Help for Children
Original Title:
Pagalba vaikams
Country:
Lithuania
Producer:
State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Ms. Evelina Siraité
The Help for children webpage was created as an extension to the children’s helpline started in 2009 as a professional telephone phone-in service for children, teens and even adults, concerned about child rights protection. Recognizing that some children or teens are afraid to talk on the phone or prefer to write about their troubles, the website was designed to deliver better and quicker help for children and teens, who themselves need help or know about a child who needs help. Extremely easy to comprehend and to navigate, Help for Children is perfectly adjusted to its target audience – children and youths. Consultants address various abuses, whether drugs/alcohol dependency, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, violence against a child, or family problems in general. Users quickly find professional help and support via this portal. With information about how children can also help themselves and where to seek help, Help for children also functions in a preventive way. This exemplary project empowers one of the most powerless groups in society – children and youth – to protect their basic rights and seek solutions to their problems.
Jury Evaluation:
Children are the most precious resource for humanity, but many of them face harsh conditions of abuse, neglect and even violence. And regrettably, sometimes the ones who are supposed to protect and nourish them can be the negligent ones.
This service from Lithuania, Help for Children, has got off to a terrific start with its website staffed by professional consultants in childcare. Through phone, email and the web, the target audience – children, teens and even adults worried about child rights protection – can contact professionals for assistance. In addition to a daytime helpline, there is an online feature to come to aid of children or teens hesitant to talk on the phone. In such a case, it is better for them to write a letter about all their troubles and send it online.
The site is easy to use and navigate, and is well designed for a young audience. There are services for young users as well as older ones who know of needy children. In addition to the helpline, there are online resources about alcohol abuse and drug problems, domestic conflicts and teen pregnancy. The information is updated regularly and contact information is prominently displayed. From direct support to reference information, this site goes well beyond inclusion to empowerment. The site builds strong confidence and could serve as an international knowledge and psychological base in approaching such a fragile and sensitive subject. Visitors feel encouraged to share their experiences, stories and lessons learned the most difficult way.
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