While laws to protect children and promote their well-being exist in the country, a persistent lack of prioritisation of child protection issues coupled with a limited understanding of effective methodologies to address and realise these rights has led to continued exploitation of children over the years.  ICP was thus established to seek solutions and collective action on several pivotal challenges-

• The child protection network was identified as weak. The delay in the justice delivery process is leading to compromising its ability to provide a robust defence against various forms of exploitation

• Lack of awareness within communities regarding the rights of children and the procedures for reporting cases of child exploitation

• The inadequate knowledge among key stakeholders in enforcing relevant provisions in cases of exploitation against children

• The inadequate rehabilitation support for victims of child exploitation

• Absence of comprehensive data on child protection cases, hindering  the informed decision-making for policymakers

• The emergence of new forms of exploitation, including through online platforms, posed an additional and challenging dimension requiring newer approaches to handle such incidences

The organisation's inception was motivated by a commitment to confront these challenges head-on, with a vision to protect children from all forms of exploitation and abuse in the most vulnerable and deprived sections of society. Therefore, the organisation aims to -

• Guarantee fundamental rights to children and also ensure their holistic development through protection from abuse, promotion of free, compulsory, and quality education

• Provide support to activities that promote the rule of law in India in favour of children, especially for the prevention of trafficking and child sexual abuse and providing support services, rehabilitation services, vocational and skill-building initiatives, promoting leadership, empowerment, and participation amongst children

• Make all endeavours for the emancipation, upliftment, and physical, mental, cultural, and economic development of the poor, socially deprived, and other vulnerable members of the society

To ensure the attainment of these objectives, ICP collaborates with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Governments, and child protection stakeholders across the country to strengthen the state’s mechanisms, ensuring timely prosecution against crimes. The organisation also plays a pivotal role in promoting rehabilitation and aftercare mechanisms for victims of trafficking and various forms of exploitation. ICP identifies and implements sustainable solutions through strategic initiatives, capacity-building programmes, data-driven research for informed decision-making, and the integration of grassroots expertise and technology.