Meri Helpline for Street Children (A Joint Project of Telenor & IHDF)

Meri Helpline Project:

The primary aim is to provide immediate and free assistance in case of an emergency or for counseling. But, another integral part of this project is also to create a database containing the medical and legal history of each child. Once created, this information will be maintained to secure the rights and safety of the children.

Apart from functioning as a legal aide and counseling service it will also act as a referral and data collection centre on any problem faced by the victims, it will be providing legal information and referral services to the needy children.

Target group:
 
Street Children 
 
Aims and Objectives:

1. Ensure the safety and protection of children depending on each childrens situation

2. Free medical emergency services, legal aid, counseling, mediation and court representation to child victims

3. Strengthening law enforcement mechanism pertaining to children rights.

4. Networking and advocating children's rights at all policymaking levels.

5. Educating, training, awareness and creating awareness about children rights.

6. Liaison with the governmental, non-governmental, inter-governmental organizations and UN agencies working for the protection and promotion of the rights and interests of children.

Services Provided:

1. Legal: The Help line attorneys will provide legal advice and representation if necessary.

2. Referral: in accordance with their complaint, the children will be guided to the pertinent organizations, such as hospitals, drug rehabilitation clinics, suicide help lines, and organizations countering human trafficking and HIV-AIDS etc. 

3. Counseling: Staff psychologists will be providing counseling to callers or walk-ins. 
Emergency medical help: All emergency cases will be immediately taken to hospitals.

4. Data base: All incoming phone calls and the interviews of walk-in client-victims will be registered and stored in the database. The Data will be used to maintain updated records for each child. It will also be useful in conducting sociological studies for a more in-depth understanding and analysis of the issues.