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Does Childline receive money from the government?
Only a very small percentage of the total income we need to raise each year comes
from statutory funding. We rely on donations from the public and
companies just to keep our service running at its current level -
and we need to increase this if we are to answer all the children
who need us.
Doesn't Childline do more harm than good? Don't you break up
families?
Quite the opposite, often our role is to act as a bridge
between children and their families. Our counsellors will explore
why a child has not felt able to talk to a parent or carer about
their problem; they might even rehearse with the child how that
conversation could go. Childline helps children to identify a
trusted adult in their life whom they feel they could confide in.
Is Childline confidential?
Yes, which is one of the reasons why children feel they can
trust us with problems they may never have spoken about before.
Before making a referral, say to social services or the police,
the counsellor will make sure that the young person understands
and agrees. However, if a child's life is in danger, we do
everything in our power to ensure their protection.
Can children speak to Childline more than once?
Yes, they can call as often as they need to. Some young people
ring us regularly over a period of time, often to speak to the
same counsellor, for long-term help and support. One boy rang more
than fifty times before he gained the courage to tell his mother
of the abuse he had suffered. As a result, the abuser went to
prison. Over years a number of children with very serious problems
have been in contact with our counselling teams over a period of
years. This was often because of protracted court proceedings.
Does Childline just listen to the children or actively try
to help during a call?
We listen, and offer ideas. It often takes a great deal of
courage for a child to contact us and calling Childline is a first
step towards sorting out their problem. Some tell us that their Childline
counsellor is the first adult who has ever listened to
them. Whenever possible, we try to identify someone in their own
life - a parent, teacher or friend - whom they can talk to.
Sometimes it helps to practise with the counsellor how this
conversation might go.
Do you receive many hoax calls?
Children do not call Childline to make false allegations
against named adults. Children call to talk about their pain and
distress. We have to persuade them that they have the right to
safety, and give them the confidence to ask for help. No call is
considered a 'hoax', even if someone seems just to be having a
laugh with their friends - this child may be testing Childline's
response, and may pluck up the courage to call again later when
alone to talk about their problems.
Does Childline work with decision-makers to change things
for children?
Yes, we work closely with the government and other children's
charities. We are committed to ensuring that this vital work goes
on, so that Childline can continue to be a force for changing
children's lives for the better.
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