Appoint child psychologists at all mediation centres: HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed District Health Officers in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to ensure regular appointment of child psychologists at mediation centres in their regions.

Plugging the gap

• The Bench emphasises the need for child psychologists to assist counsellors in cases involving minors
• Child psychologists are deemed essential in handling matrimonial disputes affecting kid’s mental well-being
• Child psychologists expected to fill the gap where counsellors may lack specialised mental health expertise

The Bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Sudeepti Sharma issued the direction while making it clear that child psychologists were crucial in assisting counsellors at the centres, particularly in handling matrimonial disputes involving children.

The Bench was hearing an appeal involving a family dispute affecting the psychological well-being of a minor child. The court, during the course of hearing, took note of the growing importance of mental health professionals in judicial processes, especially in cases where minors were involved.

The Bench asserted that the presence of qualified child psychologists was not only necessary, but imperative to aid in resolving disputes in the best interests of children.

“Since child psychologists are required to assist counsellors working at the mediation centres concerned, a direction is made upon the District Health Officers concerned in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to — on a regular basis — appoint child psychologists at all the mediation centres…” the court directed.

The direction marks a significant step towards ensuring comprehensive psychological support for minors while reinforcing the idea that a child’s best interests should always be at the forefront of family dispute resolution. It underscores the importance of sensitive handling of family matters, particularly those involving children, as often they are the ones most affected by the emotional stress of parental discord.

The Bench observed that child psychologists played a crucial role in providing insights into a child’s mental health, ensuring their interests were not overlooked during the mediation process. “The mental wellbeing of children involved in family disputes should be a paramount concern. The presence of child psychologists will ensure that the emotional and psychological state of the children is duly addressed,” the Bench added.

Taking note of the potential long-term impact of family disputes on children, the Bench added that while counsellors provided valuable assistance in mediation, they might not always have the expertise required to assess or address the specific mental health needs of children. This gap, the court observed, could be effectively bridged by child psychologists.