Protection and promotion of child rights are referred to as a central purpose of the European Union (EU). Therefore in 2021, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the European Child Guarantee were published to enable children to have the best possible life in the EU and worldwide. Member states were invited to implement the directions of both documents into practice. The present study analyses and showcases the evidence on how to progress implementation of the Strategy and the Guarantee regarding alternative care in Portugal. A literature review was conducted based on international literature. Evidence-based recommendations for the Portuguese transition process towards quality, family and community-based care are stated. De-institutionalisation and strengthening specific services—kinship care, special guardianship, and foster care—are advocated, namely specialising the workforce, and promoting training for kinship carers and prospective special guardians. To conclude, the revision and monitoring of the measures for children in need of alternative care are suggested as well as integrating and publishing data from the diverse services of the alternative care system.

The evolution within the Child and Youth Promotion and Protection System (CYPPS) presents several legal milestones for a child-centred understanding. However, it is observed a set of concerns leading to arranged political actions, for the effective guarantee of the children's rights. In this view, this article describes the current reality and makes evidence-based recommendations for developments in the CYPPS, based on scientific literature, reports, legislation, and political instruments.The results focus on two axes, changes in the law and changes in CYPPS management. From the point of view of the law, extending the child age in relation to adoption, to readmit the child protection in system and take measures to promote protection; reconceptualizing child protection measures, name of the courts, and the concept of minor; and increasing support for special guardianship. From the management point of view, establishing a national council to coordinate the entire CYPPS; creating an Ombudsman for children; and publishing integrated facts and figures involving all stakeholders.The conclusions highlight the need of an urgent rethink and reform in the CYPPS.