Legal Issues in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Abstract

According to the census 2011, total percentage of children in India is about 39% of total population, out of which 6.46% of children suffer with childhood psychiatric problems. Such problems in children existed from early period, but currently due to increased awareness, the rate of cases being reported at child and adolescent psychiatry clinics has tremendously increased. Child and adolescent psychiatry is an emerging field, which demands a multi-disciplinary team in managing childhood developmental problems, such as emotional and behavioral disturbances, child abuse etc. As incidences of child sexual abuse, trafficking, and child labor are increasing drastically, it requires an immediate attention by a strong legal system to safeguard victimized children. There are some minor legal responsibilities involved in other childhood problems too, about which every professional involved in child care should be aware of. Current article gives a glimpse of legal issues involved in child and adolescent psychiatry. Keywords: Adolescent psychiatry, child labor, victimized children