When Bantay Bata started in 1997 as a child welfare program for children at risk, it focused on helping children who are physically abused and maltreated. Bantay Bata rescues them from the source of abuse with the ultimate goal of reintegrating the children to their family.

Bantay Bata was able to provide immediate response  to children in crisis by operating the first child care hotline 1-6-3 in the country. The cases reported to the hotline were handled by trained social workers and counsellors who were always on standby to respond on crisis situations. Children who experienced abuse and who cannot be reintegrated with their families were given refuge in the Children’s Village where they were provided premium care and underwent counselling and therapy.  The hotline also became a medium wherein children in distress and parents can ask for psychological counselling and legal assistance.