Childline is a 24-hour toll free phone service for children in distress which can be accessed by a child in difficulty or an adult on his behalf by dialing 1098. The basic objectives of the Childline Service are to respond to the needs of children in emergency situations and refer them to the relevant Government or Non-Government Organizations and to strengthen the support systems which facilitate the rehabilitation of children in difficult circumstances.

Three cities in Orissa – Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack – have the Childline Services being run through NGOs who receive financial assistance from the Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Childline in Orissa has responded to over 22282 calls during 2004. 617 of such calls have been for medical assistance; 261 for shelter; 195 in respect of missing children; 136 for emotional support and guidance; 639 for information on referral services; 184 0in respect of repatriation and 20250 other types of calls. Recently another childline project has been started in Rourkela City.

Considering the need for expanding the coverage of this service, installing such a service in various orphanages or other appropriate places all round the State is being contemplated. The proposal is being worked out in consultation with the Districts for being submitted by this Department to the GoI for funding.