In alignment with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Foundation is committed to advancing the Government of India’s vision of ensuring care and protection for vulnerable children, while facilitating the rehabilitation and reintegration of those in conflict with the law. To this end, we have developed and are implementing four innovative models: rehabilitating street children, supporting survivors of sexual abuse, training law enforcement to strengthen child safety systems, and establishing a Child-Friendly Task Force.
Through these models, we are embedding child-sensitive practices within policing, law enforcement, and institutional facilities, with the goal of creating a safer, more supportive environment for every child.
CHILD-FRIENDLY POLICE STATIONS
For the past four years, Hope for the Children Foundation has been working to create a collaborative ecosystem that protects children's rights. Our approach is comprehensive, focusing on prevention, care, and the promotion of Child-Friendly practices with the Police Department in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and Rural Police.
On November 30, 2020, we marked a historic milestone by inaugurating Maharashtra’s first Child-Friendly Police Station at Lashkar Police Station. Till today, we have supported the creation of over 40 police stations in building Child-Friendly Policing through improved infrastructure, specialised training, and continuous guidance, in collaboration with Pune PMC and PCMC Police.
In 2023, we partnered with the Centre of Police Research and the Department of Women and Child Development to promote Child-Friendly Policing training across Maharashtra and launched our Child-Friendly Policing Booklet. Together, we are dedicated to creating a safer environment for children, working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to make a real difference in their lives.
CHILD-FRIENDLY TASK FORCE
In collaboration with the Pune Police and the Bharosa Cell, we launched India’s first Child-Friendly Task Force, a pioneering initiative dedicated to safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. This specialised 24/7 support team ensures safe transport in line with the Juvenile Justice Act and provides critical assistance to children in need of medical, legal, or welfare services, upholding dignity and protection at every step. Extending its support to all Pune Police Stations, the Child Friendly Task Force offers on-call guidance and strengthens a protective ecosystem for vulnerable children.
To sustain and deepen its impact, we conduct regular training programs to equip personnel with the skills to handle child-sensitive cases with empathy and care, while community awareness initiatives empower families with knowledge of child rights and protection measures. Through continuous evaluation and feedback, the program adapts and evolves, setting a benchmark for child protection systems in India.
CHILD-FRIENDLY COURT
Strengthening this impact further, we have established a Child-Friendly Counseling Room at the Juvenile Justice Board in Yerwada, offering both legal counseling and personal counselling to support rehabilitation and holistic well-being. With child-sensitive practices, specially trained personnel, and infrastructure tailored to children’s needs, the initiative ensures that legal processes are accessible, empathetic, and less stressful.
CHILD-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL
On 21 August 2024, we launched India’s first Child-Friendly One-Stop Centre (OSC) Hospital in collaboration with the District Hospital, Aundh, Pune, and the District Legal Services Authority. The inauguration was graced by the Honourable Principal District Judge of Pune and the District Civil Surgeon. The Child-Friendly One-Stop Centre Hospital provides comprehensive care and protection for children affected by sexual abuse and other forms of mistreatment, including physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. By bringing together medical care, legal assistance, counselling, and rehabilitation services under one roof, the centre ensures holistic, trauma-informed support tailored to each child’s individual needs.
In collaboration with the Commissioner of District Women and Child Development, we also developed a new publication on Child-Friendly Hospitals and, designed a forensic medical kits to strengthen the medical and legal support for child survivors of sexual abuse. Alongside, community awareness programs on child sexual abuse are conducted to strengthen child protection systems and promote prevention strategies.
In recognition of these pioneering efforts, we were honoured with the Child-Friendly Award by the State of Maharashtra for our contribution to advancing child safety and welfare.
CHILD-FRIENDLY RAILWAY STATION
In collaboration with the Ministry of Railways, we launched India’s second and Maharashtra’s first Child-Friendly Railway Station Unit. This pioneering initiative unites local authorities, railway staff, child welfare organisations, and community members to protect and support at-risk children, ensuring access to care, protection, and rehabilitation.
Through training programs for the Government Railway Police and the Railway Protection Force, the initiative strengthens child-safety systems within railway stations by equipping personnel to identify vulnerable children and provide immediate assistance. Beyond rescue, the program ensured long-term rehabilitation and reintegration, creating a safer, more supportive environment for children on and around railway stations.
