The idea of a Child-Friendly environment extends beyond physical infrastructure; it involves building a safe, nurturing, and empowering ecosystem that upholds the holistic well-being and rights of children. Grounded in the four guiding principles of Non-Discrimination, Best Interests of the Child, Survival and Development, and Respect for the Child’s Views, it ensures that every child is recognised, valued, and allowed to thrive.
Leveraging 2 decades of grassroots experience, we recognised that lasting change requires transforming not just individual spaces but the entire ecosystem around a child. The Child Friendly Initiative, born out of a sustained advocacy campaign since 2009, adopts a holistic approach that is preventive, rehabilitative, and system-strengthening.
Aligned with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and through awareness campaigns and training programs, it engages diverse stakeholders at both institutional and community levels by collaborating with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), Police law enforcement, the Juvenile Justice Board, and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), while also working directly with vulnerable children and families to promote rehabilitation, inclusion, and protective environments.
Each model is designed to build a collaborative ecosystem that safeguards children’s rights, fosters safe spaces for learning and personal growth, and establishes child-friendly systems for care and protection, contributing to the vision of Child-Friendly Cities and States.
Today, our 9 Child-Friendly Models are creating impact across Anganwadis, Schools, Police Stations, Hospitals, Railway Stations, Child Care Institutions, Task Forces, and Courts, ensuring that wherever a child goes, they are met with dignity, safety, and compassion.
