Children are the most important asset of any nation and need to be nurtured in a dignified manner with access to all their entitlements. Any child in his/her interface with Police at police stations too is entitled to an amiable environment and sensitive policing. Child-Friendly Police Stations (CFPS) have been set up in Odisha to provide such dedicated space for children aimed to integrate a friendly ambience and a genial approach, enabling reporting without fear, discomfort, or confusion. Further, child-friendly physical infrastructure has been integrated with strengthened capacities of the police personnel to ensure that the rights of children coming into the interface with the police are protected.
Odisha Government has set up 34 Child-Friendly Police Stations (CFPS) in different districts across the State. These CFPS have interiors decorated with animated murals, small library with cartoons and animated stories, beds, chairs, soft toys for children, first aid kitsetc. A separate space to ensure privacy to lactating mothers for breast feeding has also been provided. Information related to children’s rights and ‘dos and don’ts’ for police is vividly displayed along with name of child welfare police officer, help lines etc.