CHILDHOPE was founded in 1986 by individuals from children's agencies who saw the need for an international effort specifically on behalf of street children. Its Board of Directors included representatives from international children's agencies and individuals who work directly with street children. CHILDHOPE is an international, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization whose principal purpose is to advocate for the cause of street children throughout the world. It works toward the liberation of the child from the suffering caused by working and living on the street.