The Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalya), was implemented by the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Goa. This state government scheme provides temporary care for children whose parents cannot look after them due to illness, death, desertion, or emotional crises. Vatsalya involves groups like Self-Help Groups, Mahila Mandals, Child Development Project Officers, Village Child Committees, Anganwadi Workers, NGOs, and the media to raise awareness about the need for foster families.

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What Happens Under The Foster Care Scheme?

When placing a child in foster care under Vatsalya, many important things are considered. The age and gender of the other children in the foster family are checked to make sure everyone fits well together. Usually, only one or two children are placed in a foster home unless they are siblings who need to stay together.

Foster parents get proper advice on how to handle any behavioural problems the child might have. The child’s emotional needs are also taken into consideration to help the foster parents understand how to care for them. The child’s opinions and emotions are also considered before the placement to make them feel more comfortable in their new home.

If the child has legal issues, like being involved with the law, the Juvenile Justice Board may help in arranging the foster care placement. This ensures everything is done in the child’s best interest.

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What Are The Benefits Of The Foster Care Scheme?

The Foster Care Scheme not only provides a safe and healthy environment for children but also provides other benefits. Let’s take a look at them.

• Monthly Foster Care Allowance of ₹ 2,500.

• Children receiving benefits from the Dayanand Social Security Scheme are not eligible for the Foster Care Allowance.

• Monthly Maintenance Allowance of ₹ 1,500 for children aged 0 to 6 years.

• Monthly Maintenance Allowance of ₹ 2,000 for children aged 6 to 14 years.

• Monthly Maintenance Allowance of ₹ 2,500 for children aged 14 to 18 years.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria To Apply For Vatsalya?

There are several eligibility criteria to apply for the foster care scheme. Let’s take a look at the criteria.

For Children

• The child is affected by family issues or marital problems.

• The child faces upheavals from family illness, substance abuse, or other crises.

• The child's safety is at risk.

• The child is affected by natural or man-made disasters.

• The child is orphaned, surrendered, or abandoned.

• The child cannot be adopted for various reasons.

• The child in an institution can be returned to a family.

• The child conflicts with the law.

For Foster Parents

• The parents should have stable emotional adjustment within the family.

• The parents should have enough income to meet the child’s basic needs.

• Medical reports of all family members are needed to check for HIV, TB, and Hepatitis B.

• The parents should be well-prepared and capable of providing good child care.

• The parents should be physically, mentally, and emotionally stable.

• The home should have enough space and basic facilities.

• The family should follow rules, including regular doctor visits and keeping health records.

• The family should agree to return the child to the Child Welfare Committee if needed.

• The parents should attend training on child care and health.

• The parents should support the child’s education and send them to school or vocational training.

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How To Apply For The Foster Care Scheme?

Children and foster parents who meet the eligibility criteria can follow these steps to apply for the government scheme.

1. Visit the District Child Protection Society or Child Welfare Committee to get a hard copy of the application form for the Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalya) from the Child Care Coordinator or the concerned authority.

2. Fill out the application form with the required details.

3. Attach the necessary documents.

4. Submit the completed and signed application form with the documents to the Child Care Coordinator or concerned authority.

5. Get a receipt or acknowledgement of your successful application submission from the District Child Protection Society or Child Welfare Committee.

Biological parents can choose relatives or potential caregivers from their area to look after their child. Adoption agencies can create a list of couples who do not qualify for adoption but are willing to care for children in foster care.

What Are The Required Documents To Be Submitted?

The following documents have to be attached to the application form while applying for the foster care scheme.

• Identity Proof

• Address Proof

• Employment Certificate

• Health Reports

• Income Certificate

• Birth Certificates

• Marriage Certificates

• Death Certificates (if applicable)

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the foster care scheme ensures that children are safe and living in good conditions with good Child skill Development. Vatsalya gives parents who are not in the condition to take care of their children a step back and prepare themselves for their responsibility, ensuring that the burden is taken away from the parents while the children do not feel abandoned.

For any queries regarding Vatsalya, call 9822983336 or mail crg.goa@gmail.com.