The Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, organized an exposure visit to the Family Service Agency for second year students of M Sc Criminology and Forensic Science (CFS), Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice Specialization on 18th March 2025 at 2:00 PM. The visit aimed to provide students with practical insights into family counselling services, child protection procedures, and intervention strategies used in social work.
The session began with an introduction by Ms. Reena, a counsellor at the agency, who provided a detailed overview of the organization's functions. She explained the various procedures carried out at the agency, including intake assessments, counselling sessions, and intervention techniques used to support families facing distress. She also highlighted the common problems that families approaching the agency experience, such as domestic violence, marital conflicts, child neglect, and economic hardships. Additionally, she elaborated on the range of services provided, with a special focus on support systems for women and children dealing with abuse, abandonment, and other social issues.
Following this, the students were taken to a part of District Child Protection Unit, where Ms. Revathi, a caseworker, provided an in-depth explanation of the process followed from the moment a distress call is received until the child is placed in a shelter home. She described the initial response mechanism, assessment of the child's situation, legal procedures involved, and the role of social workers in ensuring the child's safety and well-being. The discussion also shed light on the coordination between child protection agencies, law enforcement, and shelter homes in handling such cases.
The visit to the Family Service Agency was a highly informative and enlightening experience. It provided students with a comprehensive understanding of family counselling, child protection mechanisms and the various services available to vulnerable individuals. The practical exposure to real-life case handling and intervention strategies reinforced the theoretical knowledge gained in academics. Overall, the visit emphasized the importance of social work in addressing family-related issues and child welfare, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for the role of counselling and protective services in society. Total Eight Students, an intern and a Faculty were part of this visit. Ms. Fathima Farasath, student second MSc CFS compiled the report.