Childline India Foundation

CHILDLINE first started as a field action project of the Department of Family and Child Welfare, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai, in June 1996. It was founded by Ms. Jeroo Billimoria, then a professor at TISS. Ms. Billimoria started to interact with children staying on railway stations or at Mumbai's night shelters. Slowly, children in crisis began to contact her at any time of night and day. Although Ms Billimoria found validation in her work while answering and responding to the calls of children in need, she realised that it was not possible for her to respond to the hundreds of children who needed help. She realised that a tele-helpline could solve the need expressed by the children on the streets – a need to have instant support when they are ill, injured or just want to talk to someone. What was required was a one-point contact that would quickly connect children to services that they need during or after a crisis.