Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya) is implemented by the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Goa. Its primary aim is to provide temporary or substitute care for children who are in difficult circumstances. This includes children whose parents are unable to care for them due to illness, death, abandonment, or any emotional crisis.
Awareness
To promote the need for foster parents and families, Self-Help Groups, Mahila Mandals, Child Development Project Officers, Village Child Committees, Anganwadi Workers, NGOs, and Media are involved in raising awareness.
Placement Conditions
When placing a child in foster care, the following guidelines are considered:
- Family Composition: The age and gender of the children in the foster family are taken into account.
- Number of Children: A maximum of two children may be placed in a foster family, except for siblings who should ideally be placed together.
- Foster Parent Counseling: Applicants are counseled on behavioral issues and the emotional and psychological assessments of the child to ensure they can manage the child’s care effectively.
- Child’s Opinion: Where possible, the child’s opinion is considered before initiating foster care procedures.
- Juvenile Justice: In case of children in conflict with the law, the Juvenile Justice Board refers them to the Child Welfare Committee for foster care placement.
Benefits
The scheme provides financial support to foster families in the form of allowances, based on the assessment by the Child Care Coordinator:
- Foster Care Allowance: ₹2,500/- per month.
- Maintenance Allowance (based on the child’s age):
- 0 to 6 years: ₹1,500/- per month
- 6 to 14 years: ₹2,000/- per month
- 14 to 18 years: ₹2,500/- per month
Note: Children who are beneficiaries of the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) are not eligible for Foster Care allowances under this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
- For Children: A child should meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Affected by family breakdown or marital discord.
- Faces crisis due to family illness, substance abuse, or other personal issues.
- Safety is at risk or affected by natural or man-made disasters.
- Orphaned, surrendered, abandoned, or relinquished.
- Cannot be placed for adoption for various reasons.
- In institutional care but can be restored to a family.
- In conflict with the law.
- For Foster Parents: Foster parents must meet the following criteria:
- Stable emotional and financial condition to meet the basic needs of the child.
- Medical fitness, with health checks (including HIV, TB, and Hepatitis B) for all family members.
- Adequate knowledge and ability to provide child care.
- Sufficient space and facilities in the home.
- Willingness to comply with rules such as regular pediatric visits, immunization, and maintaining the child’s health records.
- Willing to sign an agreement and return the child if directed by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
- Commitment to attend training on child care and health.
- Encourage the child to study and send them to regular school or vocational training.
Note 1: Discrimination in selecting foster parents based on caste, religion, health, or disability is prohibited. The child’s best interests should be the priority in placement decisions. As far as possible, foster families should come from a similar socioeconomic background as the child.
Note 2: The foster care allowance is not intended to be the sole motivation for fostering; foster families should not be entirely dependent on the allowance. The CWC assesses the family’s income to determine whether it can adequately care for the child.
Exclusions
Children who are beneficiaries of the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) are not eligible for Foster Care allowances.
Application Process
- Step 1: Visit the District Child Protection Society or Child Welfare Committee and request the application form for the Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya).
- Step 2: Fill in the mandatory fields, paste a signed passport-sized photograph, and attach the required documents (self-attested if necessary).
- Step 3: Submit the completed form with documents to the concerned authority.
- Step 4: Obtain a receipt/acknowledgement of the application submission.
Identification of Foster Families
- Biological Parents: Can identify a relative or caregiver.
- Adoption Agencies: Prepare a list of couples who are ineligible for adoption but are willing to care for children in foster care. This list is submitted to the Child Welfare Committee for further assessment.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof
- Proof of Residence
- Employment Certificate
- Health Reports
- Income Certificate
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Death Certificates (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How are the records of each foster care case maintained?
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) keeps records of each case and ensures that the child’s welfare is monitored continuously. - How can a biological family receive financial help for their child after restoration?
Financial assistance may be provided based on the restoration process and needs of the child. - What is the process for restoring a child in foster care to their biological family?
The Child Welfare Committee coordinates the process, ensuring that the child’s safety and well-being are considered before restoration. - What support services are available to foster families?
Foster families can access counseling, training programs, and health care services as needed. - How is the child’s health and progress monitored?
Regular health checks and progress assessments are conducted, including school attendance and psychological evaluations. - What programs are organized for foster parents and children?
Programs on child care, health, and education are provided to foster families. - How is the placement of a child in foster care assessed?
The Child Care Coordinator evaluates the placement and makes regular assessments of the child’s progress. - What is the role of foster parents before placement?
Foster parents are required to undergo training and orientation sessions on child care and health before placement. - What information should foster care applicants be aware of?
Foster parents must understand their responsibilities, including adhering to rules, attending medical check-ups, and supporting the child’s education. - What happens when a child in need of foster care has relatives willing to care for them?
It is considered best to place the child with a relative when possible, ensuring the child’s emotional and psychological needs are met.