Behavioral Changes in Children's After Leaving Juvenile Homes: A Pilot Study

Mrunal Surve, Onkar Shinde

Abstract: This article examines the evolving landscape of juvenile justice in India, focusing on the rehabilitation and reintegration challenges faced by children post-release from juvenile homes. Drawing on a mixed-methods pilot study, it explores how historical legislative shifts-like the Juvenile Justice Act of 2000 and its 2015 amendment-reflect a tension between reformative ideals and punitive responses, particularly for serious offenses committed by older juveniles. In my view, the study reveals a stark disconnect between the intended rehabilitative purpose of juvenile homes and the lived realities of former residents, who grapple with pervasive societal stigma, inadequate mental health support, and limited educational or vocational opportunities. It is evident that while government schemes such as the Integrated Child Protection Scheme and National Skill Development Corporation offer some promise, their inconsistent implementation leaves many juveniles vulnerable to recidivism. This suggests that true rehabilitation demands not just legal frameworks but robust community engagement and tailored aftercare. Through qualitative insights and quantitative data, the article underscores the need for policy reforms that prioritize long-term social reintegration over short-term containment, offering a nuanced critique of a system caught between justice and welfare.

Keywords: juvenile justice, rehabilitation, social reintegration, societal stigma, mental health support