Connection

1387 links children and concerned adults to important information and services. The helpline achieves its greatest potential by can utilizing the existing comprehensive information and referral (I&R) services in communities, and expanding those services into previously un-served areas.

Coordination and Protection

Childline provides critical support and assistance to:
·    Ensure children have access to proper housing, nutrition and health care so they can succeed in school.
·    Support families with necessary information and assistance so they can remain self-sufficient and productive.
·    Connect victims of domestic violence with groups that provide shelter so they can leave their violent situations.
·    Help single parents with children to find the resources to cope with the financial strain so that they can remain in their own homes.
·    File complaints with the police and courts on behalf of child victims.

Information & Referral (I&R)

The telephone-based I&R service consists of three core functions:

• Collecting current, accurate, and complete information on health and human services, organizing it in a way that it is most accessible and useful;

• Assisting callers to understand both their immediate concerns and other life circumstances that may be contributing to those concerns; and

• Connecting callers with the services they need by making referrals to the appropriate public sector agencies, non-profit organizations and private service providers or providing direct assistance when no agency can be found.

The added value of I&R services for those in need is the human connection between the caller and a trained I&R specialist. By asking follow-up questions, our trained and experienced specialists are able to help callers define their specific needs and refer them directly to the most appropriate service provider.