1. We are child rights-centered: We are committed to respect, protect and promote the rights of all children as enshrined in our Constitution, the UNCRC and domestic law.

2. We value each child as a citizen: We value each child as a person, a citizen and a subject, whose capabilities need to be recognized, safeguarded, and promoted and whose vulnerabilities need to be addressed so that he/she is not deprived, exploitated,excluded or at risk.

3. We are a learning and sharing platform who value the promise of becoming a ‘community of practice’: We value learning and sharing as a continuous process believing in the potency of networking and solidarity across issues, sectors and domains. We recognize the importance and need for evolving into a community of practice on juvenile justice as a vehicle for transformative social change, with the necessary ingredients of a common domain, a community and ongoing practice on the issue.

4. We value participation, inclusiveness and democratic processes as essential elements for a sustainable social movement, recognizing that a collective requires an investment of time and respect for differing views. We value people working together towards our common mission and vision, across disciplines, domains, state and country borders; bridging divides between academia and field based practice, and between state and civil society.

5. We value equity and justice for all, recognizing that affirmative action may be required to empower children and their families to claim a life of dignity.

6. We value knowledge contributed by each and every person irrespective of status, qualification, language or experience recognizing that each individual and organization brings new insights, knowledge and some degree of expertise.

7. We value the legitimate role of the state with respect to children and families especially those entitled to protection and care and recognize that civil society has the responsibility to both ensure non-abdication by the state as well as promote ownership for children within the community.

8. We value the family as a precious but not a private sphere, recognizing that children have a right to family, but at the same time some children may require to be separated from family when there are substantive grounds for the same.

9. We value transparency and accountability of all persons responsible for children in out of home care, whether they are individuals, civil society groups or organizations or the state.

10. We value results