New Delhi, March 31 : The Delhi Government has instituted a field task force for the rehabilitation of homeless children in Delhi, the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) informed on Thursday. The commission added that the task force will focus on identifying and providing educational, financial and guardianship support to homeless children. The task force has been constituted in line with the budget announcement of a special school for homeless children. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had announced a few days ago that a boarding school will be established for such children. The state government has set aside Rs 10 crores from the budget to develop the residential school. The task force will be rolled out in a phased manner, starting with South and South-East districts. The task force by DCPCR is being deployed with the strategic support of the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi (DDCD) and in collaboration with NGOs-Salaam Baalak Trust and Youth Reach. DCPCR officials said the team members will consist of caseworkers and counsellors who will be deployed district-wise and will work in close collaboration with the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs). The task force will focus on a five-pillar model of rehabilitation: Education and vocational training; Counseling and medical support; Sponsorship; Guardianship; and Shelter and Home for the child. DCPCR Chairperson Anurag Kundu said the task force is the next step to the commission’s comprehensive mechanism to alleviate exploitation the homeless children face on the streets. “Streets pose a serious threat of exploitation for children who beg, sell goods and spend their days at the red light junctions and in busy markets. Children deserve to be in school and have a safe place to sleep. With the launch of this project, the Early Warning System and DCPCR’s 24X7 emergency helpline, the Commission is launching a comprehensive mechanism for identification, prevention and relief for children at the risk of street situations,” he added. ASH RKM