20. 1. A 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.
2. States Parties shall in accordance with their national laws
ensure alternative care for such a child.
3. Such care could include, inter alia, foster placement,
kafalah of Islamic law, adoption or if necessary placement in suitable
institutions for the care of children. When considering solutions, due regard
shall be paid to the desirability of continuity in a child’s upbringing and to
the child’s ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic background.