persuaded to discuss post release plans with the social worker.

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Contacting family members of upcountry inmatesis a challenge.When these family members are unable to visit for mulakat, or arrange legal services for inmates, there is a feeling of hopelessness.

Provide legal aid through lawyers of DLSA/SLSA

The Prayas worker conducts legal discussions with inmates and assiststhose who are in need of advocates. Support is provided in terms of writing applications to DLSA on behalf of inmates; following up with DLSA and the court when required; following up with private and legal aid lawyers; and meeting with magistrates and judges if required.

In nutshell, social worker provides following services, to support clients to avail services of DLSA/SLSA

1. Provide information about services of Legal Services Authority. 2. Motivate inmates to avail benefit of the scheme. 3. Support inmates by writing applications on their behalf to get lawyers from

District/State Legal Services Authority. 4. Follow up in courts, with advocates and magistrates about the case. 5. Coordinate with inmates, advocates, family members and concerned courts to get

legal documents in place.

Outcome of the Work:

Clients who are needy, vulnerable and cannot appoint private advocates can benefit from Government services, whereby free legal aid advocates are appointed for them.

Sensitisation of DLSA and SLSA and making them focus on issues faced by prison inmates.

Sensitisation of Advocates/Magistrate regarding cases of inmates.

Gain trust of our client group through the critical service of providing them with free legal aid.

Inmates receive information about Prayas Rehabilitation Program and participate in discussionsrelated to post release plans.

Challenges:

Delays in the legal process.

Since legal Aid lawyers are not very active, Prayas social workers are required to consistently follow up.

Families of some inmates are unwilling to furnish bail. In cases of upcountry clients, families find it difficult to furnish bail.

Inmates who are dissatisfied with private advocates sometimes request the social worker’s support for getting a legal aid lawyer. However, in most such cases, their family members are unable or uncomfortable following up with the private advocates to get back the inmates’ legal documents since they cannot afford their fees.

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One of the major challenges at the district and taluka level is the lack of coordination between administrative officers of the Taluka Legal Aid board and the Magistrates. Many a time the advocates are not appointed as soon as the court receives an application, requiring the social worker to follow up at the respective Taluka Court to get this done.

Many issues arise when we support inmates to write applications to High Court for getting advocate to apply for bail: Delays occur in cases where clients do not have family support to reach legal

documents to Free Legal Aid Advocate appointed by the court. In such cases, we make a request to SLSA to instruct advocates to seek documents

directly from the district court. The social worker has to coordinate with SLSA, DLSA, and the advocate

appointed by the High Court to ensure that Legal documents are sent to High Court from the District Court.

This causes a lot of delay, which de-motivates inmates and makes them lose hope. Since most inmates do not have family support, they expect a lot from the social

worker, in terms of following up on their behalf for each issue that they face in the court.

The appointed legal aid lawyers also approachthe social worker instead of family members for necessary follow up.

Future Plan

1. Preparing a note on issues faced by inmates in District Prisons while trying to avail services of High Court and Supreme Court Legal Services Authority

2. Following up on the same with State Legal Services Authority to ensure access to justice for the inmates in District Prisons and Sub Jails.

Contact/Communicate with families and provide services to them

Services provided to family are:

Counseling Legal Support Support for education and training Encouraging mulakat with the inmate

Legal Support:

Many families of inmates are not aware of the legal status of the case. They require support in coordination with inmates and their advocates since they do not have information about court dates.Sometimes they also require support to furnish documents for bail.

When inmates express these concerns, the social contacts theirfamilies via telephone or home visits and supports the family. In some cases, families manage on their own once the worker visits or speaks with them. In others, the social worker is required to support the family for a longer duration. The support provided involves:

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Visits to court

Discussions with advocates

Follow up visitsto DLSA

If necessary, visits to Magistrates

Coordination with client, family members and advocates

Case Illustration

We were informed by a prison inmate that his case wasn’t being committed. His family wasn’t visiting for mulakat and nor did have any information about his advocate.

Worker’s Intervention

Conducted a discussion with family members about advocate from DLSA.

Conducted discussions with advocate

Conducted home visits

Visited the court and held discussions with the court clerk about status of the case

Ensured coordination between the client, family and the advocate.

Result of Worker’s Intervention

Case is committed to sessions court

Challenges

Non-supportive family members.

Failure to establish contact family members due to the nature of their employment. For example. Daily wage labourers.

Home visits are not always possible because of distance.

Fear and anxiety of family members regarding the working of the CJS system.

Time taken for families to develop trust in the social worker due to prior negative experiences of the CJS system.

Family members are unable visit inmates in jail or for legal follow up sue to financial reasons.

Organize information and training sessions in Prison

Awareness and information sessions are regularly organized in Bharuch Sub Jail, with the following objectives:

Provide Information about Government schemes and citizenship rights documents.

Create a relaxed atmosphere in prison to enable inmates to ease their tension, worries and anxiety.

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Getinsights on interest and aptitude of clients, which can be used while planning their rehabilitation program.

Provide information about Prayas Rehabilitation Program to the inmates.

Initiate discussion with clients about their post release and rehabilitation.

Between April and March, Six awareness programs were organized in Bharuch Sub Jail - Male Section and five programs in Bharuch sub jail -female section.

1. Activity session on drawing and Painting No. of participants: 27 inmates Objectives of the program:

To reach out to clients through a medium which is comfortable and de-stressing. To identify needs and issues faced by clients as a result of imprisonment. To provide clients with an opportunity to express themselves. To bring out hidden talents/skills of clients. To help build self-confidence and self-esteem of clients.

About the programme Clients who wished to participate were provided with drawing sheets and colour. The theme was their lives inside and outside the prison. Some inmates drew both. During this activity, the inmates spoke about their problems and shared their experiences,and also expressed their wishes. This was an appropriate time for social workers to introduce them to the Prayas Rehabilitation Program.

Outcome of the programme It was a good de-stressing activity for inmates, which they enjoyed. Inmates’ drawings reflected their lives and their plans and wishes for the future,

and in some cases, their feelings. Most inmates actively participated in the discussion that was initiated during the

session. Prayas workers could introduce Prayas Rehabilitation Program to the inmates.

2. Awareness program on the Government’s Medical Insurance schemes MukhyaMantriAmrutamYojna (MA AmrutamYojna) and MukhyaMantriVatsalyaYojna (MA Vatsalya Yana) No. of participants: 17 inmates Objectives of the Programme

Provide information and awareness about the schemes sothat inmates can avail their benefit on release.

Spread awareness about the schemes through the clients to their families.

Provide an opportunity to clients to share medical problems and problems faced by them and their families and issues with treatment, if any.

Provide information and plan for support for treatment.

Reach out to inmates through a medium which concerns them.

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Initiate discussion on rehabilitation. Process for organizing the Programme

Discussion with inmates about the need for the program.

Discussion with jail staff about the need and to seek necessary permissions.

Visit and follow up at the Collector’s office, Mamlatdar Office and Block Health office to get information about the schemes, the implementing agencies and the process of availing the benefit.

Collect information online where possible. About the Programme The social worked provided information about the schemes to a group of inmates and prison staff who participated in the session.Sharing of information by some of the inmates and a question and answer session followed this. Outcomes:

Inmates became aware of the scheme.

Enthusiastic participation by the prison staff will help with strengthening relationships.

Inmates were introduced to the Prayas Rehabilitation Program.

3. Awareness Programme on who to reach out to during a crisis: Objectives of the Program:

To provide inmates with information about the Criminal Justice System and the process to avail services under this system.

To provide inmates with information about Government and Non Government organizations working in the district.

About the Programme During the program, clients were provided with information on:

The police and judiciary system. Various NGOs in the district and services provided by them. Free legal aid system. Government shelter home for women and children.

4. Awareness program on De-addiction No. of participants: 19 inmates Objectives of the Program:

To educate inmates about the advantages of de-addiction in their personal lives, to their family and to the community at large.

To highlight problems faced by clients, family and society at large because of alcoholism.

To reach out to the inmates through a medium this concerns them.

To initiate discussion about rehabilitation.

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Process to organize Programme Discussion with client about need for the program.

Discussion with jail staff about the need and for necessary permissions.

Gathering information for the program by reading and meeting agencies which workin the area of de-addiction.

Planning the session. About the Programme

Workers visited all the barracks to provide inmates with information about the program and also to confirm the date and timing.

19 inmates attended the program.

We split the participants into 3 groups. Each group enacted a role play on the following themes: 1. Alcoholism: effect on individual 2. Alcoholism: effect on family 3. Alcoholism: effect on community

After the enactment of the role-plays, we conducted an open discussion, during which participants shared their experiences and workers provided information and clarification.

Outcome of the Programme (Male Section)

A discussion could be initiated on the importance of de-addiction.

This became an awareness cum recreational session for inmates. Though the program had 19 participants, other inmates joined to watch the program.

This was a good opportunity for some clients to vent their feelings and share their experiences.

All participants got an opportunity to express themselves.

1 participant volunteered to dance at the end of the program. Outcome of the Programme (Female Section) 9 inmates participated in the program.

The program became a recreational cum awareness program.

The inmates participated with enthusiasm and through the role-plays, raised many issues concerning their lives and lives of women in general.

They were ready to discuss options for helping someone with de-addiction.

The program helped the Prayas worker to reach out to participants and discuss rehabilitation issues

Challenges

Organizing programs in the prison requirefollow up and coordination with jail officials. Hence, we cannot always implement them as per our plan.

During discussions,inmates expect solutions to the problems that they highlight, which the social worker is not always in a position to provide.

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Discussions usually get diverted towards inmates’immediateconcernsuch as their legal cases, problems in prisons(food, clothing etc.), requiring the worker to put in a lot of effort to keep participants focused on the topic at hand

5. Awareness session on the Importance of Education

No. of participants: 10 inmates Objectives of the Programme

To discuss with inmates importance of education in each individual’s life. To discuss with inmates different options available to them to continue their

education.

About the Programme The session had mostly young participants. The worker discussed them the importance of education, reasons for dropping out from the education system, their interestin pursuing higher education, options available to them, and the benefits of getting back to studies. Participants shared their experiences and reasons for dropping out and most of them believed that if they were educated, they would have made some different decisions in life.

Outcomes of the Programme Several participants expressed a desire to continue education if provided with

an option to do so. Participants realized that availing benefits of certain welfare schemes of the

Government and NGOs requires a minimum level of education. Participants who first expressed their desire to continue with education

managed to influence other inmates as well. The social worker followed up on this matter with the Prison Superintendent,

District Education Officer and Secretary, General Exams, Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board.

6. Awareness program on District and State legal services Authority and Legal aid

No. of participants: 13 inmates Objectives of the Programme

Provide information and create awareness of the Legal Aid Scheme under the Legal Services authority act so that participants can avail benefits of the scheme.

Discuss options with participants to overcome challenge faced by them in availing the services of Legal aid.

Motivate participantsto avail the services of Legal Aid.

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Outcomes of the Programme Participants felt more confident about benefittingfrom the scheme.

More inmates are nowusing the scheme and applying for legal aid advocates.

Inmates feel confident about discussing their problems with the magistrate and Legal Aid Lawyers.

Challenges

1. Getting permission from prison authorities to bring outside resources for conducting training/awareness sessions in the prison is a long process. To overcome this, social workers usually equip themselves with the knowledge required to conduct these sessions on their own. For example, the worker visited implementing agencies to gather requisite information while organizing the session on Ma Amrutum and Ma Vatsalya schemes of the government.

2. While there is considerable support and cooperation from the prison staff, there are times when workers are not allowed to form groups in the prison due to security reasons. This affects the schedule of the sessions.

3. Bring private training agencies into the prison is a challenge. The government training agencies have strict criteria and norms related to required documents, age and educational qualifications, and area of intervention. Hence, the socialworkersconstantly follow-up with government agencies to ensure that aiming programmes are organised in the prison.

Supporting inmates to continue Education while in Prison

Prayas social workers encourage and support prison inmates to continue their education while in prison. However, until this year, workers followed up in only in cases where inmates expressed a desire to study further. As a result of the awareness program organised by the Prayas worker in the prison about importance of education, 11 inmates expressed a desire to appear for class 10 examination and 4 for class 12. Prayas held a meeting with Exam Secretary, Gujarat State Secondary and Higher Secondary Board to take this ahead. He appreciated the idea of prison inmates appearing for board examinations and discussed the matter with I. G. Prisons, who, in turn,wrote to Superintendents of all prisons in Gujarat, directing them to fill up forms of inmates who wished to appear for Board exams. As a result of this follow up total 68 inmates appeared for class 10 exams and total 36 inmates appeared for class 12 exams from prisons of Gujarat.Four prisons in the state were identified as centres for the exams and prisoners were transferred to the nearest centre for the purpose of writing the exams. Challenges

1. Following up and convincing prison authorities and the Education Department aboutallowing examinations to be held in prisons was a challenge.

2. Most of who wished to appear for board examinations had dropped out of school at least 2-3 years ago. While Prayas stepped in to support inmates to resolve challenges that came up as a result of this,there is a need for policy level intervention if this program is to be sustained long terms in all prisons in the State. Some of the challenges faced were:

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a. Getting inmates’ last school leaving certificate from the family; getting a duplicate copy from the school last attended in cases where the family had misplaced this.

b. Procuring study material for the inmates. c. Need for tutors in the prison. d. Procuring stationary such as pens, pencils, geometry boxes, material

for drawing exam etc. e. Some of the inmates who had filled the examination form as undertrial

prisoners got release on bail, leading to apprehension about their examination centre, since this was inside the prison.

Prayas workersfollowed up with families, principals of concerned schools and District Education Department to get the necessary documents.Prayas also supported the inmates by providing them with educational and study material and also followed up with the DEO office for additional study material. Future Plan: Follow up with I.G. Prisons and State Education Department about issues raised during the process of prison inmates appearing for board examinations, and organise a meeting with State Education department and I.G. prisons to resolve these.

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Bharuch Sub Jail Female Section

Statistics:

Sr.No. Broad Services Specific Services Statistics 1 Total Outreach

No. of inmates given Socio-Legal Information 90 No. of inmates reached out to through programs

49

2 Visits to Prisons Visits to Prisons 114 3 Regular Visits to Prison

and group sessions, activities and programs

No. of programs organised in Prison 11

No. of inmates who participated in the programs

123

Follow up visits to Prison Authority for obtaining permission to organize programs in prison

38

Visits to identify resource persons/agencies for programs

31

No. of community resources contacted to organize programs in Prison

12

4 Provide income generation avenues to interested women

No. of women given training for income generation activity

----

No. of women given work on piece rate basis ---- Visits to Women's Section by Activity teacher ----

5 Organize Legal Awareness Sessions

No. of inmates reached out to through Legal awareness programsduring the year

----

Follow up visits to Prison Authority for obtaining permission to organize Legal Awareness programs in prison

06

Visits to identify resource persons/agencies /DLSA/SLSA for programs

09

No. of Applications written 29 No. of inmates getting Legal Aid lawyers with Prayas’ support

16

Visits to court 40 Visits to Magistrates 11 Visits to advocates 33

6 Provide Socio-Legal Information to Under Trial Prisoners

No. of inmates provided with counseling services

108

No. of Inmates provided with Legal advice 108 No. of Socio –Legal Counseling sessions with inmates

298

7 Contact/Communicate/emergency support for families of prisoners

Phone calls to family members 541 Home Visits 34 No. of families reached out to 15 No. of family members benefitted by support from Prayas

20

Support for ration 05 Medical support 04

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Support for shelter 04 Support for education 04

8 Visits (inmates and Family Member)

Visits to Government Office 29 Visits to NGO 06

9 Referred to After care No of cases 12 Follow-up after release 09

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Bharuch Sub Jail - Female Section

Organize group sessions, activities and programmes

Between April and March 2016, Twelve programs were organized for women inmates.

1. Drawing and Painting activity session No. of participants: 13 inmates Clients were provided with drawing sheets and colours and asked to draw about their lives. Most inmatesdrew about lives in prison and their thoughts about life outside prison. Based on these drawings and what theinmates shared as they drew, the Prayas social worker conducted a discussion with them about the Prayas Rehabilitation Program and the support that they can expect from Prayas on their release from prison.

2. Awareness program on Ma Amrutumand Ma Vatsalya scheme of Government of Gujarat No. of participants: 12 inmates

Ma Amrutam Scheme refers to health insurance for people under BPL category.Individuals enrolled in this scheme can avail of cashless treatment. Ma Vatasalya scheme reaches out to mothers and their children upto 21 years of age to provide them with health insurance. 3 inmates approached Prayas workers for support to register them under the scheme.

3. Awareness programme on de-addiction

No. of participants: 9 inmates For details about the program, please refer to the male section of this report.

4. Awareness programme on the importance of education

Objectives of the program:

To make inmates aware of the importance of education.

To share information with inmates about various alternatives for continuing their education while in prison.

Process to organize the program:

Discussion with inmates about the need for the program.

Discussion with Jail authority to explain to them the need for the program and to seek their permission.

About the programme

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The inmates and workers discussed the importance of education. Inmates expressed their views and shared why they could not study further and had to drop out. Some of them also expressed a desire to study further.

Outcomes of the programme

3 inmates expressed the desire to continue studying while in prison.

1 inmate expressed the need for basic literacy, and another inmate volunteered to help her.

Follow up by Prayas:

Social workers have followed up at Jan SikshanSansthan for courses under Dr. BabasahebAmbedkar Open University.

Inmates will fill forms for Certificate course in Computing and Certificate in Personal Computer Software in November. The information brochures for these courses were shared with inmates, who then decided to enroll for the course.

5. Awareness programme on who to reach out to during crisis

For details about the program, please refer to the male section of this report.

6. Antakshari session for women inmates

No. of participants: 13 inmates With the objective to ease client’s tension and with the objective of entertainment, antakshari session was planned for women inmates. The women participated very enthusiastically.

7. Information sharing on the Importance of Small Savings

No. of participants: 7 inmates

The objective of the program was to make participants aware of the importance of small savings and how they can break through the barrier that stops them from saving. Topics covered include the Importance of small savings, financial planning for small savings, ideas to save, process of saving, barriers one faces while deciding to save, where can one do small savings.There was also a discussion around bank accounts. The participants who did not have bank account requested the creation of one; the social worker asked them to contact Prayas on release.

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8. Activity Session on Mehendi

No. of participants: 8 inmates Women inmates were provided with a mehendi practice book and pencils to learn and practice Mehendi during their leisure time in prison. They practiced with this for close to 3 months. Once they could draw the patterns well in the book, a practice session conducted. Each participant was given a mehendi cone, which they used to practice on their hand. They were also provided with washing and bathing soaps to motivate them.

9. Awareness session on strengths and weaknesses of individuals

No. of participants: 8 inmates The discussion was planned with the objective of helping inmates to identify their own strength and weaknesses. Participants were provided with sheets of paper and pen, were given time to think and note down what they felt are their strengths and weaknesses. This was followed by a discussion about how can they build on strengths and address their weaknesses and convert them into strengths. The session concluded with a discussion on rehabilitation and how Prayas can help in the process.

10. Legal Awareness Session

No. of participants: 17 inmates Women inmates attended the program on legal awareness organized by Prayas in coordination with District Legal Services Authority.

11. Vocational Training Programme for inmates

To organize vocational training program for inmates, social workers visited KaushalyaVardhan Kendra, Bharuch. On hearing about the inmates’ needs, the trainer suggested various traits in which they could be trained. Conducting any vocational training program through KVKs requires permission from ITIs. Workers also visited ITI , Bharuch for this purpose but haven’t been able to meet the principal yet. Worker will follow up on this and organize a Government training program in the prison.

12. Educational Awareness Programme in Prison

As a result of educational awareness program organized for women inmates during the last reporting period, 2 inmates expressed a desire to enroll in aCertificate course in Computer Software at Dr. BabasahebAmbedkar Open University. The Prayas worker followed up with JSS, Bharuch for enrollment of these clients. A follow up discussion was also held with Superintendent, Bharuch Sub Jail, to seek permission for the inmates to practice on computers in prison. Further follow up after one of the inmates was released on bail and another acquitted, has not been possible.

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13. Recreational Activity

No. of participants: 11 inmates

All inmates, including older ones, participated enthusiastically in the games that were organized for them. Here are the outcomes of this session:

It reduced the stressed and anxious environment in the prison. Playing together helped the inmates to bond. Games made inmates more hopeful and positive.

Challenges

Getting permission from prison authorities to bring in outside resources for organizing programs is a long process. This leads to delays in planning and organising sessions.

Only those programs which do not require much material are planned because of problems with getting permission for taking in material required for programs.

Even in cases where permission is obtained from I. G. office to organise a program, the Prison Superintendent might deny permission cosindering the situation of the prison at that time: renovation work, overcrowding, security reasons etc.

Vocational Training Programme for inmates

Permission is obtained from I.G. office to organize vocational training programsin both the sections of Prisons (male & female). Prayas has coordinated with Baroda SwarojgarVikasSansthan for organizing trainings. Both the organizations will share the training expenses

Organize Legal Awareness Sessions in Prison

Prayas has contacted District Legal services Authority to organize legal awareness sessions in the Prison for inmates on a regular basis. The programs will be planned in coordination with Prayas and DLSA.

The social worker continues to hold small group sessions with inmates to discuss legal issues. In these sessions, the worker explains their case, discusses charge sheets, provides women legal updates about their cases after following up with advocates, and also shares information about the services of DLSA and SLSA.

A legal awareness program for inmates in coordination with the District Legal Services Authority was planned for 19th September 15. However, the program was postponed due to heavy rains, which made it impossible to make seating arrangements for the inmates. The worker has continued with legal sessions to make up for this.

Arrangefree legal aid through lawyers of DLSA/SLSA

Social worker provides following services, to support clients to avail services of DLSA/SLSA

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1. Provide information about services of Legal Services Authority. 2. Motivate inmates to avail benefit of the scheme. 3. Support inmates by writing applications on their behalf to get lawyers from

District/State Legal Services Authority. 4. Follow up in courts, with advocates and magistrates about the case. 5. Coordinate with inmates, advocates, family members and concerned courts to get

legal documents in place.

Outcome of arranging free legal aid lawyers for clients

1. Enabling clients to exercise their legal rights. 2. Assist hose clients who are poor and vulnerable to move towards getting legal justice. 3. Creating a feeling of hope amongst inmates. 4. Getting an advocate through this system increases the inmates’ trust in the Prayas

social worker.

Outcome of the follow up with District Legal Services Authority

1. Positive relationships 2. Prayas point of view about need to give legal aid to prison inmates has been

highlighted.

Challenges in Supporting inmates to avail benefit of DLSA

1. There is a lack of coordination between client, family and legal aid lawyers. This gives rise to the following problem:

Legal aid lawyers who are appointed for the trials of inmates are hesitant to assist them if they wish to apply for bail.

Clients sometimes pressurize their family to engage private lawyers in, even when they have a legal aid lawyer. Sometimes families who are not aware that inmateshave engaged legal aid lawyer, go ahead and hire a private lawyer. Consequently, there are conflicts between advocates, and sometimes, between the inmates and their families and also with Prayas. The social worker is then required to step in to try and retrieve documents from the private lawyer.

In their impatience to get their case cleared, inmates sometime get both a legal aid and a private lawyer appointed. They usually withdraw from the private lawyer when they cannot pay the fees. The legal aid lawyer is reluctant to take back a case in such situations.

There have been cases where legal aid lawyers have expected fees from the inmates.

It is very important to have positive coordination between client, family and the advocates. The social worker tries to play this role.

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Supporting the inmates to get Free Legal Aid lawyer from SLSA

During this reporting period, the worker supported 4 inmates to apply for bail at the High Court by obtaining services of free legal aid lawyers appointed by State Legal Services Authority. As a result of these follow ups, 3 clients have been released on bail.

Support provided by worker

Support in writing application to High Court Legal Services Authority. Follow up for appointment of advocates. Arranging meetings between appointed advocates and inmates’ families. Follow up and coordinate with SLSA, DLSA, Sessions court and advocates so that

inmates’ documents from lower court reach the appointed advocates. Follow up and coordinate with inmates in prison and family members so that they are

informed about the process(to reduce the anxiety caused by a long process). Once the High Court grants bail, follow up at the district court so that free Legal Aid

advocates are appointed to complete the process for bail.

Challenges in supporting inmates to avail benefit of SLSA

Most inmates do not have all the legal documents required by the appointed advocates.

Guidelinesare not clear for how advocates can obtain legal documents from the lower court - it is time consuming and requires a lot of follow up from the social workerand coordination between advocates, DLSA, SLSA and inmates.

Coordination issues between families of inmates, advocates and workers. Following up at the district court for appointment of free Legal Aid advocates

complete the bail process once the High Court grants bail is a challenge because it is not clear if an inmate can obtain legal aid lawyer for only this service.

Socio- Legal Information to Women Clients

The social worker discusses legal cases with inmates, along with their problems, family or any other relationship issues and accordingly counsels them. Inmates find this service useful. It helps the worker to build a positive relationship with them, and to initiate a discussion on post release plans and their thoughts on the need for rehabilitation.

The worker reaches out to inmates through following interventions

Discussion about inmates and their family members and counseling related to this.

Discussion on issues faced by inmates in prison and by their families outside.

Legal Guidance.

Discussion about Legal Status of the case and action plan.

Discussion about their medical needs.

Sharing information about Prayas Rehabilitation Program.

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Discussion on post release plans.

Planning and discussions about services which could be provided by worker (such as home visits, telephone calls, writing applications, and follow up in court).

Outcomes of Socio-Legal Counselling

Relationship building between inmates and worker.

Reduction of anxiety and stress levels of inmates.

Inmates become better informed about their rights and the legal status of cases.

Discussion on post release plans is initiated once inmates lean about Prayas Rehabilitation Program.

Worker gets insight on problems and issues faced by clients and their families.

Family becomes involved in the process in several cases.

Contact/communication/emergency support to Family Members

The social worker contacts and reaches out to family members of women inmates with two objectives:

To support family members in crisis which arise as a result of imprisonment of a family member.

To encourage and motivate the family to support the rehabilitation process of the concerned inmate.

The worker supports family members for education, medical reasons, shelter and ration. The worker coordinates with inmates, family members, and various Government and non-government resources to do this effectively.

The worker also contacts families and tries to motivate them to come for regular mulakat. This supports the women, and also encourages the process of rehabilitation.

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Case Study 1

Rita and Seema were arrested under sections of theft and were sent to Judicial Custody at Bharuch sub jail. When the Prayas social worker met them inprison, Seema shared the following:

She has 4.5 year old daughter, who was in her father’s custody.

The child’s father had TB, and no fixed means of livelihood to support himself and the daughter.

Seema request the social worker to make a home Visit and encourage her family to attend a Mulakat.

She sought support for daily requirements like soap, toothpaste, clothes etc.

Seema would also require legal aid.

Services provided by the worker

Home visits.

Encouraged the father to undertake medical treatment.

Support for hospitalization of the father.

Support to procure medicines.

Created support system in hospital to take care of the young girl while father was in the hospital.

Arrangement for food and clothes for the girl.

Supported the mother to put in a legal application to the court for custody of her daughter while in prison.

Follow up in court.

When the father left the daughter with relatives and went away to Vadodara, the worker followed up with the family to get the girl to appear in court.

Application for legal aid from DLSA.

Follow up with advocate.

After custody of daughter was given to the mother, the worked followed up with prison officers regarding clothes, extra food, milk, hot water for the child and coordinated with Aanganwadi worker in the area.

Encouraged father to attend mulakat in prison.

Provided support to the husband in the police station when police detained him.

To provide the above services, the worker followed up with the following Government and non government agencies:

Jail Superintendent and Jailor

Medical officer from civil hospital

SewaYagnaSamiti(NGO)

Family members

Court

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Magistrate

Police

Aanganwadi worker

Advocate

Outcome of Services

Seema could get custody of her daughter inside the prison.

Medical treatment was provided to the husband.

Seema could get family support.

Prayas could gain Seema’s trust, which made discussions with her easier and the relationship was strengthened.

Discussion regarding Prayas Rehabilitation Program could be initiated.

Follow up of women inmates who are transferred to Surat Central Jail or Vadodara Central Jail

Follow up was done in 4 cases where women inmates were transferred from Bharuch jail to Surat and Vadodara Central Prison.

Support was provided in terms of legal aid, family support and education and vocational training for children outside the prison.

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Children of Prisoners

Sr.No Broad Services Specific Services Statistics 1 Total Outreach

No. of children reached out to 46(09) Inside prison 19 Outside prison 27

2 Arrange recreational, educational and health activities for children and their mothers in prison

Follow up visits to Prison Authorities for intervention with children in prison

16

No. of program organised in Prison ---- No. of Government organisations contacted 15 No. of Non Govt. organisations contacted 07 Visits to identify resource persons/agencies for program

---

No. of women prisoners reached out through programs

---

No. of children reached out through programs --- 3 Regular meetings with

anganwadi teachers in prisons and with ICDS officials

Visits to Supervisor of ICDS 02

Visits to CDPO or other senior officers ---- Visit to anganwadis in prisons of the state 01

No. of meetings with Anganwadi teachers 07 No. of meetings with Supervisor of ICDS --- No. of Meetings with CDPO or other senior officers of ICDS program

---

No. of children benefitted as a result of these meetings

10

4 Support for continuing education and make school visit whenever required

No. of children supported to continue education process

13

Arranging for financial support for school fees, tuition fees, bus/auto fees, uniform, study material etc.

----

Educational Institutions Visits 08 Visits to Community resources 09 Visits to Government offices 11

5 Arrange meetings between imprisoned mothers and their children living outside

No. of Meetings arranged between imprisoned mothers and children living outside

18

No. of children benefitted 11 Visits to Shelter homes 05

6 Arrange institutional or foster care for children without family support

No. of children supported to be placed in institutions or fostercare

05

1. Visits to CWC 05 2. Visits to DCPO/Probation officer 06 3.Visits to concerned courts 14

7 Other support to Children Medical Support 06 cases

Support for ration 02 cases 8 Home Visits Home Visits 13

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Intervention with children of prisoners

Inside Prison

Nutritional Food for Children in Prison: The social worker followedup with Jail superintendent to provide special food for children, in line with R.D. Upadhyay Guidelines for diet for children in prison. As a result children received more milk and packets of biscuits. The worker has discussed with the medical officer to prescribe fruits for children. The worker also coordinated with ICDS Aanganwadi near to prison to discuss nutritional needs of children in prison. As a result of the worker’s follow up, the Aanganwadi teacher provided supplementary food for the children living inside the prison during this reporting period. The worker then held a discussion with the Jail superintendent to allow the packed food to be mixed with hot milk and served to the children.

Worker has followed up with Supervisor, ICDS program, Bharuch for continuous provision for dry food packets for children in Bharuch Sub jail. Providing fruits to children in prison was also discussed, as a result of which, theAnganwadi near Bharuch sub Jail now provides this to thechildren. They are also ready to provide hot nutritional snacks to the children, if the prisonauthorities could get this collected. However, this has been not possible due to shortage of prison staff. The worker will continue to follow up on this.

Medical Support:

The worker supported an inmate who is a mother to follow up in the Civil Hospital for treatment of her child. The worker also coordinated with a NGO for medicines for the child.

Discussions with women inmates with children and other inmates: The social worker counseled women inmates with children as well as other inmates to make them understand child behavior and child counseling. This was to prevent them from getting unnecessarily upset and annoyed with children living inside the prison. The counseling helped to prevent conflicts between inmates.

The worker coordinated with NGOs in Bharuch to provide clothes and toys to children in prison.

Recreational Activities for Children: Prayas has provided toys, colours, chart papers, slates and pens to the children. The worker has encouraged literate women inmates in prison to help with providing basic education to the children.

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Follow up for Birth Certificate: The worker followed up and coordinated with Prison authority for follow up at Bharuch Nagarpalika for issuing birth certificate for a child born to a woman inmate in Bharuch subjail.

Encouraging Mulakat with imprisoned mother:

1. Mulakat of children living in Government Shelter Home: At present there is one child in the Children’s Home for boys whose mother is in prison. The worker follows up with the Superintendent of Government Shelter Home so that the child can regularly meet his imprisoned mother. This Mulakat happens in the office of the Prison Superintendent for a minimum of 30 minutes.

2. Mulakat of children living with family members: The worker motivates family members to bring children to Prison for Mulakat with mothers through Home Visits and telephone calls. In some cases the family is also given TA to ensure that they do this. .

Supporting Women for transferring custody of children to relatives: The worker supported an inmate and coordinated with family members and the court to transfer the custody of her child who was inside the prison to the father outside the prison. The worker assisted the father to write applications and with legal procedures to get this done.

Recreational, education al and health activities for children and their mothers in Prison:

1. Information and awareness on Healthy and Nutritious Diet No. of participants: 7 inmates; 3 children During this program, information about the importance of a balanced diet was provided to participants. This included the kind of nutrients present in different food groups, methods to get healthy and nutritious diet on low cost, and alternative methods to help children get all nutrientsfrom their meals. The women and children were also given papers and crayons to color pictures of common food from all food groups. Though participants enjoyed the discussion and participated in it, they were hesitant to colour with crayons. But they eventually enjoyed this as well. Participants had questions around how to focus and concentrate on diet when they’re engrossed in labour. The group itself suggested alternative solutions to this problem.

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Intervention in cases of Children of Women Inmates living outside prison

Worker provides following services to children who are living outside:

1. Home Visit to assess the child’s and family’s situation.

2. Counseling children and family members.

3. Arranging Mulakat.

4. Providing support for continuing education.

5. Arranging vocational training in case of older children.

6. In cases where family cannot come for mulakat, keeping contact with them to get information about the child and keeping the inmate informed.

7. Arranging for shelter.

8. Supporting the inmate to get the child’s custody in prison.

9. Providing support to the family: legal, medical, shelter and education of children, and any emergency support.

10. Following up and coordinating with the staff of the Children’s home.

1.Support to women inmates to get custody of children living outside(5 children):

Writing application

Coordination with Jail staff

Follow up in Court

Follow up with Child Welfare Committee

Follow up with DCPO

Follow up with family

Follow up at local Police Station

2. Support for Continuing education:

Support was provided to 4 children for continuing education. o One among these children was assisted to get ration from a NGO. o Another child was admitted into a Government Institution (shelter Home) to

continue her education with the support of Child Welfare Committee. o The 2 other children were continuously counseled so that they do not drop out

of school.

Support was also provided to procure school uniform and other stationary.

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In one case, the mother who was released from prison on bail had not paid fees of the school. The worker contacted District Education Officer for freeship/scholarship and a NGO for support to pay fees.The worker has continued to follow up in the school so that the children continue their studies, and also encouraged one of the relatives to pay fees for non-curricular activities in school.

Support for fees: o Worker coordinated and followed up to get fees for a child as donation from

aNGO.The NGO paid annual fee of Rs.2500 for the child studying in class 1. o In the case of an inmate whose daughter is pursuing M.B. B.S. in Russia, fees

became an issue since both the parents were in prison. The social worker is assistinggirl’s brother to get in touch with agencies who can provide educational assistance tothe girl.

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Case Study - 1

Follow up for continuing education of children living outside.

Police placed an inmate’s child at an observation home after she was imprisoned. The inmate was anxious that her in laws might withdraw the child from school. The worker coordinated with the inmate, the Superintendent of the observation home, and the school principal to figure out what can be done if such a situation arises. The worker supported the mother to write an application to observation home and the school.

Once the grandmother took custody of the child and took him to live with her in Kutch, it became difficult to admit him to school without any documents. While the child was in Kutch with the grandmother:

The worker coordinated with District Child Protection Unit in Bharuch for the child’s school admission in Kutch.

Further, there were problems with paying the school fees. The worker suggested that the family and the inmate seek support from a NGO. However, this was ruled out as they were reluctant to reveal the imprisonment to the community.

Eventually, the child could not be admitted in a school in Kutch. The child wasn’t able to adjust to the family, who eventually refused to take responsibility for him and brought him back to the Chidren’s home in Bharuch.

Workers’ Intervention:

Since there were administrative delays in placing the child back in the Children’s Home, the worker followed up with the Superintendent of NariSamrakshan Kendra and District Samaj Suraksha Adhikari to arrange for shelter for the child’s grandmother and aunt Worker in NariSarakshan Kendra, Bharuch.

Followed up with Children’s Home Staff for the child’s re-admission. Held counseling sessions with the inmate, family members and the child.

Once the child was admitted back into Children’s Home, the worker intervened at various levels:

Followed up with Children’s Home staff and District Education Officer for admission of the child in school during mid term.

Arranged mulakat of the child with the inmate. Supportedthe inmate to write an application to the Children’s Home to continue the

child’s education. Once the child was admitted into a private school, followed up with the school

administration. Held counseling sessions with child and the inmate. Provided medical support to the inmate.

The child has settled and adjusted well in the children’s home and has appeared for class 6 exams.

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Case Study 2

An inmate’s child was pursuing M. B. B.S in Russia. Payment of fees became a problem since the parents were imprisoned.. The worker supported the family members to raise funds for fees. However, the girl was required to return from Russia since they were unable to raise the funds. Since this was to be her first experience traveling alone to New Delhi and since news of he parents’ imprisonment had left her disturbed, the inmates and their son requested Prayas’ help.Prayas provided the following support:

o Identified NGO in New Delhi to support her. o Coordinated between the girl and the NGO. o Arranged for transport within in Delhi and to reach Ahmedabad. o Supported her till she reached Bharuch from Ahmedabad and met her brother.

Challenges in working with children who are living outside

1. In cases where the family lives far away, follow up becomes very difficult. 2. Admission of children in other schools during midterm requires lot of follow up. 3. Arranging vocational training for older children who have dropped out of school at

early stage becomes a challenge. These children then get into exploitative situationsto earn an income and sustain themselves.

4. Arranging mulakat for children who are living far away with their relatives is difficult.

5. Sometimes family and inmate makehasty decisions regarding a child’s custody and education, which negatively impacts the child’s adjustment in the school or with the extended family.

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Socio- economic Rehabilitation of Women


Identification of vocational training centres:

Experience has shown that it is very difficult for women from taluka places and interior villages to come to Bharuch for vocational trainings. Thus a decision was taken that the social worker of the after care unit, will visit talukas of Bharuch District and identify government and non government agencies which can provide support to women in their rehabilitation process. Another objective for visits and identification of training centres was the creation of data bank of services available for women in the district. In addition, the social worker has also been trying to identify projects being implemented in rural areas under various government schemes. Visits have been made to KaushalyaVardhan Kendra run by the Director of Employment & Training, Government of Gujarat and it is to identify short-term courses run by them. Vocational training courses run by individuals in villages are also being evaluated so that clients can be provided with more options.

Placement of clients for training: Once a client expresses interest in a training program, the social worker discusses with them the options available in that area. The social worker also pays a home visit to solicit the family’s support for training the client. Finally, the social worker visits the training agency with the client so that that the client can select the suitable program from available options. During the past one year, the social worker supported and followed up on several client cases for training placement.

Placement for continuing education: Support was provided to family members of clients to pursue higher education where a need for the same was stated.

Linking clients with government schemes:The social worker has support clients with documentation to help those benefits from the Vidhwa Sahay Yojana of Samaj Suraksha department. Additionally, they are also following up at the District Industries Centre to ensure that after care clients can benefit by ManavKalyanYojana of the Government.

Supporting clients to get citizenship rights documents: Support in the form of follow up and documentation was provided to clients to procure citizenship rights documents such as election card and Aadhar card.

Medical support:Support was provided to families of clients in the form of counseling, coordination with NGOs working in related fields, benefiting from government schemes such as AmrutumYojana for cashless medical treatment, and financial assistance.

Income generation: Support in the form of identifying income generation activities was provided to clients where required.

Awareness sessions for after care clients: Awareness sessions were organized through the year for after care male and female clients. Objectives of these sessions were:

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o Understand issues faced by clients that hamper the process of their rehabilitation.

o Understand needs and expectations of clients. o Create awareness about government schemes for vocational training – Din

DayalUpadhyayGraminKaushalyaYojana and PradahanMantriKaushalyaVikasYojana were discussed in detail. The program officer of the District Rural Development Agency, who was invited as a resource person for this particular session, provided detailed information about these schemes and also about other programs and services of DRDA.

o Understand the gaps in services provided by Prayas.

Vocational training for after care clients: A two-day training program for agarbatti making was organized for male and female after care clients.


Several new vocational training centres were identified in rural areas for the benefit of clients, from where the social received positive responses. Here is the detailed list:

o Government vocational training centres: ITI, Pursa village, taluka Amod KaushalyaVardhan Kendra, taluka Amod KaushalyaVardhan Kendra, taluka Bharuch ITI, taluka Bharuch KaushalyaVardhan Kendra, Tankariya village, taluka Bharuch ITI, taluka Jambusar ITI, Rajpipla, Narmada district ITI, run by Kutir and Gramudyog Department at Rajpipla, Narmada

District Akhil Hind MahilaParishad, Rajpipla MahilaVividhlakshi Kendra, Rajpipla, District Narmada KaushalyaVardhan Kendra, taluka Rajpardi, district Bharuch District health centre, district Bharuch Government Technical college, Bharuch District industries centre, Bharuch District rural development agency, Bharuch Mamlatdar office, taluka Amod Taluka panchayat office, taluka Amod KaushalyaVardhan Kendra, Pariage, taluka Bharuch

o Private vocational training centres: Vidhyadeep Community College, Bharuch Patel welfare Hospital, Bharuch Sagar Tailoring Class, Bharuch Kaka-Ba Hospital, Taluka Hansot Riya tailoring Training Centre, taluka Jambusar Kaka-Ba Hospital, taluka Hansot

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The process of identification of training has been initiated for 13 clients.

8 clients were placed for training, out of which 5 have successfully completed their programs.

The process of continuing education was initiated for 5 clients, among whom we had 4 enrolments and 2 successful achievements of goals thus far. 11 visits were made to educational institutions in this regard.

5 clients were supported for acquiring citizenship rights documents and 17 visits were made to government offices in this regard.

Process for availing benefits from government schemes was initiated for 5 clients. 27 visits were made to government agencies in this regard, and the process has been successfully completed for 2 clients.

10 clients were provided with income generation kits. Discussions and counseling with clients and/or families in this regard were initiated in 46 cases and 16 visits were made to entrepreneurs for training, raw material etc.

12 clients were provided with legal support.

4 clients received medical support.

3 clients were provided with emergency support.

Challenges

Courses in government training centres start only when minimum number of trainees enrol themselves for the course, which is usually 25-30

The process from identifying a training program to starting it is a long one due to various permissions required. Clients tend to lose interest and motivation while waiting.

Most common training programs are for beauty parlours and computers, which do not interest our clients, who are more interested in tailoring since they’re slightly older (25-30 years average).

The KaushalyaVardhanKendra’s, which are run by the government, have stopped offering short-term courses. Instead they have a full time year long course, which, while effective in building skills which can be used for income generation, makes it difficult for women to invest so much time when they have other responsibilities.

The minimum qualification requirement of class 5, to get admission in KVK courses, has been increased to Class 8, which has been disadvantageous for women who had earlier dropped out of education.

While clients are keen to take up training programs, identifying resources for income generation after training remains a challenge.

Future plans

Organize awareness sessions for clients on various relevant topics at least once in two months, to provide them with information as well as address concerns.

Identify vocational training centres in more districts and rural areas.

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Follow up with clients who attended the training program on agarbatti making for an advanced course to build their skills, and also help them procure raw materials and marketing support.

Statistics

Sr.No


Total 1 Total outreach 14

Old case 25 New case 15

2 Visits to Identify Vocational Training Centres

No. Of Government Training Centres Identified

15

No. Of Vocational Training Centres (Non Govt.) Identified

12

Visits to Vocational Training Centres (Government)

25

Visits to Vocational Training Centres (Non Government)

30

3 Placement of Clients in training centres

Visits to training centres with clients/family members (Pre-placement)

08

Follow up visits to training centres 31 Phone calls to training Centres 108 Discussion/counseling with clients with regards to progress of training

120

Discussion/counseling with family members with regards to the training of client

42

Home Visits 42 No. of clients with whom process of identification of training is initiated

13

No. of clients placed for Vocational Training 08 No. of clients dropped out from training 02 No. of clients Successfully completed training 05

4 Support clients for enhancing education

No. of clients with whom process of continuing education is initiated

05

No. of clients enrolled for continuing education 04 No. of clients dropped out from the process ---- No. of clients successfully reached the goal 02 Visits to educational institutes 11 Visits to educational institutes (non formal/open schools/distance education)

----

5 Support clients for obtaining citizenship rights documents

No. of clients supported to obtain citizenship documents

05

No. of clients who obtained citizenship documents

02

115

Visits to Government offices 17 6 Linking clients

with government schemes

No. of clients with whom process is initiated for taking benefit of govt. scheme

03

No.of clients received benefit of Govt. Scheme 01 Visits to Government agencies 27

7 Exploring Possibility of Income Generation

Provide clients income generation Kit 10

Visits along with client to identify entrepreneurs for training, raw material, marketing etc.

16

Discussions/counseling with clients/family members

46

No. of clients with whom process of self employment/entrepreneurship is initiated

05

8 Other Rehabilitation services for clients

No. of clients given legal support 12 No. of clients given medical support 04 No. of clients given emergency support 03 Visits for legal support 16 Visits for medical support 14 Visits for emergency support 02

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Socio-Economic Rehabilitation of Youth


Identification of vocational training centres: Visits were made to numerous government and non-government vocational training centres to create a database for clients so that referencing happens faster.

Placement of clients for training: Once clients have expressed interest in a particular training program, the social worker has discussed available options, paid home visits to enlist family support, and visited relevant training agencies to help clients enrol for the program of their choice.

Support clients for enhancing education: The social worker has been closely following up with clients undertaking major examinations and ensuring that they have the relevant documents in place to write these exams. Additionally, the social worker has also motivated clients to take up higher education, liaised with relevant organizations for loans, and helped them with procuring study material.

Linking clients with government schemes:The social worker has been involved during this period in obtaining loans under the Vajpai Bankable Yojana of District Industries Centre and availing benefit under the Ma Amrutum scheme for medical insurance on behalf of clients. Follow ups are being done with the Mamlatdar office, taluka Amod and the medical officer of the Block health centre in this regard.

Support clients for obtaining citizenship rights documents:The process for obtaining ration cards is one and the social worker has been supporting clients with documentation for the same. Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, house rent receipts, Aadhar cards are some of the other documents that the social worker is helping clients with. Follow up visits have been made to Mamlatdar office, Jhagadia taluka; Gram Panchayat, Rajpardi; Primary school, Bhimpor-Sankalia, taluka Jhagadia.

Awareness sessions for aftercare clients: A get-together cum awareness sessions was organized for after care youth clients, with the following objectives:

o Activate the after-care program of the Bharuch unit o Build relationship with clients and family members o Understand the issues that hamper the process of rehabilitation o Introduce and discuss Prayas rehabilitation program with clients and family

members o Discuss gaps in services provided by Prayas o Discuss client needs and expectations


Several new vocational training centres were identified and visited during this period. Here is a comprehensive list:

o Government vocational training centres:

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KaushalyaVardhan Kendra, Anksleshwar, run by the Commissioner of employment and training, Gujarat state

P.C. Training Institute, Bharuch, a project run by DRDA under Din DayalUpadhyay Gram KaushalyaYojana

Orion Edu TechPvt. Ltd. Bharuch, project run by DRDA under Din DayalUpadhyay Gram KaushalyaYojana

ITI, Ankleshwar for short term vocational courses run by Van BandhuKalyanYojana for STs

Jan ShikshanSansthan, Bharuch Mission Mangalam training centre, a project run by DRDA

Ankleshwar ITI, Jhagadia KaushalyaVardhan Kendra, Rajpardi ITI, Valia taluka ITI, Bharuch S.R. Shroff Aajivika Trust, Ankleshwar (Training centre of

DDUGKY) C.L. Educate Ltd., Ankleshwar (Training centre of DDUGKY) Edu Job Academy, Palej (Training centre of PMKGY and

DDUGKY) o Private vocational training centres:

Indira Gandhi vocational training centre, Bharuch GOLS vocational training centre, run by GIDC, Bharuch C.DAC computer training centre, Bharuch Patarawala motor driving training centre, Bharuch C.Dac computer training centre, Ankleshwar Sun Shine computer and spoken English centre, Ankleshwar Royal computer training centre, Ankleshwar Aslam motor garage, Valia VivekanandGramin technical Kendra, Jhagadia Baroda SwarojgarVikasSansthan, Bharuch Vocational training centre, Jain social group, Bharuch Flora paradise flower shop, Bharuch Jalaram flower shop, Bharuch Florista, Bharuch Shree NavDurga beauty parlour, Bharuch Birla Century, Jhagadia Mona motor driving training centre, Rajpardi

4 clients have been placed for vocational training, out of 14 for whom the process of identification has been initiated. 92 home visits, 19 visits and 37 calls to training centres have been made in this regard.

6 clients have enrolled for continuing education out of 13 for whom the process has been initiated. 15 educational institutes have been visited in this regard.

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2 clients have been supported to obtain citizenship documents. This has involved 15 visits to government offices.

The process for availing benefits from government schemes has been initiated for 3 clients. This has involved 8 visits to government offices.

In the area of income generation, the process of self employment/entrepreneurship has been initiated for 3 clients.

6 clients have been provided with legal support.

Challenges

Most clients do not have the documents required to seek admission in a vocational training program under a government scheme. During the long process of collecting documents, clients tend to get de-motivated and getdropped out of the process.

Attending training programs or awareness sessions is a challenge for clients who are daily wage earners. This also causes several clients to lose touch with the Prayas social worker.

Several clients, especially those from interior tribal areas, are too inhibited to speak openly about issues they face, which make it difficult for us to understand their needs.

Future plans

During the coming year, the following will be there focus areas for the after care unit:

Preparing clients to take on further education / vocational training

Building at least one vocational skill in clients if they are literate

Supporting clients to obtain citizenship documents

Linking clients with government schemes

In addition to these, awareness sessions will continue to take place on a bimonthly basis.

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Statistics

Sr.No. Broad Services Specific Services Statistics Total

1 Total outreach 41 Old case 32 New case 09

2 Visits to Identify Vocational Training Centres

No. of Government Training Centres Identified

20

No. of Vocational Training Centres (Non Govt.) Identified

23

Visits to Vocational Training Centres (Government)

41

Visits to Vocational Training Centres (Non Government)

26

3 Placement of Clients in training centres

Visits to training centres with clients/family members (Pre-placement)

11

Follow up visits to training centres 19 Phone calls to training Centres 37 Discussion/counseling with clients with regards to progress of training

52

Discussion/counseling with family members with regards to the training of client

27

Home Visits 92 No. of clients with whom process of identification of training is initiated

14

No. of clients placed for Vocational Training

04

No. of clients dropped out from training

----

No. of clients Successfully completed training

01

4 Support clients for enhancing education

No. of clients with whom process of continuing education is initiated

13

No. of clients enrolled for continuing education

06

No. of clients dropped out from the process

-----

No. of clients successfully reached the goal

-----

Visits to educational institutes 15

Visits to educational institutes (non formal/open schools/distance education)

----

5 Support clients for obtaining citizenship rights documents

No. of clients supported to obtain citizenship documents

02

No. of clients who obtained citizenship documents

----

120

Visits to Government offices 15

6 Linking clients with government schemes

No. of clients with whom process is initiated for taking benefit of govt. scheme

03

No. of clients received benefit of Govt. Scheme

----

Visits to Government agencies 08

7 Exploring Possibility of Income Generation

Provide clients income generation Kit 03

Visits along with client to identify entrepreneurs for training, raw material, marketing etc.

05

Discussions/counseling with clients/family members

10

No. of clients with whom process of self employment/entrepreneurship is initiated

03

8 Other Rehabilitation services for clients

No. of clients given legal support 06 No. of clients given medical support ----

No. of clients given emergency support ----

Visits for legal support 13

Visits for medical support ----

Visits for emergency support ----

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Socio-Legal Training Unit


Socio legal training in the community: To meet this year’s objective of reaching out to other vulnerable groups in the community in addition to self help groups, the social worker visited the Taluka health office, Bharuch to organize training for Aasha workers. The district livelihood manager and taluka livelihood manager were visited to continue the work with self-help groups. The following trainings were conducted for various groups:

o Socio legal training at Umrai village for self-help group, in coordination with DRDA, which had 51 participants.

o Socio legal training at Karela village, taluka Bharuch, for self help group, in coordination with DRDA. 4 of the 54 participants here were involved in brewing of illicit liquor. The social worker discussed various options available to them, and has committed support to the Sarpanch if these participants express interest in rehabilitation.

o Socio legal training at Luvara village, taluka Bharuch was organization in coordination with the District livelihood manager, Taluka livelihood manager, cluster coordinator, Anganwadi teacher and Sarpanch, and was attended by 40 participants.

o Socio legal training for students at ITI, Jhadadia taluka, district Bharuch was conducted in coordination with the Principal in charge and attended by 88 students.

Training of officials in criminal justice: o Visitswere made to the Police training centre, Karai, Gandhinagar, to discuss

various issues related to police training. In addition to reaching an agreement on coordinating with each other for future, an understanding of the following areas was arrived at:

Police training scenario in the state Nature of training and the levels covered Syllabus and content of the training Duration of the training Kind of trainers involved

o Training on “Child sexual abuse: role of police” was conducted in July 2015. Shri DilipbhaiMer, City Coordinator, Childline, Admedabad, the resource person for the training, gave a sensitized the police on child sexual abuse and also legal information on the POSCO Act. 91 constables, head constables and officers from the Mahila police station participated in this.

o Training on “Role of police in coordination with District legal services authority” was conducted in October 2015. The aim of this program was to make police aware of the role, responsibility and services offered by DLSA to support vulnerable groups reaching police stations. The resource person covered topics such as services of DLSA, LokAdalat and mediation. Prayas

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workers also discussed who can get legal aid, importance of training and reference cases of DLSA, and advantages of the same for vulnerable groups reaching police stations. 120 constables, head constables, PSIs and PIs participated in this program.

o Training on Laws pertaining women: role of Police” was conducted in December 2015 to address a need expressed by Dy.S.P. Bharuch to create awareness among police about new amendments and Supreme Court judgments to support women reaching police stations in crises. The resource person addressed issues and needs of women reaching police stations and the nature of support expected from the Police. Other topics covered include amendments, Supreme Court judgments, special laws for women and how these can be implemented by Police while working with women in crises.

Follow up of Suraksha Setu work: The social worker has continued to follow up with SP, Bharuch for the appointment of social workers at police stations. The police have organized committed at the district, taluka and village levels to identify and support women in crisis and to prevent crimes against women.

o Prayas social worker attended a seminar for women empowerment organized by the Bharuch police for taluka and district suraksha committees, where they spoke about protective laws for women and the support system available to women during times of crises. Also discussed were issues of violence, custody of children, marital conflict, property rights, maintenance cases etc. The session saw participation of 350 women from villages across Bharuch district.

o The Prayas social worker has been following up with Bharuch police to organize a program for women in the illicit liquor business on options available for their rehabilitation.

o The Prayas social worker, at the invitation of Suraksha Setu society and Bharuch district police, gave a talk in laws and rights of women to women members of surakshasamitis at the taluka and village levels.

Intervention at State Legal Services authority: The Prayas social worker works closely with SLSA for activation and effective implementation of SLSA schemes for our clients. It has been recommended by SLSA that the Prayas Bharuch unit apply for accreditation from NALSA, which will be beneficial to Prayas and its clients in the following ways:

o Prayas will be recognized as an agency doing legal work in the state o Prayas will receive a certificate of registration from SLSA, which will allow it

to seek support from TLSA, DLSA and SLSA

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A total of 227 women and 178 youth were reached out through 8 socio legal trainings in the community during this year.

22 cases were referred to Prayas by women.

28 visits to government offices and 3 visits for identifying relevant communities were taken up for organizing socio legal trainings. 25 government officials were involved in this process.

332 police officers participated in 3 trainings organized for them through the year.

2 visits to police stations were taken up to understand the police training scenario in the state.

For successful organization of trainings, 23 visits to government offices, 7 visits for identification of resource persons, 6 visits to NGOs and 7 visits to various government departments were taken up.

To follow up on the Suraksha Setu work, 3 meetings with the IG, Suraksha Setu; 1 meeting with the IG, Police training centre; and 9 meetings with the SP were conducted.

Challenges

Socio legal training for women organizations has been taking place in coordination with DRDA staff. Organizing legal trainings is not a priority for DRDA, which leads to delays in these programs.

Most rural women for whom trainings are organized work on daily wages, which makes it difficult to gather them as a group. Planning and organizing training as per their convenience is, thus, a challenge.

Police have a different training agenda for their officers. During the training of police officers, Prayas would like to put forward their objective of social work intervention for people in crime and crises. However, convince police authorities to plan programs on social issues takes time.

Future plans

Follow up and discuss with Director DRDA to include socio legal training in the activity plan for self help groups.

Identify other groups in the community who are vulnerable to crime and organize socio legal training programs for them.

Present the work of Prayas and issues in which Prayas intervenes; at the police training centre Karai, Gandhinagar.

As a result of the meeting with SP Bharuch, a decision has been made to organize four training programs for police personnel in Bharuch district within a year.

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Statistics

Sr.No. Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

Total

1 Socio-Legal Training for women in Community

No. of training Organized 08

No. of women reached out to during trainings

227

No. of Youth reached out to during trainings

178

No. of Govt. officers involved 25

No. of cases of women referred to Prayas

22

Visits for identifying Communities 03

Visits for Identification of resource persons

05

Visits to Government Offices 28

2 Training of Officials in Criminal Justice

No. of trainings organized 03

No. of Police officers given training 332

Visits for understanding Police training scenario in the state

02

Visits to Government offices for organizing trainings

23

Visits for identification of resource persons

07

Visit to NGOs 06

Visit to Government Departments 07

3 Policy-Advocacy (SurakshaSetu)

Meeting with IG (SurakshaSetu) 03

Meeting with IG - Police training Centre State

01

Meeting with S.P 09

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Policy and Advocacy

Sr.No. Broad Services Specific Services Statistics

1 Visiting districts and meeting with district judges and prison superintendents to ensure District IDC meetings in Maharashtra and Core Committee meetings in Gujarat are held regularly

Visits to District Collector 01 Visits to District Judge 06 Visits to Prison superintendents 13 No. of districtscovered in a year -----

2

Ensuring that schemes of DLSA/SLSA are implemented for prison inmates in districts of Gujarat

No. of talukascovered in a year 11 No. of districtscovered in a year 03 Visits to TLSA 17 Visits to DLSA 16 Visits to SLSA --- Visits to District Judge 02 Visits to Prison Superintendents 21 No. of program organised in Prison 02 No. of inmates who participated in the program

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3 Visit to I. G. office 04

4 Visits to ICDS offices, and aanganwadis

06

Activation of Taluka and District Legal Services Authority:

To activate Taluka Legal Services Authority, the worker visited Jhagadia, Hansot and Valia Taluka legal services authorities. The worker met the chairman of TLSAs and discussed with them issues faced by under trial prisoners in availing services of Free Legal Aid.

One of the most critical issues was that the inmates were unaware of the name of the Legal Aid lawyer allotted to them. The worker has discussed the optionwith the chairmen of TLSA that, once an advocate is appointed from free legal aid panel, their name and telephone number should be sharedwith the inmate through a letter. Theworker will follow up on this issue.

Another point discussed with the chairmen of TLSA was to hold a meeting of advocates on free legal panel, and discuss with them the issues faced by prison inmates. The worker has followed up to organize meetings of advocates of free legal aid at Waghara and Jambusar Taluka. They have agreed to hold a meeting to discuss inmates’ issues regarding free legal aid.

To activate DLSA and TLSA, the Bharuch District worker is planning to organize Sensitisation programs for Legal aid Panel Advocates. The objective of this program is to:

Sensitize panel advocates to needs and problem of under trial prisoners.

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Discuss gaps in the services provided by them. Discuss possible ways of filling the identified gaps in services. Bring about better coordination between prison administration, TLSA, panel

advocates and inmates.

To get this program conducted, the worker has made six visits to DLSA and TLSA of Bharuch, Hansot and Jhagadia Talukas. During these visits, the worker has met the Chairman TLSA andSecretary, TLSA and discussed with them importance of organizing such programs.

Ensuring that schemes of DLSA/SLSA are implemented for prison inmates in districts of Gujarat:

1. When the worker visited DLSA Vadodara to understand their interventions in the Vadodara Central prison and to activate Taluka and District Services Authority, he learnt that Legal Awareness Programs are not organized by DLSA in Vadodara Central Prison. To activate DLSA Vadodara and enable prison inmates to get legal advice and information about heir legal rights and legal aid, the worker coordinated with I. G. Prisons,SLSA, DLSA and Vadodara Central Prison so that a legal awareness program could be organized inVadodara Central Prison for under trial prisoners. We received permission from I. G. to organize the program. The SLSA also permitted us to coordinate with DLSA, Vadodara.

On 21st December 2015, a legal awareness program was organized in Vadodara Central Prison and 78 inmates participated in it. The resource persons from DLSA Vadodara and the Prayas social workers gave legal guidance and information about legal rights and legal aid to the inmates. Participants asked several questions regarding their cases, which were also discussed by advocates from DLSA and Prayas workers.

2. When the worker visited DLSA Godhara to meet their Chairman and understand their interventions in the Godhara Central prison, he learnt that Legal Awareness Programs are not organized by DLSA in Godhara sub jail. However, the panel advocates regularly visit Godhara Sub Jail. On the Chairman’s suggestion, the worker met the Superintendent of Godhara Sub Jail to discuss the possibility of organizing such a program. Once the Superintendent granted permission, the worker coordinated with DLSA to fix a date for the program.

The resulting program on legal awareness program was organized in Godhara Sub Jail o n 13th January 2016. 85 inmates participated in the program. The Secretary, DLSA Godhara, a Senior Civil Judge and two advocates were present as legal resource persons. They, along Prayas social workers, gave legal guidance and information about legal rights and legal aid to the participating inmates. Participants also asked several questions regarding their cases, which were discussed by advocates from DLSA and Prayas workers.

Challenges:

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1. Organizing such programsrequires a lot of follow up and coordination with different departments.

2. The Prison Superintendents prefer to organize programs on Sundays. Convincing other agencies to participant in a program on a non-working day is a challenge.

Future Plan:

1. Study the results and gaps in prisons in which programs are already being organized, and follow up with other DLSA in Gujarat State.

To follow up and organize sensitization program for Legal aid panel advocates in at least 3 talukas of Bharuch District.

Activation of Core Committee meetings in Prison:

To get this done, it was important to know and understand different committees which visit prisons.At present, there are 4 such committees:

1. Jail Mulakati Board 2. Core Committee 3. Prison Advisory Board 4. Review Committee for under trials.

The worker has discussed with the Jailor of Bharuch Jail and Vadodara to get a clear understanding of the role and functions of the different committees. The worker also plans to identify prisons in Gujarat in which some of these committees are active, visit these prisons to understand procedures and outcomes of these meetings and then use this information to activate these committees in other districts of Gujarat.

Setting up Aanganwadis in Prisons of Gujarat:

At present, there are no anganwadis in prisons of Gujarat. In some prisons, there are balwadis run by NGOs, but unlike anganwadis, their focus is only on education. The worker has discussed the issue with the I.G. Prisons and also visited the Director, ICDS, Gandhinagar to stress the importance of setting up ICDS anganwadis within prison premises but outside the women’s barrack. The Director has accepted the suggestion and asked for a letter from Prayas regarding this, which has been submitted.

To start ITI centers in prison for vocational training of inmates:

Prayas visited the Director, Office of Employment and Training under the Department of Labour and Employment, Government of Gujarat, to discuss the importance of government certified vocational training courses for prison inmates and check the possibility of setting up ITIs in prisons. The Director appreciated the idea and has asked a letter from Prayas regarding this. Prayas has forwarded a letter to the Director and I.G. Prisons and will follow up on this issue.

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Prayas Income Generation Unit Orders Regular orders were placed for jute and cloth bags, files and folders for seminars, conferences, and workshops. Turnover Proceeds from sales through individual purchases and exhibition cum sales amounted to Rs.7,12,100.00 Statistics Sr. No Particulars Amount

1. Orders completed – 27 orders

6,18,950.00

2. Workshop sales

0

3. Outside sales - 6 stalls

93,150.00

Total

7,12,100.00

Challenges Two staff members from the Unit have been shifted to the field units to arrange training and awareness programmes as part of the establishment of a new unit in Prayas - Health Information, Training and Placement Unit. There is a serious rethinking within Prayas to convert the IG Unit into a sheltered workshop for women clients as a space to learn skills and move towards self-reliance. Future plans To work towards a new plan for the Income Generation Unit and take a decision about its shape in terms of its objectives.

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Prayas Staff Welfare and Staff Development Inputs and interventions The details of staff members who been given financial support and/or education leave to study further are as follows: Appeared LLM (1st Year) - 1 staff member Appeared LLB (2ndYear) - 1 staff member Appeared LLB (1stYear) - 1 staff member Appeared M.S.W (2ndYear)– 1 staff member Appearing M.S.W(1stYear)– 1 staff member Appeared T.Y.B.A – 1 staff member Appeared F.Y.B.A – 3 staff members Computer Training Programme - 3 staff members The details of children of staff members who have been given financial support towards their education are as follows: Appeared Engineering (SE) - 1child Appeared Mechanical Engineering (2nd Year) - 1child Appeared B. Pharma (3rd Year) - 1child Appeared T.Y.B.Com- 1child Appeared S.Y.B.Com - 1child Appeared SSC - 1child Appeared Standard VII - 1child Appeared Standard IV - 3children Appeared Standard III – 1 child Appeared Standard II - 2children Appeared Standard I - 1child Appeared Senior K.G. - 2children Outputs and outcomes

12 staff members pursuing higher education will help strengthen educational base of Prayas staff.

A token of appreciation was provided to 16 children of staff members as educational support.

Improved self-confidence and Morale of staff to handle field situations.

Challenges Balancing work and educational commitments is sometimes challenging.

Additional work load on staff while their colleagues are on educational leave.

Financial constraints to pursue courses of their choice.

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Future plans

Encouraging more staff to pursue further education.

Increasing financial support for pursuing further education.

Identifying short-term courses which staff can attend.

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Statistics

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

Sr. No.

Name of the Course Number of Staff Members appearing for exam

1. Appeared LLM (1st Year) 1 staff member

2. Appeared LLB (2ndYear) 1 staff member

3. Appeared LLB (1stYear) 1 staff member

4. Appeared M.S.W (2ndYear) 1 staff member

5. Appearing M.S.W (1stYear) 1 staff member

6. Appeared T.Y.B.A 1 staff member

7. Appeared F.Y.B.A

3 staff members

8. Computer Training Programme

3 staff members

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A token of appreciation was provided to 16 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 appeared for

exam

1. Appeared Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering (2nd Year)

1child

2. Appeared Mechanical Engineering (2nd Year)

1child

3. Appeared B. Pharma (3rd Year)

1child

4. Appeared T.Y.B.Com

1 child

5. Appeared S.Y.B.Com

1child

6. Appeared SSC

1child

7. Appeared Standard VII

1child

8. Appeared Standard IV 3children

9. Appeared Standard III 1 child

10. Appeared Standard II 2children

11. Appeared Standard I 1child

12. Appeared Senior K.G 2children