A new guideline is on way that is going to make things tough for single parents to adopt orphan children.The Government has also set 35 years as the minimum age for the foster parents, though it has not set any upper age limit.
In its new effort to ensure home-like surroundings for abandoned children, Ministry of Woman and Child Development has introduced the concept of foster care in its new Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Bill 2014, which is still to be cleared by the Upper House.
Foster care is an arrangement whereby a child lives, usually on a temporary basis, with unrelated family members or well wishers, in cases of abandonment or in a situation where family is unable to take responsibility of the child due to mental or terminal illnesses.
“It is felt that at present single parent should not be encouraged for foster care as they are likely to enter matrimony and this may result in problems,” read the newly laid out guidelines.
The WCD Ministry has also ruled out the foster care option for children in the age group 0-6 years, barring exceptional cases.
“Children in the age group of 6-18 years who have been staying in child care institutions, shall be placed in foster care based on their individual care plan developed in the institution,” the guidelines said.
The foster family has to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter, besides taking care, support and treatment for child’s overall physical, emotional and mental health. They are also responsible for ensuring education and vocational training according to the age, developmental needs and interests of the child.
The Ministry also requires the foster family to follow an individual care plan for every child as prepared by the child care institution. Similarly, the foster care givers are also required to prepare a detailed child study report.