What is CHIQUAL?
CHIQUAL (Child Helplines, Quality, Data and Advocacy) is a four-year initiative led by Child Helpline International, co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. The initiative supports child helplines in the EU to improve the quality and consistency of their services, strengthen their capacity, and increase their influence in child protection systems and policymaking.
CHIQUAL contributes directly to the strengthening of services provided through 116 111 – the European harmonised number for child helplines – and other national child helplines. These child helplines provide essential, confidential, and accessible support for children and young people, often serving as the first point of contact for those in need of help, protection or someone to listen.
Why it matters
Child Helplines play a vital role in supporting the implementation of EU child rights policy. However, across Europe, Child Helplines face unequal levels of resourcing, technical capacity and integration into national protection systems. The need for a shared operational benchmark and stronger evidence base is clear.
CHIQUAL is grounded in this belief and works to ensure that children in Europe receive high-quality, rights-based support regardless of where they live.
What CHIQUAL aims to achieve (2022- 2025)
The programme advances its goals through the following three interconnected pillars:
The Core Quality Standards (CQS) for Child Helplines is a framework co-developed with child helpline members that outlines nine essential functions of quality child helpline operations. The CQS are used to guide child helplines, donors and partners in developing and adequately resourcing services. They also offer a self-assessment tool for measuring progress.
Through annual Core self-assessments, focus groups and consultations, CHIQUAL identifies areas of strength and improvement across the network. Good practices are documented, validated by experts, and shared with members to promote consistent service standards across the EU.
This work supports the ongoing development and operational excellence of 116 111 services across Europe.
CHIQUAL has developed a sustainable, member-driven learning infrastructure including eLearning modules, webinars, online live learning sessions and regional consultations. Learning materials are based on real needs identified through CQS assessments and member consultations.
Child Helpline International works with members to strengthen data collection and analysis across the network, including for 116 111 services. This data is used to advocate at national and EU levels, highlight emerging trends affecting children, and promote the integration of child helplines in broader protection systems.
The long-term impact
By the end of 2025, CHIQUAL aims to have:
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