18 000 calls received at the Child Helpline

The counselors of the Child Helpline received 18 000 calls from 14 732 persons, and most of the time the persons were children. The project is being implemented by the International Center “La Strada” and managed by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family.

According to statistic data, 12 156 of those who called were children. Most of the times they called 116 111 to get informed about their rights or about the nature of this service. Particularly, 7 796 children called for this reason. Another 2 939 calls were made by children who needed to talk about their communication problems with peers, sentimental problems or harassment in school. In 89 cases children reported situations of violence, neglection, exploitation or trafficking.

As for the calls from adults, 849 persons called to ask for information about the services provided or for requesting financial assistance. Last but not least, the adults who called the Child Helpline asked for information about child rights. In 350 of cases, parents or tutors asked for the advice of a specialist about communication with children, but also about how to solve problems related to misunderstandings in the family.

Still, among adults there were third persons from the community, like neighbors, public servants and even relatives, who reported serious cases of violation of child rights, such as situations of violence, neglection, exploitation or trafficking.

When counselors receive information about suspicious cases when children could be at risk, the data is sent to the local guardianship authorities by means of Case Filing Records. Since summer 2014, when the service started to be active, a total of 905 cases suspected of violence, neglection, exploitation and child trafficking were sent to state authorities.

The number 116 111 is a free phone assistance service for children, which started its activity on June 4, 2014, being implemented by the International Center “La Strada” and managed by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family. The Child Hotline provides emotional support both to children and adults who are facing difficult situations, informing people on child rights and protection. Counselors will answer the phone every day, 24 /24, and make sure that the problem of every child is heard and solved.