Information for Decision Making in Child Protection: A study of Decision Making in Delhi

Decision making is a complex phenomenon which is usually defined as a process or a sequence of activities involving the stages of problem recognition, search for information, definition of alternatives and the selection of one from two or more alternatives with the highest degree of reward. Best Interest of the Child is one of the guiding principles under the UNCRC Article 3). Decision making in the ‘Best Interest of the Child’ in the field of child protection is necessary as the life of the child revolves around the decisions taken for him/her. In normal circumstances, the onus of taking decision for the child is on the biological parents. However, due to certain circumstances which push the children out of the safety net, the decision-making shifts to the state which has the duty to preserve the rights of the children. It is therefore important to examine the dynamics of decision making in the area of child protection by the state. Data was collected from key functionaries involved in decision making in child protection, including District Child Protection Units and Child Welfare Committee members on various aspects of their decision making Results of the study revealed that decision mkers often face difficulties in taking decisions ensuring the Best Interest of the Child due to insufficient, inaccurate and lack of quality information about the child.