Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 498/16

CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTRE INAUGURATED

Shri H. M. Shangpliang, Director and Secretary Social Welfare Department today inaugurated the Open Shelter – A 24 hours Crisis Management Center for children in need of care and protection, a project run by an NGO, Reach Shillong Ministries at Nongmensong, Shillong. The programme was also attended by Shri Vivek Syiem, SP, City, Rev. R. G. Laloo, President Reach Shillong Ministries, officials from Social Welfare Department, among others. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shangpliang appreciated the social services rendered by the Ministries for the welfare of the children who are in need of care and protection which includes run- away children, street children and children in crisis who are the most vulnerable sections of society exposing to all kinds of social evil. Shri Shangpliang expressed hope that the Center functioning 24 hours will provide immediate assistance for children who needs help and will also serve as a place for the children to engage in meaningful activities that will enhance their wellbeing. He also assured that the Social Welfare Department would extend all possible assistance and support to the Center while also appealing to the NGOs in the State to voluntary come forward to help the children in need of care and protection. Rev. R.G. Laloo while highlighting the objectives said that the Center will provide 24 hour emergency services to children in need of care and protection, shelter from the rain and cold to homeless children living on the streets, space for children for bathing and a change of clothing, primary health care such as first aid and also to monitor the children’s medication andopportunities for education and develop their potential and talent. The Center will try to wean these children away from the vulnerable situations by sustained interventions and to guide the children away from high risk and socially deviant behaviours. It will also enhance life-skills and reduce their vulnerabilities to exploitation and will reintegrate these children into families, alternative care and community. He also added that the Center through the professional help from SANKER and other organization will cater to individual specific needs like substance abuse, behavioural problems and socially deviant behaviours.