The scheme identifies children in need and places them with foster families who can provide care, stability, and emotional support. The program involves thorough assessments of both the child’s needs and the suitability of foster parents. It also includes regular monitoring, counseling, and training for foster families to ensure the best possible environment for the child’s growth and development.
Awareness Campaigns:
The initiative relies on community participation. Self-Help Groups, Mahila Mandals, Village Child Committees, Anganwadi Workers, NGOs, and media outlets help raise awareness and encourage more families to become foster parents.
Placement Considerations:
- Child’s Age and Needs: When assigning foster homes, factors like the child’s age, gender, and emotional condition are carefully considered.
- Sibling Placement: Efforts are made to keep siblings together in one foster home whenever possible.
- Foster Parent Training: Prospective foster parents undergo counseling and training to understand the child’s behavioral and psychological needs.
- Child’s Consent: Where feasible, the child’s opinion is taken into account before placement.
Benefits
Foster Care Allowance:
- ₹2,500 per month provided to foster families, based on the Child Care Coordinator’s assessment.
- Maintenance Allowance:
- 0–6 years: ₹1,500 per month
- 6–14 years: ₹2,000 per month
- 14–18 years: ₹2,500 per month
Note:
Children receiving benefits under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) are not eligible for the Foster Care Allowance.
Eligibility
Children:
A child is eligible if they meet any of the following conditions:
- Family breakdown or marital discord
- Displacement due to family illness, substance abuse, or other crises
- At risk of abuse or neglect
- Orphaned, surrendered, abandoned, or affected by natural/man-made disasters
- Unable to be placed for adoption due to various reasons
- A child from an institution ready to be reintegrated into a family setting
- A child in conflict with the law
Foster Parents:
As per Section 35 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, foster parents must:
- Show emotional stability and family harmony
- Have adequate financial resources to meet the child’s basic needs
- Undergo health checks (HIV, TB, Hepatitis B)
- Be physically, mentally, and emotionally stable
- Offer a home with adequate space and facilities
- Follow medical and educational guidelines for the child
- Be open to training programs on child care and health
- Encourage the child’s education and personal development
Note: The foster family’s motivation should not solely depend on the allowance provided, and the CWC will assess the family’s financial capacity.
Exclusions
- Children already receiving DSSS benefits are not eligible for Foster Care Allowance under this scheme.
- Foster parents who fail to meet the stipulated health, financial, or emotional criteria are excluded from participating in the scheme.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps:
- Visit the District Child Protection Society or the Child Welfare Committee.
- Request the application form for the “Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya)” from the Child Care Coordinator.
- Fill out the form, affix a passport-size photo, and attach all required documents.
- Submit the completed form to the Child Care Coordinator.
- Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment for your application.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof
- Proof of Residence
- Employment Certificate
- Health Reports (for all family members)
- Income Certificate
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Death Certificates (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How are foster care cases monitored and recorded?
A: The Child Welfare Committee and Child Care Coordinators maintain detailed records for each foster care case, including health checks, educational progress, and periodic assessments of the foster family environment.
Q2: Can a biological family receive financial help after the child is restored?
A: Financial assistance may be available for biological families or legal guardians if deemed necessary for the child’s continued welfare.
Q3: What support services are available for foster families?
A: Foster families receive training, counseling, and guidance on child care, health, and emotional well-being. Regular visits from Child Care Coordinators provide additional support as needed.
Q4: How are children’s placements reassessed?
A: Placements are regularly evaluated by Child Welfare Committees and coordinators to ensure the foster environment continues to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs.
Q5: What is a Child Study Report?
A: A Child Study Report is prepared by the Child Care Coordinator to provide a comprehensive overview of the child’s background, needs, and progress. It helps ensure appropriate foster placement and ongoing care.
Q6: Are foster parents required to sign an agreement?
A: Yes, foster parents must agree to abide by the rules set forth by the Child Welfare Committee, including returning the child if directed and maintaining health and education records.
Q7: What criteria are used to select foster parents?
A: Foster parents must meet emotional, financial, and health requirements. They are assessed for stability, willingness to care for children, and adherence to training and care guidelines.