Home for inmates’ children opens in Maharashtra
Brainchild of the Diocese of Sindhudurg, the facility will care for the children following their mental, emotional and social development. For Archbishop Barreto, the children “must not suffer because of the situation of their parents”. They must have a “safe haven”.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) – Bishop Alwyn Barreto of Sindhudurg, in the State of Maharashtra (western India), inaugurated on 14 September a home for boys and young men whose parents are in prison. The facility will be run by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
“The children’s development and future must not suffer because of the situation of their parents,” Bishop Barreto told AsiaNews.
“Not all of those in prison are guilty or have breached the law, but conditions are such that their parent or parents are in prison.”
This new home is the first of its kind in the State of Maharashtra; and in case of need, all the children of inmates can be housed in the facility the Sisters.
“These children go through tremendous emotional pain and are often stigmatised by society through no fault of their own. We hope that this will be a safe haven for them where they can grow,” the prelate explained.
At the home, “They will be able to attend the nearby school and live harmoniously under one roof”; caregivers with the right spiritual and psychological training will be able to assist in their “psychological, emotional and social development”.
Since his ordination, Bishop Barreto has worked on behalf of the poor, the downtrodden, and the marginalised.
“I opted to work in the mission,” he said. “I remember some mission stations that were so remote that I had to walk three hours to reach them and meet the locals.
“Today I can say that in my Diocese of Sindhudurg, the poor continue to be the major beneficiaries of our educational, health and welfare apostolate without any discrimination of caste or creed.”
The actions undertaken by the diocese in favour of the needy includes legal aid to those who cannot afford lawyers’ services.
Furthermore, the diocese’s next step will be to open a similar facility for girls and young women who are daughters of prisoners.
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14/08/2020 13:23
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