The Foster Care Scheme (Vatsalaya) provides temporary care for children whose parents are unable to care for them due to illness, death, desertion, or emotional crisis.

Benefits

• Foster Care Allowance: ₹ 2,500/- per month.
• Maintenance Allowance:
  • 0 to 6 years: ₹ 1,500/- per month
  • 6 to 14 years: ₹ 2,000/- per month
  • 14 to 18 years: ₹ 2,500/- per month

Eligibility for Children

Children affected by family breakdown, illness, abuse, disasters, or those who are orphaned/abandoned or in conflict with the law.

Eligibility for Foster Parents

• Stable emotional adjustment and adequate income to meet child’s needs.
• Medical fitness (tests for HIV, TB, Hepatitis B).
• Adequate space and willingness to follow child care rules/training.
• No discrimination based on caste or religion.

Application Process

Offline

Step 1: Visit District Child Protection Society/Child Welfare Committee for the form.
Step 2: Fill and attach self-attested documents.
Step 3: Submit to the Child Care Coordinator.

Documents Required

Identity proof, residence proof, employment and income certificates, health reports, birth/marriage/death certificates.