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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by India in 1992, recognises the right of every child to grow in a nurturing family environment. It further seeks to protect children who are unable to live with their parents or remain in an unsafe family environment. However, UNCRC does not elaborate on the measures that should be taken to keep children safe in alternative care. The United Nations Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children came into effect on 20 November 2009, to strengthen the policy and practice for children without parental care and at risk of separation. In India, the national and state-wise legislations, policies and schemes uphold the rights of children enshrined in UNCRC and the approach to alternative care recognised in United Nations Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children.