THE Government has acquired a three-digit toll free number to be used by the public to inform the Child Development Agency (CDA) about cases of child abuse.

Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Olivia Grange told yesterday's post-Cabinet briefing that the number - 211 - will be available as soon as the CDA has finished organising for its usage.

She said that the project will be a 24-hour, seven-day service in which the Government will, initially, be investing some $23 million.

"It is expected that this number will be the first point of contact for the children. The structure that will be put in place will be child-friendly," she said.

The toll free number was among a number of recommendations made by a task force appointed by the prime minister recently to review the situation of violence affecting children.

The CDA will be getting the support of the United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, for the project.

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