Mysore/Mysuru: In yet another initiative of Women and Child Welfare Department for the care of distressed children, the Department has set up a Toll-free Telecounselling Helpline Number-14499, to help children come out of distress.

This Helpline is a Centrally- sponsored programme, wherein neglected, separated, violence hit or exploited children are prevented from slipping into depression, distress, mental instability etc. The Department will trace such children and provide them free telecounselling.

Children and their parents from the district, who are in crisis, can call the toll-free Helpline No.14499 for free telecounselling and advice, according to a press release from District Child Protection Officer                                           Dr. S. Diwakar.

Do not use the word ‘Juvenile Convicts’

Meanwhile, in another press release, Dr. Diwakar said that it is wrong to use the word ‘Juvenile Convicts’ while referring to child offenders. Pointing out that it is wrong to generally use the word ‘Juvenile Convicts,’ he said that media persons should instead use ‘Children in Conflict with Law’ whenever they are referring to child offenders. 

Also, the media should always use the word ‘Child Care Centres’ whenever they are referring to Remand Homes or Correctional Homes, he said.