Family centered approach to child protection services in India: Future scope for non- governmental organizations to prevent child maltreatment

The article emphasizes the importance of strengthening India's child protection system by incorporating NGOs to deliver crucial elements, particularly those that fortify families. The Ministry of Women and Child Development initiated Mission Vatsalya to ensure the well-being of children with an emphasis on family-oriented care. As the principal body for child protection, the ministry encompasses a variety of policies, laws, and initiatives aimed at safeguarding children. However, over the years, the child protection system in India has faced varied challenges in realizing its full potential. The authors review the positive aspects and propose methods for more efficient and rapid implementation. Additionally, the article illuminates the role of NGOs in executing and providing family-centered interventions to prevent child maltreatment. It discusses the role of NGOs as effective facilitators in the application of government policies, illustrated by several examples. The article concludes by advocating that evidence based child welfare policies should be recognized to combat child maltreatment. • Mission Vatsalya promotes family-based care for children facing adversities in India. • Provision of such care is challenging due to lack of infrastructure and poor execution of alternative care. • NGOs are recognized for their grassroots approach, innovation, and vital role in disseminating government policies. • NGOs ought to be granted more authority to ensure the rapid and efficient implementation of key components. • Integrate family-centered interventions and evidence-based policies to prevent child maltreatment.