Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000
8. Observation
homes.-
1.
Any
State Government may establish and maintain either by itself or under an
agreement with voluntary organizations, observation homes in every district or
a group of district, as may be required for the temporary reception of any juvenile
in conflict with law during the pendency of any inquiry regarding them under
this Act.
2.
Where
the State Government is of opinion that any institution other than a home
established or maintained under sub-section (1), is fit for the temporary
reception of juvenile in conflict with law during the pendency of any inquiry
regarding them under this Act, it may certify such institution as an
observation home for the purpose of this Act.
3.
The
State Government may, by rules made under this Act, provide for the management
of observation homes, including the standards and various types of services to
be provided by them for rehabilitation and social integration of a juvenile and
the circumstances under which, and the manner in which, the certification of an
observation home may be granted or withdrawn.
4.
Every
juvenile who is not placed under the charge of parent or guardian and is sent
to an observation home shall be initially kept in a reception unit of the
observation home for preliminary inquiries, care and classification for
juveniles according to his age group, such as seven to twelve years, giving due
considerations to physical and mental status and degree of the offence
committed, for further induction into observation home.