Child Protection & Legal Assistance
Promoting child safety, awareness of legal rights, and guidance on accessing qualified legal professionals and competent authorities for children and families in need.
If a child is in immediate danger — call Childline 1098 or Police 100 immediately. These are free, 24-hour emergency services.
About This Programme
Cute Stars Foundation is committed to the protection of children from abuse, exploitation, neglect and trafficking. We work to raise awareness of child rights and child protection laws, help families understand the legal protections available to children, and guide individuals towards the appropriate authorities and qualified legal professionals when needed.
We do not provide legal advice or act as legal representatives. Our role is to promote awareness, provide information about the correct channels, and help connect families with competent authorities and qualified legal aid services.
Key Rights of the Child in India
Right to Education
Every child between 6 and 14 years has a fundamental right to free and compulsory education under Article 21A of the Constitution and the Right to Education Act 2009.
Protection from Abuse
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) 2012 protects children from sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation. Offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
Juvenile Justice
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 provides for the care, protection and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and children in need of care.
Protection from Child Labour
The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986 prohibits employment of children below 14 years in any occupation and adolescents in hazardous work.
Right to Identity
Every child has the right to a name, nationality and identity. Birth registration is mandatory and free under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1969.
Right to Health
Children have the right to access basic healthcare, nutrition and a safe environment under various national and state government schemes and constitutional provisions.
Key Child Protection Laws
POCSO Act 2012
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act provides a comprehensive framework for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Cases are tried in Special Courts.
Read about POCSO Act ↗Juvenile Justice Act 2015
Provides for the care, protection, treatment and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and children in need of care and protection through Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards.
Read about JJ Act 2015 ↗Child Labour (Prohibition) Act 1986
Prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in any occupation. Amended in 2016 to also restrict adolescents (14–18 years) from working in hazardous occupations.
Visit labour.gov.in ↗Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005
Protects women and children from domestic violence. Children can be named as aggrieved persons and protection orders can be obtained through a magistrate.
Read about DV Act 2005 ↗How to Report Child Abuse or Seek Help
If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police (100) or Childline (1098) immediately. Do not delay.
Call Childline — 1098
Childline 1098 is a free, 24-hour emergency helpline for children in distress. It is available across India and connects callers with trained counsellors and rescue services.
Contact the Local Police
For any cognisable offence against a child (including POCSO offences), file an FIR at the nearest police station. Police are legally obligated to register the complaint.
Approach the Child Welfare Committee (CWC)
Every district has a Child Welfare Committee constituted under the Juvenile Justice Act. The CWC has the authority to order care and protection for children in need.
Contact the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU)
The DCPU is the nodal agency for child protection at the district level. It coordinates with police, CWC, NGOs and government departments.
Seek Legal Aid
Free legal aid is available through the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) for eligible individuals, including children.
Key Authorities & Helplines
Childline India — 1098
24-hour free emergency helpline for children in distress. Available across India.
Visit childlineindia.org ↗National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
The statutory body for child rights in India. Accepts complaints and monitors implementation of child protection laws.
Visit ncpcr.gov.in ↗Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights
The state-level body for child rights in Maharashtra. Handles complaints and monitors child protection in the state.
Visit mscpcr.maharashtra.gov.in ↗Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA)
Provides free legal aid and advice to eligible persons including children, women and economically weaker sections.
Visit mslsa.gov.in ↗Women Helpline — 181
Maharashtra's women and child helpline for distress situations involving women and children.
Visit wcd.maharashtra.gov.in ↗National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Accepts complaints of human rights violations including violations of child rights by state actors.
Visit nhrc.nic.in ↗Important Notice
Cute Stars Foundation does not provide legal advice or act as legal representatives. We do not collect personal data or case details through this website. All legal matters must be handled through qualified legal professionals and competent authorities. If a child is in immediate danger, call the police (100) or Childline (1098) immediately.
Contact Us for Guidance
If your family needs guidance on child protection, legal rights awareness, or identifying the right authority to approach, please contact us directly.
Office No. 18, 4th Floor, East Point Mall, Opp. Kurla Railway Station, Kurla (East), Mumbai – 400024