In Jain Dharma, even if a Bal‑Sadhu (child monk) passes away, the basic principles are the same as for any Sadhu:

1. First, understand what actually happens

• The jīva (soul) leaves the body at the very moment of death and immediately takes the next birth according to its own karma.
• Nothing done after death can change that next birth; all rituals are mainly for our own mindfulness, detachment and respect, not to “send” the soul anywhere.

2. No śrāddh type rituals like other religions

• In Jainism, for a Sadhu (including Bal‑Sadhu) there is:

- No śrāddh, no feeding in their name to “satisfy the soul”, etc. - No idea that the soul is hanging around waiting for ritual help.

• Both Digambar and Shvetambar agree on this principle:

the soul has already moved on; we only express vinay (reverence) and cultivate vairāgya (detachment).

3. What is done by the Sangh for the Bal‑Sadhu

Exact external rituals differ by tradition and guru‑paramparā, but in simple form:

• Inform the Acharya / Guru immediately and follow their instructions.
• The Sadhu‑Sadhvi Sangh will:

- Maintain shānti and samādhi around the body (no crying, shouting, emotional scenes near the body). - Recite Navkār Mantra, do Khamā‑samana (asking and granting forgiveness). - Remember the good qualities and saṃyam (restraint) of the Bal‑Sadhu.

• The body is handled according to that sect’s fixed rules (for example, certain bathing, clothing, carrying, and final disposal), all under the direction of the ascetic order and senior shravaks.

These are technical details; ordinary laypeople should not invent their own methods but simply follow the Guru’s guidance.

4. What you (laypeople / family / devotees) should do

Spiritually, the right response is:

1. Accept with samata (equanimity)

- Remember: The Bal‑Sadhu’s soul is eternal and has only changed body. - Avoid excessive crying, drama, or blaming anyone; these increase moha (attachment) and your own karmic bondage.

1. Practice forgiveness

- From your heart say: “If I have hurt this Sadhu in any way by mind, speech, or body, I ask forgiveness. I also forgive all.” - This purifies your karma.

1. Do Navkār, Pratikraman, and Swadhyāy

- Recite Navkār Mantra with the bhāva: “May all souls, including this departed jīva, move towards right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.” - Do Pratikraman (daily or at least once) to clean your own pap (sins). - Listen to or read Jain śāstra, especially on anitya‑bhāvanā (impermanence) and moksha‑marg.

1. Increase ahimsā and restraint in daily life

- Take or strengthen anuvrat (small vows): less violence, more truth, less consumption, less anger. - If any “death feast” or gathering happens, keep it simple and ahimsak (avoid animal products, avoid waste and indulgence).

1. Dāna (charity) with right understanding

- If you want to do something in memory of the Bal‑Sadhu: - Support Jain education, scripture, upāśray / temple, or jīva‑dayā (animal care). - Do it with the bhāva: “May this become a cause for my own spiritual progress and for dharm‑prakāsh (spread of true dharma).” - Remember: merit (puṇya) is for the doer; it does not transfer to the departed soul.

A helpful, simple explanation on what can and cannot be done for a departed soul is given here: You can read more here

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In essence: When a Bal‑Sadhu passes away, the Sangh follows its established Sadhu‑kaldharm vidhi under the guidance of Acharyas. For us as laypeople, the best and truly Jain response is: samata, forgiveness, Navkār, Pratikraman, study of dharma, and a more disciplined, ahimsak life — not emotional show or superstitious rituals.