CHILDLINE stands for a friendly 'didi' or a sympathetic 'bhaiya' who is always there for vulnerable children 24 hours of the day, 365 days of the year.

A phone number that spells hope for millions of children across India, CHILDLINE is India's first 24-hour, free, emergency phone service for children in need of aid and assistance. Whether you are a concerned adult or a child, you can dial 1098, the toll free number to access their services. They not only respond to the emergency needs of children but also link them to services for their long-term care and rehabilitation. They have, till date, reached out to over three million children across the nation through such calls.

CHILDLINE is a platform bringing together the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India, Department of Telecommunications, street and community youth, non-profit organisations, academic institutions, the corporate sector and concerned individuals.

They work for the protection of the rights of all children in general. But their special focus is on all children in need of care and protection, especially the more vulnerable sections, which include:

 

Street children and youth living alone on the streets.

Child labourers working in the unorganised and organized sectors.

Domestic help, especially girl domestics.

Children affected by physical / sexual / emotional abuse in family, schools or institutions.

Children who need emotional support and guidance.

Children of commercial sex workers

Child victims of the flesh trade

Victims of child trafficking

Children abandoned by parents or guardians

Missing children.

Run away children.

Children who are victims of substance abuse

Differently-abled children

Children in conflict with the law

Children in institutions

Mentally challenged children

HIV/ AIDS infected children

Children affected by conflict and disaster

Child political refugees

Children whose families are in crises