Details
The Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya) is
being implemented by the Department of Women & Child Development,
Government of Goa to provide temporary/substitute care for children in
difficult circumstances, whose parents are unable to care for them due to illness,
death, and desertion of one parent or any emotional crisis.
Awareness
Self-Help Groups, MahilaMandals,
Child Development Project Officers, Village Child Committees, Anganwadi
Workers, NGOs, and Media can be enlisted to propagate the need for foster parents
and families.
Placement Conditions
- When placing a child in foster care, the following points shall be looked Due consideration shall be given to the age and sex of the other children of the foster care applicants/parents.
- Not more than two children shall be placed in a foster family, except in the case of siblings who may require to be placed with the same family.
- Foster care applicants/s shall be counselled about behavioural issues.
- The child's emotional and psychological assessment shall be discussed with the foster care applicant/s to enable them to deal with the child's situation to minimize the chances of premature termination of the foster care placement.
- The child's opinion shall be sought, wherever possible, prior to initiating the foster care procedures.
- In case of a child in conflict with law, the Juvenile Justice Board may refer the child to the Child Welfare Committee to initiate the procedures for foster placement.
Benefits
(payable to the foster families on
the basis of the assessment of the Child Care Coordinator)
Foster Care Allowance
₹ 2,500/- per month.
(The children who are Beneficiaries
of the Dayanand Social Security Scheme shall not be eligible for Foster Care
Allowances)
Maintenance Allowance
- Age Group: 0 to 6 years; Amount: ₹ 1,500/- per month
- Age Group: 6 to 14 years; Amount: ₹ 2,000/- per month
- Age Group: 14 to 18 years; Amount: ₹ 2,500/- per month
Eligibility
For Children
The Child should qualify for at least
one of the following conditions -
- The child is affected by family breakdown or marital discord.
- The child is faced with upheavals caused by family illness, substance abuse or any other “crisis”.
- The child's safety is “at risk”.
- The child is affected by natural or man-made disasters.
- The child is orphaned, surrendered/relinquished, or abandoned.
- The child cannot be placed for adoption for various reasons.
- The child in an institution who can be “reinstated” or “restored” back into families.
- The child is in conflict with the law.
For Foster Parents
(in accordance with Section 35 of the
Model Rules of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act)
- The foster parents should have stable emotional adjustment within the family.
- The foster parents should have an income in which they are able to meet the basic needs of the child.
- The Medical Reports of all the members of the family residing on the premises should be obtained to determine their medical fitness, including checks on: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis B.
- The foster parents should have adequate exposure, orientation and capacity in child caring and the capacity to provide good child care.
- the foster parents should be physically, mentally and emotionally stable.
- The home of the foster parents should have adequate space and basic facilities.
- The foster care family should be willing to follow rules laid down including making regular visits to a paediatrician, immunization of the child,
- and maintenance of the child's health records.
- The foster care family should be willing to sign an agreement and to return the child to the Child Welfare Committee if directed by the Committee to do so.
- The foster parents should be willing to attend training or orientation programmes on child care and health, etc.
- The foster parents should motivate the child to study and be willing to send the child to regular school or vocational training.
NOTE 1: There shall be no discrimination in
the selection of foster parents on the basis of caste, religion, ethnic status,
disability or health status and the best interests of the child shall be
paramount in deciding foster-care placement. As far as possible, the foster
family should belong to a similar social-economic and cultural milieu.
NOTE 2: The foster care maintenance
allowance/assistance should not be their motivation for caring for the child
and they should not be totally dependent on the same. The CWC shall assess
whether the monthly family income is adequate to take care of foster children.
Exclusions
The children who are Beneficiaries of
the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) of the Directorate of Social
Welfare, Government of Goa, shall not be eligible for Foster Care allowances
under this scheme.
Application Process
Offline
Step 1: Visit the District Child Protection
Society/ Child Welfare Committee, and request a hard copy of the proforma of
the application form for the "Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya)" from
the Child Care Coordinator/ Concerned Authority.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all
the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across), and
attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed
application form along with the documents to the Child Care Coordinator/
Concerned Authority.
Step 4: Acquire the receipt/acknowledgement
of the successful submission of the application from the District Child Protection
Society/ Child Welfare Committee.
Identification of Foster Families
- The biological parent/s can identify a relative or a potential caregiver from the vicinity.
- A list of couples found ineligible under the criteria for adoption but willing to care for children in foster care can be prepared by adoption agencies and submitted to Child Welfare Committee for assessment by the Child Care Coordinator.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof
- Proof of Residence
- Employment Certificate
- Health Reports
- Income Certificate
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Death Certificates (where applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are The Records Of Each Foster
Care Case Maintained?
The Child Care Coordinator maintains
individual case files for each foster care case, which include school progress
reports, medical investigations, and evaluation reports of the placement.
How Can A Biological Family Or Legal
Guardian Receive Financial Help For The Care Of Their Child After Restoration?
If the biological family or legal guardian
requires financial assistance for the care of their child after restoration,
they may be referred for assistance under the Sponsorship Scheme.
What Is The Process For Restoring A
Child In Foster Care To Their Biological Parent Or Legal Guardian?
Before restoring a child in foster
care to their biological family, the Child Care Coordinator conducts a social
inquiry to assess the family's suitability as a "fit person." The
report is then presented to the Child Welfare Committee, which declares the family
"fit" for restoration.
What Kind Of Support Services Are
Available To Foster Families When Necessary?
The State provides supplementary
services, including material and financial assistance for transport and medical
expenses, as well as referrals to other community services like family
counseling, child guidance clinics, community centers, and rehabilitation
centers when necessary.
How Is The Child's Health And
Progress Monitored While In Foster Care?
The foster parent(s) are responsible
for conducting an annual medical check-up of the child. Additionally, the Child
Care Coordinator prepares an annual progress report that includes the child's
school progress reports, medical investigations, and evaluation reports of the
placement.
What Kind Of Programs Are Organized
For The Foster Parents And Children Placed In Foster Care?
Periodic programs are conducted by
the Child Care Coordinator, focusing on enhancing parenting skills and
providing awareness on health, immunization, and nutrition. Interactive
sessions for foster parents and children are also organized.
How Is The Placement Of A Child In
Foster Care Regularly Assessed?
The Child Care Coordinator conducts
periodic assessments of the foster care placement and presents the reports for
evaluation to the Child Welfare Committee. During the first year, assessment
visits are conducted every three months, and later, they are carried out
bi-annually.
What Kind Of Assistance Do The Child
Welfare Committee And The Child Care Coordinators Receive During Their Work?
The Child Welfare Committee and the
two Child Care Coordinators are assisted by a team of professionals, including
a Social Worker, Child Psychologist, Legal Expert, and Doctor, drawn from an
empanelled list of experts maintained by the Child Welfare Committee.
How Are Foster Families Prepared For
Their Role Before The Placement?
Prior to the placement, the foster
family receives orientation and periodic training from the Child Care
Coordinator and the Department of Women and Child Development. These sessions
aim to educate the foster parents about the needs and behavior of children and
their roles and responsibilities.
What Important Information Should
Foster Care Applicants Be Aware Of Regarding Their Role And Responsibilities?
Foster care applicants need to be
informed about their role in executing rehabilitation plans, periodic
assessment visits by the Child Care Coordinator or designated Case Worker, the
duration of the placement, and the conditions that may lead to termination of
the placement.
After The Meeting, What Are The Next
Steps For The Prospective Foster Parent(S)?
The prospective foster parent(s) are
given the opportunity to express their opinion on the placement within a week.
They are also permitted to visit the child at least twice a week to facilitate
bonding.
What Is A Child Study Report, And Who
Prepares It?
The Child Care Coordinator prepares a
Child Study Report within 15 days, providing details about the child who may be
placed in foster care.
What Happens After The Child Care
Coordinator Completes The Assessment Of The Prospective Foster Parents?
The assessment report is presented to
the Child Welfare Committee within 15 days for discussion and approval. If
needed, the Child Care Coordinator may seek assistance from NGOs during this
process.
How Are Prospective Foster Parents
Assessed, And Who Is Responsible For Conducting This Assessment?
The prospective foster parents
undergo an assessment conducted by the Child Care Coordinator. The assessment
includes home visits, meetings with family members, and collateral contacts,
such as anganwadi workers, school personnel, and hospital staff. The assessment
focuses on evaluating the potential, motivation, and capacities of the
prospective foster parents.
What Are The Initial Steps Taken When
A Family Applies For Foster Care Under The Scheme?
Upon receiving applications for
foster care, the Child Welfare Committee holds an initial meeting with the
foster care applicants to conduct preliminary inquiries and inform them about
the scheme.
What Happens When A Child In Need Of
Foster Care Has Potential Foster Parents Related To Them, And Why Is It Necessary?
In cases where the child's potential
foster parents are related to them (e.g., foster parents could be relatives or
family friends), the Child Welfare Committee may allow the child to reside with
the family during the inquiry and assessment process to maintain the child's
normal routine.
Sources And References
Official Gazette CLICK HERE
Citizen's Charter CLICK HERE
