Project Summary

Plan China started the Child Legal Support and Protection Project in May 2006. In less than two years we have trained lawyers and set-up a legal protection network that encompasses a total of 16 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. We employ one full-time lawyer in each of these 16 areas who manages a network of lawyers that offer voluntary services for children. The legal network also manages a hotline where youth, parents and those concerned about children’s welfare or rights can call and receive free consultations. Lastly, the network provides training for lawyers and children on children’s rights and methods of protection.

Why are we doing it?

With a total of 369 million children, China has the second largest population of children in the world, but government and non-government provided legal aid for children is limited. Few lawyers work fulltime on child protection. The Child Legal Support and Protection Network was established to advocate for children’s rights and provide pro-bono legal support for children in cases such as kidnapping, child labour and abuse.

Project Activities

·         Provide training for lawyers on children’s rights and child protection

·         Develop free hotline to for legal consultations on children’s protection and rights

·         Provide children and their families with pro-bono legal consultations and litigation

·         Advocate for a strong nationwide children’s legal support network in cooperation with government and non-government organisations

Impact

Since starting the project in five provinces and municipalities, the network now reaches 16 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, serving more children. In the first year of operation, the network has provided legal advice for 4,500 individuals. We have provided legal support to children in more than 300 cases and have provided consultations to over 3,000 children and concerned individuals since July 2007. We also provided over 100 opportunities for youth to attend training and learn about legal rights and protection.

Project PartnersThe network provides pro-bono legal support and follow-up protection for children in cooperation with the Special Committee for Child Protection of the All China Lawyers Association, and the Beijing Children’s Legal Aid and Research Center and advocates for increased awareness of children’s rights and protection.

Future of the Project

In 2008 we will work to improve the existing legal network by providing further training to lawyers and working to establish strong provincial-level networks. We will also evaluate our work and share this with peers and partners.