Model Child Welfare Guidelines

The Model Child Welfare Guidelines proposes a practical framework to reform custodial jurisprudence in India by shifting focus from adversarial custody battles to shared parenting and child-centric justice. It provides a structured Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for policymakers, judges, and parents that treats the "Best Interests of the Child" as a measurable outcome rather than a subjective claim.

The framework addresses core custody challenges by confronting parental alienation and visitation denial, recommending time-bound interim access orders and structured parenting plans. It also introduces integrated welfare mechanisms such as Child Welfare Escrows and safeguards for financial and parental accountability. Additional provisions aim to prevent delay tactics, litigation harassment, and jurisdictional instability in interstate or international custody disputes.

With model policy principles and court-ready templates, the guidelines aim to reduce conflict, strengthen institutional accountability, and promote a child's right to meaningful relationships with both parents.