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Women and Child

Mission Vatsalya (Child Protection Services and Child Welfare Services)

This scheme aims to ensure, sustain, and strengthen child protection at the family and community levels, promote family-based non-institutional care, and provide financial support to children in need.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Financial Support for Vulnerable Children | - Children living with biological parents or extended families receive financial assistance to meet their education, nutrition, and healthcare needs, helping prevent separation from families. | Family-Based Foster Care Support | - Children without parental care are placed with biologically unrelated foster families, ensuring a nurturing home environment. Foster parents receive financial assistance to support the child’s care, protection, and rehabilitation. | Legal and Safe Adoption Opportunities | - Children declared legally free for adoption are placed in permanent family settings through Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs), ensuring their long-term emotional and social well-being. | After-Care Support for Independent Living | - Children exiting Child Care Institutions at the age of 18 are provided financial assistance up to 21 years, extendable to 23 years, to support education, skill development, employment, and smooth reintegration into society. | Monthly Financial Assistance | - A monthly grant of ₹4,000 per child is provided to State Governments under Sponsorship, Foster Care, or After-Care to ensure sustained support. | Strengthened Child Protection Systems | - State Governments are encouraged to provide additional grants and proactively identify children in need of care and protection with the support of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies. | Transparent Approval and Monitoring Mechanism | - Every district establishes a Sponsorship and Foster Care Approval Committee (SFCAC) to review, approve, and sanction assistance, ensuring accountability and timely support. | Compliance with Legal Framework | - All non-institutional care interventions are implemented in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and Rules, ensuring legality, safety, and child-centric care.

Who can apply

The applicant child must be below 18 years of age for Sponsorship, Foster Care, and Adoption.; The applicant child must be 18 years or above for After-Care support (up to 21 years, extendable to 23 years).; The applicant caregiver family shall be eligible for financial support if the annual family income is below ₹8 lakh per annum or as prescribed by the Ministry of WCD from time to time.; The applicant child must be willing to stay with the foster family.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is Mission Vatsalya?

Mission Vatsalya is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Government of India to protect children, provide family-based care, and support vulnerable children financially and socially.

Who implements Mission Vatsalya?

It is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development through State/UT governments and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).

What are the main objectives of Mission Vatsalya?

The objectives include child protection, promotion of family-based non-institutional care, ensuring children’s rights, and providing financial support to children in need.

Who is eligible for Sponsorship under Mission Vatsalya?

Children from economically vulnerable families or at risk of family separation are eligible for financial support under Sponsorship.

Who can apply for Foster Care?

Couples or families willing to take care of a child and who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to the DCPU for Foster Care.

What is the age limit for children under After-Care?

After-Care support is available for children leaving Child Care Institutions at 18 years, and can continue up to 21 years, extendable to 23 years.

How is a child selected for Adoption?

Only children declared legally free for adoption by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) are eligible, and adoption is facilitated through Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs).

What financial support is provided to foster or sponsored children?

A monthly grant of ₹4,000 per child is provided under Sponsorship, Foster Care, or After-Care. States may give additional support if needed.

Who selects the staff for the DCPU?

Staff selection is done by a District Selection Committee headed by the District Magistrate, following prescribed qualifications and police verification.

Is there a performance review for DCPU staff?

Yes, staff are reviewed annually based on their performance in child welfare, health, education, and rehabilitation, and increments are provided accordingly.