Four of the five accused in the Dombivli murder have been sent to the Bhiwandi children’s home as they are minors. The law says an accused under 18 years, is sent to a correction home rather than jail.

Children’s home authorities believe that unlike jails, that are notorious for turning one-time offenders into hard-core criminals, a correction home helps children in conflict with the law.

Superintendent of the Dongri children’s home SA Jadhav, said children’s homes were equipped to help children overcome the trauma and begin life afresh.

Jadhav said, “Of the children who leave from here, not more than 2% return to crime. We ensure they get an education, give them training in computer skills and other crafts. There are several sessions of activities such as music therapy that helps them let go of negative energy.”

Former IPS officer turned lawyer YP Singh, however, said while such observation homes help those children who have committed crimes in an emotional outburst to come out reformed, it does not work in all cases.

He said, “There are two different cases. When a youngster in a fit of rage  commits a crime, the correction home helps him rethink his action and come out in a positive frame of mind.”

He said, “But, there are repeat offenders who have several cases of theft who do not respond well. Even after they come out of the correction home, they return to crime. So the effect of a correction home varies from person to person.