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Social Welfare & Benefits

Child Welfare (ICPS & CHILDLINE)

Child Protection, Adoption & CHILDLINE 1098

Official Website 1098 (CHILDLINE 24x7)
Fees: All services free for children in need
Processing: Emergency rescue: Immediate. Adoption: 6–12 months.

What is Child Welfare (ICPS & CHILDLINE)?

ICPS (Integrated Child Protection Scheme) provides child care institutions, Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, and the CARA adoption portal. CHILDLINE 1098 operates 24x7 for any child in distress.

Who Can Apply

  • Children in need of care and protection
  • Prospective adoptive parents
  • Families seeking child welfare services

Documents Required

  • Identity and age proof
  • Income certificate
  • Home study report for adoption

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Contact CHILDLINE

Call 1098 (24x7) for any child in distress — rescue, shelter, or protection.

2

Child Welfare Committee

CWC handles abandoned, abused, or neglected children at district court.

3

CARA for Adoption

Visit cara.nic.in for legal adoption. Only CARA-approved adoption is recognized.

4

PM CARES for Children

Children who lost both parents to COVID get stipend, education, and insurance.

5

ICDS Nutrition

Anganwadi provides free nutrition, health, and education for 0–6 year children.

Important Tips

  • Call 1098 for any child abuse or distress situation
  • Only CARA-approved adoption is legally valid in India
  • ICDS Anganwadi provides free nutrition to under-6 children
  • Report child labor to CHILDLINE or local police immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

QWho can adopt a child in India?

Married couples (2+ years married), single women, single men (male can only adopt male) can adopt through CARA.

QWhat is PM CARES for Children?

COVID-orphaned children get ₹4,000/month from 18–23, free education, and ₹10L insurance from PM CARES.

Fees

All services free for children in need

Helpline

1098 (CHILDLINE 24x7)

Processing: Emergency rescue: Immediate. Adoption: 6–12 months.