Miracle Foundation India, in collaboration with the District Magistrates and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) of Vadodara, Mehsana, and Chhota Udepur in Gujarat, has been supporting the implementation of family-based care initiatives. This partnership is designed to strengthen child protection systems and prevent unnecessary separation of children from their families. In a noteworthy recognition of leadership and innovation, Tejas Patel, Block Development Officer (BDO) of Desar block, Vadodara district, who has been closely associated with our initiative since January 2024, was awarded Best Block Development Officer on March 25, 2025, by the District Panchayat of Vadodara. Selected from among nine blocks, this award highlights not only individual leadership but also the collective commitment of Desar’s local administration to child protection.
A key component of this initiative is the Child Welfare and Protection Committee (CWPC), which has been made functional in accordance with the Mission Vatsalya guidelines. This Panchayat-level child protection structure focuses on identifying vulnerable families at high risk of child separation, and works towards family strengthening. With the leadership and support of the DCPU of Vadodara, this model was launched in Desar Gram Panchayat, laying the groundwork for a community-led child protection system and stronger prevention mechanisms at the grassroots level.
Amplifying the initiative’s visibility, Tejas Patel also presented the project’s progress in the DISHA (District Initiative for Socio-economic and Holistic Advancement) Committee, which includes the MLAs and MP of Vadodara district. The initiative was widely appreciated by all members.
This recognition serves as a powerful reminder: when communities, government, and the civil society work together, sustainable solutions for children in need of care and protection become not only possible but inevitable. We now look forward to building on this strong foundation, and scaling our efforts towards promoting family-based care.