Coordinated response

We rely on cooperation from many other agencies to deliver our child protection services. one example is when a 17-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh was identified and rescued from our city's railway station. The girl had fled her home after her love affair had been discovered. She was found wandering alone at Ahilyanagar Railway Station when her suspicious behavior caught the attention of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Checking why she was there alone, it was revealed that she had runaway from home. The RPF promptly informed the local Railway Police Station and recognizing the urgency and sensitivity of her situation, the authorities immediately contacted our Mukti Vahini team. Upon arrival at the station, our team counselled the girl, who was extremely frightened and emotionally distressed.

Realising that the girl was under 18 and from Uttar Pradesh, we initially reassured her and after contacting our District Child Welfare Committee, we conducted a medical examination to ensure she hadn't been exploited before contacting her family to let them know she was safe. She was then admotted into a government-run children’s home for her protection. This step ensured her safety while she recovered emotionally and physically from the ordeal.

Alos involved in ensuring her protection were the Childline 1098 team and other stakeholders to ensure her rescue and recovery was carried out with utmost sensitivity and care, prioritizing the girl’s safety and emotional well-being. This approach underscores the importance of vigilant security measures and collaborative efforts between railway authorities, law enforcement, child welfare organizations and helplines.

A coordinated approach in these cases protects vulnerable children and exemplifies a model of effective child protection, while also reaffirming the commitment of all involved to ensure a safe environment for all children, especially those at risk of exploitation or harm.

If you come across a distressed or runaway child, remember that prompt action and cooperation with authorities can make a life-changing difference. Support and trust in child protection services and reporting mechanisms are vital for safeguarding our future generations.