(1) The State Government may establish and maintain, by itself or through voluntary or non-governmental organisations, as many open shelters as may be required, and such open shelters shall be registered as such, in the manner as may be prescribed.

(2) The open shelters referred to in sub-section (1) shall function as a community based facility for children in need of residential support, on short-term basis, with the objective of protecting them from abuse or weaning them, or keeping them, away from a life on the streets.

(3) The open shelters shall send every month information, in the manner as may be prescribed, regarding children availing the services of the shelter, to the District Child Protection Unit and the Committee.