Family First: India's New Approach to Childcare

India is experiencing a dramatic transition from institutional to family childcare, fueled by recent policy reforms and advocacy. The Model Guidelines for Foster Care, 2024, have made the foster care process simpler, more accessible, and more attractive to potential foster parents. This action is in line with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which prioritizes family-based care as a preferred option over institutional care. The National Family Summit 2025 also strengthened this agenda, convening stakeholders to promote family-based care. Despite setbacks such as public awareness and post-placement support, the momentum for family-based care is picking up steam, with programs such as Mission Vatsalya offering financial assistance to foster families. This transition seeks to make more children grow up in caring family settings instead of institutions.

Source: The Hindu