Children's Rights in Goa (CRG] started as a programme of Vikas Adhyayan Kendra [VAK]. Mumbai, in 1996. In 1995 VAK, in association with the Indian National Social Action Forum (INSAF), conducted a study on 'Children at Risk in Goa'. The outcome of this study was the initiation of a child rights programme for children who were identified as being vulnerable.
CRG was registered under the Societies' Registration Act, 1860, on 10 February 2006 (Registration No: 25/Goa/2006). It is also registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act and under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 (FCRA).
CRG began non-formal education centres which were to serve as grievance cells where children could express the problems faced by them. CRG also realised the vulnerability of formal school children and developed modules for conducting a rights awareness and safety education programme for schools. CRG now has a full-fledged Child Empowerment Programme.
Children’s Rights in Goa (CRG) is the first organisation in India to develop a coordinated community response against tourism related child sexual exploitation (TCSE) also referred to as travelling sex offenders (TSOs). Its STOP PAEDOPHILIA campaign was developed in November 2000. In 2001 See the Evil – A study on tourism related paedophilia, researched by CRG staff member, DrNishtha Desai was published. This provided an understanding on the nature of the problem and recommended a programme of action.