Children held at the Child Reform Home in Bhairahawa have been facing a range of difficulties as the facility houses more than twice its intended capacity. Although the reform home is designed to accommodate 40 children, it currently holds 110 juveniles in conflict with the law.
Due to overcrowding, the children have been experiencing problems related to accommodation, sleeping arrangements, bathing facilities, sanitation, health care, and hygiene.
According to Acting Chief of the reform home, Bodh Raj Acharya, among the 110 juveniles, 69 have been convicted while 41 are in pre-trial detention. Three are foreign nationals. The largest group consists of 73 juveniles accused or convicted of rape, followed by 12 for murder, one for attempted rape, three for drug-related offenses, six for vehicular killing, four for unnatural sexual offenses, three for burglary, and two for sexual abuse.
Acharya stated that although skin-related illnesses have so far remained limited, rising temperatures have increased the risk of skin infections, ringworm, scabies, and other health problems. He noted that overcrowding has forced children to wait their turn to sleep and has restricted their movement, contributing to physical and mental health challenges. The lack of adequate space and exposure to sunlight, combined with crowded living conditions, has also heightened the risk of communicable skin diseases.
The reform home is not operating in accordance with the prescribed standards. Despite having seven approved staff positions, only three personnel are currently working there: an acting chief, an accountant, and an office assistant.
Children at the facility are reportedly deprived of several rights guaranteed by the state, including the right to education, access to legal representation, health care, recreation, nutritious food, a clean environment, and the opportunity to present statements before a judge.
Despite housing more than 100 children, the facility has not been able to appoint a single teacher, leaving the juveniles without access to education. There is also no health worker on site, requiring children to seek even basic medical treatment outside the institution.
Acharya further stated that, until recently, local governments in Rupandehi had been taking turns providing monthly snacks for the children. However, that support ended on February 3, 2026. The facility currently houses juveniles from various districts of Lumbini Province, including Rupandehi and Kapilvastu, as well as from Gandaki Province.
According to records of the Child Reform Home, Rupandehi, a total of 534 children have received services since the facility began operation on August 17, 2018. At present, the institution houses juveniles aged between 15 and 22 who are in conflict with the law.