Children in the age group of 0 to 6 years who are being considered by the Committee to be declared as legally free for adoption, and those who have been declared legally free for adoption shall not as far as possible be considered for placement in Foster Care. Such children shall be provided a permanent family through adoption as per Adoption Regulations. The situations under which Foster Care can be given will rest on the CWCs based on their assessment of the individual case presented before them.
After Care is meant for all young persons, who during their childhood have grown up in any form of Alternative Care such as children’s Homes, Observation Homes, etc., or fit facilities and had to leave them upon attaining 18 years of age. This transition for a young person leaving the childcare setting and moving to independent living throws up various challenges as well as offers opportunities as they go through these situational and emotional changes. This transition period is a delicate period because if young persons’ remain unsupported during this time, opportunities available to them may be lost.
The State Government shall prepare a programme for children who have to leave Child Care Institutions on attaining eighteen years of age by providing for their education, giving them employable skills and placement, industry apprenticeship, loan support for starting business as well as providing them places for stay to facilitate their re-integration into the mainstream of society. Such plan may be preferably made when the child attains 16 years of age and implemented once she/he becomes 18 years of age.