RE: Virtual Services for Children

[Marsha Runtz <runtz@xxxxxxx>]

Peter,

You might want to take a look at this Canadian website which has discussion groups for kids (moderated by counsellors) as well as a 1-800 telephone line.  They are very clear about trying to make this a safe service for kids in need.

http://kidshelp.sympatico.ca/index.html

M. Runtz

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From: 	Peter Dale
Sent: 	Sunday, May 09, 1999 10:58 AM
To: 	Child Maltreatment Researchers
Subject: 	Virtual Services for Children

<<File: ATT00000.html>>
I wonder if anyone has any ideas/experience about the use of internet technology as the medium for information/support/counselling services  with children - including those where there are potential child protection concerns.

I am part of a planning group of the NSPCC in the UK (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). We are committed to developing an internet facility that is widely available to children throughout the country. Children would access the site for information, and obtain various forms of support including advice/advocacy about child protection matters, one-to-one email counselling and hopefully, monitored peer support chat rooms.

We are fairly clear about the ideas and have excellent technical consultancy - however, it wolud be really helpful to hear from others who have developed (or thought about) similar services elsewhere.

Many thanks

Peter Dale PhD 
Hastings, UK