The National Conference on Family Strengthening and Family-Based Care, co-organized by Miracle Foundation India in collaboration with UNICEF India, the India Alternative Care Network (IACN), Prerana, Dasra and Don Bosco YaR Forum, was held from September 23-25, 2026, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. It brought together over 170 delegates from 21 states, including government representatives, civil society organizations, practitioners, researchers, academia, CSR and philanthropic representatives, and people with lived experience.

Over two and a half days, participants engaged in policy dialogue and exchanged experiences on advancing prevention, family strengthening and Family-Based Care in India, aligned with the objectives of Mission Vatsalya. Discussions explored community-based prevention, gatekeeping, family resilience, family-based alternative care, and pathways for rehabilitation, reintegration and social reintegration for both Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and Children in Conflict with Law (CICL). The deliberations also drew on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as it completes ten years, reflecting on the continued importance of strengthening implementation, improving coordination across systems and ensuring better outcomes for children and families. Participants shared promising practices and examined opportunities to strengthen policy and practice across states and districts, alongside greater public, CSR and philanthropic investment.

The discussions culminated in a set of emerging priority areas to advance Family Strengthening and Family-Based Care in India, calling on stakeholders to take action through their respective roles, expertise and capacities. Read the emerging areas of priority here.