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Help counters for children

LAHORE: The task force on children, established by Punjab government, has decided to place 'Help Counters' for the runaway children at different public places in the city.

This was decided at a meeting of the task force held here on Thursday. Chairperson of the Task Force Dr Khalida Tareen presided over the meeting.

The meeting decided that these help counters, which will be manned by social welfare officers, will coordinate with the relevant authorities in the case of lost or runaway children.

To initiate its work two thickly populated areas, Data Darbar and general bus stand in Badami Bagh were singled out 'focal points' where surveys the conditions of children will be conducted.

Following a special proforma, data will be collected about the health and education profile of children from selected 100 households of the said area. The data collected will also highlight the opportunities of recreation available to these children besides giving the number of children engaged in child labour.

Chairperson Dr Khalida Tareen observed that the TF will have to work without special funds, however, it will actively work to raise awareness about the need for overall care of children and for this purpose they will go door to door.

It was also decided that the TF will consolidate recommendations to improve the existing juvenile laws.

The TF will work in collaboration with NGOs, Community Based Organisations CBOs, local community and the officials of the Social Welfare Department Punjab to improve the overall profile of the children.ÑAPP