In this dissertation, we analyze the possibilities and challenges to ensure the rightto coexistence and family reintegration of children and adolescents hosted in São Luís do Maranhão, whose parents and/or guardians reside in other municipalities in the State. Institutional care is a protection measure provided for in the Child andAdolescent Statute (CAS). Theoretical discussions were accomplished and problematized based on the categories: families and social issues; family living; family reintegration and municipalization of care. This is qualitative research, which included an empirical study in four shelter institutions located in São Luís and with managers from the Special Social Protection Area of the State Secretariat for Social Development of Maranhão (SSSD). Data collection took place through documentary research into dossiers, reception and dismissal guides, and interviews with a group of technicians and managers from three institutions. The objective is to analyze the main challenges in guaranteeing these children and adolescents the right to coexistence and family reintegration, since their families are territorially distant. With this research, we identified that children and adolescents from other municipalities remain in Reception Units for longer periods,making this a difficult element in preserving family and community ties. We conclude that failure to comply with the principle of municipalization of care in Maranhão State makes the right to family life unfeasible, interfering in the processof family reintegration, despite the strategies designed and/or already adopted bythe teams at the Reception Units, as well as by the public authorities state throughSSSD.