In order to help and protect children of incarcerated parents, we can support their emotional, educational and basic daily needs while maintaining safe family connections.

1. Their education should not be interrupted due to the imprisonment of their parent. 3. Children should receive counselling and psychosocial support to deal with emotional difficulties and social stigma. 4. The identity and privacy of such children should be protected, and they should not face discrimination because of the offense or imprisonment of their parent.

Suggestions for the Care and Protection of Children of Incarcerated Prisoners Submission: Children of incarcerated prisoners should receive proper care, education, emotional support, healthcare and a safe environment. Government authorities should ensure that these children are not discriminated against because of their parents’ situation. Regular counselling, educational support, scholarships and skill-development opportunities can help them build a better future. A dedicated support system should also help children stay connected with their families in a safe and child-friendly manner. Protecting their rights, dignity and well-being should be a priority.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, in partnership with MyGov and NCPCR, is Inviting Suggestions on CARE AND PROTECTION of CHILDREN of INCARCERATED PRISONERS. This public initiative features official government emblems and agency logos at the top. Alongside the bold text, the visual design showcases a child pointing toward a bright horizon, accompanied by various symbols representing education, mental health, nature, and a figure behind prison bars. The campaign encourages citizens to contribute valuable ideas and feedback. By collecting these public suggestions, the initiative aims to enhance the welfare, safety, and developmental support systems available for children who are impacted by parental incarceration, ensuring a protective environment and a hopeful future for them.

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The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body set up by the Government of India in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. Its main objective is to protect, promote and defend child rights in India. Child rights include the right to education, right to health, right to protection from exploitation and abuse, and right to be heard. The Commission ensures that all laws, policies and programmes in India are in accordance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Functions of NCPCR: To examine and review safeguards for child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation. To inquire into cases of violation of child rights and take suo moto notice of serious matters. To look into matters related to children in need of special care, like children in distress, marginalized children, children

The proposed National SOP on the Care and Protection of Children of Incarcerated Prisoners should mandate immediate screening of minor dependents during police remand and 24-hour CWC notification if children are left alone. For infants inside prison, crèches must be located outside prison walls under civilian Anganwadi staff, with a gradual six-month transition plan before age six. To support children living in the community, fast-track Mission Vatsalya monthly assistance of ₹4,000 to kinship guardians and enforce a strict zero-school-dropout policy. Furthermore, prison visitations should replace wire-mesh barriers with open, child-friendly contact rooms and free video calls, while ensuring strict confidentiality across school and police records to protect children from societal stigma. Innocence must never be punished alongside incarceration.

1) First steps involves identification of children whose parents are in jail. They face trauma because of their parent incarceration so they should be provided help with psychologists, mental health counsellors who will help them in navigating their difficult situations and offer emotional supoort. 2) There should be government schemes in the form of incentives, scholarship, residential accomodation so that they can continue their studies without difficulties, educators should be trained so as to help them in their learning difficulties. 3) Public in general should be educated and made aware, so they can protect children from unjust comments, insults and disrespectful behaviour. 4) They should be allowed to meet their parents in jail under supervision, jail staff should be sensitised about their situations so as to respond with empathy and respect. 5) Child's nutritional needs should be taken care of as well as his/her growth indicators.

Provide healthcare and nutrition support, including regular health check-ups, mental-health services, nutritious food, and access to government health schemes. Create child-friendly grievance mechanisms so children can safely report neglect, abuse, exploitation, bullying, or other difficulties.

Ensure safe alternative care when parents are unable to provide care. Kinship care or other family-based arrangements should be considered wherever safe and appropriate, with institutional care used only when necessary. Regularly monitor children's welfare through Child Welfare Committees, schools, social workers, and child-protection authorities, while avoiding unnecessary interference in family life.