The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has announced a significant initiative aimed at bolstering mental health care services within educational settings across Goa.
This move is in alignment with the Commission's duty to uphold the Convention on the Rights of the Child and focuses on improving care for children requiring special protection.
The Commission has identified an urgent need for a larger and more qualified pool of mental health professionals in schools, which has led to the recommendation for the expansion of discipline degrees within counselling services.
Specifically, the Goa Educational Development Corporation is urged to update its scheme to include qualifications such as wellness counselling and relax the experience required.
This is expected to rapidly increase the availability of skilled professionals capable of supporting the mental health needs of students.
Furthermore, the GSCPCR proposes a crucial update to the syllabus and standards of practice for counselling degree programme.
The updated curriculum will integrate modern therapeutic techniques and digital-age counselling practices, focusing on developmental psychology to better equip future mental health professionals to address the challenges faced by today's youth.
These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance the mental health infrastructure within Goa's schools, addressing the current shortfall in mental health care professionals and improving the quality of care provided.
The Commission has requested an action-taken report from the Directorate of Education within 30 days, underscoring the urgency of these measures.
Chairperson of the GSCPCR, Peter F Borges, stated, "The mental health of our children is a priority that cannot be overlooked. With these recommendations, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that every child in Goa has access to quality mental health care."
This initiative is not only about addressing current needs but also about building a foundation for a healthier future for our next generations, Borges added.
The GSCPCR continues to be a staunch advocate for the rights and well-being of all children in Goa, pushing forward initiatives that make a tangible difference in their lives.