Mission Vatsalya: Child Protection and Welfare
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
Mission Vatsalya, launched in 2021-22 by revamping the Child Protection Services (earlier the Integrated Child Protection Scheme), aims to give every child a safe and healthy childhood. It protects children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with the law, under the Juvenile Justice Act, and prefers family-based care over institutions.
In one line: a safety net for vulnerable children that keeps them in families wherever possible, with institutions as the last resort.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2021-22 |
| Earlier | Integrated Child Protection Scheme / Child Protection Services |
| Funding | 60:40; 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States; 100% for UTs without legislature |
| Bodies | Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, CARA |
| Helpline | Childline 1098, integrated with 112 |
| Portal | Mission Vatsalya portal, including TrackChild and Khoya-Paya |
Family-based care
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship | ₹4,000 a month per child to keep vulnerable children with their families |
| Foster care | Placing a child with an unrelated family, with a maintenance grant |
| Adoption | Through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) |
| Aftercare | Support from 18 to 21 (extendable to 23) for those leaving child care institutions |
Possible exam questions
- Why should family-based care be preferred to institutional care for vulnerable children?
- What are the main gaps in India's child protection system?
Complete notes in our courses: this page gives the essentials. The Super-Elite and Elite courses carry the full chapter with every update merged in, plus practice MCQs. Compare the courses.
More in Women and Child schemes
- Mission Shakti
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
- One Stop Centre (Sakhi)
- PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
- Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
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