Children separated from their parents and families because of conflict, disaster or population displacement, or because of economic or social reasons, are at increased risk of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect in an emergency. Every child has the right to the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents as recognised in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC Article 7). The CRC requires that any child temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment, or in whose own best interests cannot be allowed to remain in that environment, shall be entitled to special protection and assistance provided by the State (Article 20). Growing up in a safe family environment is essential for children to accomplish the various developmental tasks related to their psychological, cognitive and physical development. In the best case, alternative care is only required as an interim measure whilst family tracing is carried out and until the time when children can be reunited with
family members. The views of girls and boys in need of alternative care should be considered in identifying care arrangements that are in their best interests.