Families and communities are the first lines of protection for children. When circumstances such as poverty, disability, or poor health prevent families and communities from providing adequate care for children, the Government of the country in which a child lives is responsible for ensuring that children receive essential protection and care. While parents have the primary responsibility for the protection and care of their children, States have the ultimate responsibility to ensure children’s safety, well-being, and opportunities to develop. The State’s first responsibility to children is supporting the capacity of families to provide adequately for their children’s needs. But when a child’s family is unable or unwilling to provide adequate protection and care or when a child is separated, the State is responsible for ensuring protection and alternative care.