dwcd.goa.gov.in : Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya)

Organisation : Goa Department of Women & Child Development (DWCD)
Scheme Name : Foster Care Scheme
Applicable For : Children in difficult circumstances, whose parents are unable to care for them due to illness, death
Applicable State/UT : Goa
Website : https://dwcd.goa.gov.in/foster-care-scheme-2/

What is DWCD Goa Foster Care Scheme?

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.

Benefits of DWCD Goa Foster Care Scheme

(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 of DWCD Goa Foster Care Scheme

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:
** 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.

How To Apply For DWCD Goa Foster Care Scheme?

To apply for DWCD Goa Foster Care Scheme, Follow the below steps

Steps:
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 For DWCD Goa Foster Care Scheme

** Identity Proof
** Proof of Residence
** Employment Certificate
** Health Reports
** Income Certificate
** Birth Certificates
** Marriage Certificates
** Death Certificates (where applicable)