- Details
- Benefits
- Eligibility
- Exclusions
- Application Process
- Documents Required
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources And References
- Feedback
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Goa
Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya)
Foster Care
Orphan
Parent
Rehabilitation
Shelter
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.
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Check Eligibility
Goa
Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya)
Foster Care
Orphan
Parent
Rehabilitation
Shelter
Details
Benefits
Eligibility
Exclusions
Application Process
Documents Required
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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