CHILDLINE...Connecting Children to the Help They Deserve

There is help for all children; the journey begins with one step. CHILDLINE is India’s first 24 hour, free emergency phone outreach service for children in need of care and protection. Children throughout India can call 1098, day or night and receive assistance and relief from abuse and violence, trafficking, child labor, drug abuse, child marriage, and missing children. CHILDLINE also protects street children from abuse and mistreatment.

When a call is placed the child will receive immediate crisis intervention to include emotional support and guidance as well as referral services. After the emergency is address CHILDLINE explores options with the child to study, learn a trade, go back home etc. Based on the decision of the child, CHILDLINE links the child to an appropriate organization in the city.

As of December 2009, CHILDLINE has received 17 million calls from children across the country, in its twelve years of existence. The Government of India has presented CHILDLINE as its response to the Child Rights Convention.

CHILDLINE has assisted children in taking action against violators through the legal system and has taken a case to the Supreme Court. See case studies on the work CHILDLINE has done to end cruelty to children http://www.childlineindia.org.in/1098/research-studies.htm.

There are various ways you can assist CHILDLINE in its effort to help all children in India. Make a donation and spreading the word, http://www.childlineindia.org.in/1098/donations.htm.

The UK has a program similar to CHILDLINE sponsored by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, called ChildLine. This service provides a line for children to call (0800 1111) for assistance and a line for adults to call if they are concerned about the well being of a child 0808 800 5000.

The NSPCC's vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK. They too, campaign to change the law, provide ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline, offer advice for adults, and much more. If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation visit http://www.nspcc.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-your-time/volunteer-your-time-hub_wdh72793.html.

Take a step to help the children in your community and abroad.