How to get help for a child in distress
Call Child Helpline 1098 for children needing care and protection. In immediate danger, also call 112. Keep child’s location and basic details ready.
Verified Last checked: 2026-04-281098 / 112
Protection Intelligence Hub
Child Abuse or Child in Distress Help in Maharashtra
Find child-protection reporting routes, helplines, district authorities and practical guidance for a child who may be unsafe or in distress.
Start with the right level of help
Immediate dangerCall 112 or local police now.
Urgent child protectionCall 1098 and explain the child’s location and immediate concern.
Non-emergency report or follow-upUse the relevant authority, support centre or complaint guide listed below.
Maharashtra
Guides
Child abuse, child labour or child in distress
Call Child Helpline 1098. If the child is in immediate danger, call 112 first. Keep location, description, employer/guardian details and any safe evidence ready.
Verified Last checked: 2026-04-28
Child Labour in India: How to Report Safely
Short Summary This guide explains how ordinary citizens, parents, teachers, volunteers, and community members can respond when they suspect child labour in India. It focuses on safe action,…
Verified Last checked: 2026-04-30
School Awareness: Child-Safety Resources for Schools, Teachers, Parents, Churches, Community Groups and Local Volunteers
Emergency help: Call 1098 Child Helpline, 112 Emergency Response, or the nearest police station if a child is in danger. Child protection is not only the duty of…
Needs review Last checked: 2026-06-01
Maharashtra
Laws and rights
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012
Child sexual abuse protection law listed by Maharashtra WCD important acts. Use guide content to route cases to police, Child Helpline 1098 or CWC/DCPU support.
Verified Last checked: 2026-04-281098
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012
Child sexual abuse protection law listed by Maharashtra WCD important acts. Use guide content to route cases to police, Child Helpline 1098 or CWC/DCPU support.
Verified Last checked: 2026-04-281098
POCSO Act 2012
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act safeguards children from sexual offences. For a child in distress call 1098 or 112.
Verified Last checked: 2026-04-28
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) complaint route
For child sexual abuse or exploitation complaints, use police/112/1098 for emergencies and NCPCR eBaal Nidan for child-rights complaint filing.
Verified Last checked: 2026-04-28112; 1098
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act
Child sexual abuse protection law. For immediate child safety call 1098 or 112; for complaints contact police or child protection authorities.
Needs review Last checked: 2026-04-28
When the first route does not work
- Confirm that the number, office or portal applies to your location.
- Record the date, time, reference number and response where it is safe to do so.
- Use an alternative district or state route listed on the relevant record.
- Escalate to the responsible authority or legal-services route when the matter remains unresolved.