Workshop – “Child Helpline 116 111 – development perspectives”

On May 31 the workshop – “Child Helpline 116 111 – development perspectives”was held by the Public Health Foundation of Georgia in the frame of the EU-funded project “Advocacy for Child and Youth Protection”.

The workshop aimed to introduce the importance of Child Helpline 116 111 as an integral part of the child protection system, share successful practices of helplines worldwide and discuss Child Helpline Georgia’s development perspectives. The workshop brought together relevant decision makers from the government and private sector, representatives from donor organizations and other hot lines in Georgia.

Traumatic experiences in children caused by violence convinced child rights defenders and childcare professionals in the importance to set up an innovative service – “Child Helpline”. Child helplines worldwide is a trusted service for children. Calls made by children to helplines are a manifestation of their participation in the protection of or fight for the safeguarding of their rights.

In 2008, the Public Health Foundation of Georgia (PHF) has established Child Helpline with European harmonized number 116 111 giving the opportunity to children and youth to share their concerns and seek support when needed. Currently, PHF isproviding this service in the framework of the EU-funded project “Advocacy for Child and Youth Protection.