MoWCD launches 2nd Phase of SAMVAD

• On the completion of one year of SAMVAD, 2nd phase of SAMVAD has been launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• SAMVAD’s efforts in providing a coping mechanism for children in distress by training close to 1 lakh stakeholders comprising of Child Protection Functionaries, tele-counselors, educators, law professionals among others.
• SAMVAD has begun work with Panchayati Raj systems to integrate child protection and mental health in aspirational districts across the country.

SAMVAD’s new initiatives encompass:

• Specialized training curriculum on childhood trauma.
• Interventions for children in conflict with the law.
• Forensics in child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health.
• Education and mental health support to children with special needs.
• Protection and care in the context of adoption and foster care.
• Integration of child protection and mental health in the Panchayati Raj systems.

SAMVAD

• Support, Advocacy & Mental health interventions for children in Vulnerable circumstances And Distress:
• It is a National Initiative and Integrated Resource that works in child protection, mental health and psychosocial care.
• The programme is aimed at mental health outreach for children who are abandoned and orphaned, child survivors of trafficking, or in conflict with law.
• The initiative is funded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Implementing agency:

• The initiative will be implemented by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS).

Significance of SAMVAD:

• This will help facilitate awareness generation and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS):

• NIMHANS, the apex center for Mental Health and Neuro Science education in the Country operates autonomously.
• It was established in 1925.
• NIMHANS is an Institute of National Importance governed by the act of Parliament titled NIMHANS Act, 2012.
• The Central Government recognized its eminent academic position, growth, and contributions, and declared it a 'Deemed University' in 1994.
• Later in 2012, NIMHANS has conferred the status of an 'Institute of National Importance'.
• This institute is a multidisciplinary institute for patient care, academic pursuit, and cutting-edge research in the field of mental health and neurosciences.