Section 44 of JJ Act : Section 44: Foster Care

Explanation using Example

Example Scenario: Let's say there is a 10-year-old boy named Arjun whose parents are unable to care for him due to severe addiction issues. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) steps in and determines that Arjun is a child in need of care and protection under Section 44 of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Following the prescribed procedures, the CWC places Arjun into a foster care program. They find a family, the Sharmas, who have a history of providing a nurturing environment for foster children. The Sharmas do not include Arjun's biological or adoptive parents and are deemed suitable by the State Government for foster care.

Arjun has a younger sister who is also being placed in foster care. The CWC makes all efforts to place them together with the Sharmas, as keeping siblings together is in their best interest, as per the Act.

The State Government provides monthly funding through the District Child Protection Unit to the Sharmas for Arjun's care, which includes his education, health, and nutrition. The Sharmas are responsible for ensuring his well-being.

Arjun's biological parents are given the opportunity to visit him, with the hope that they will eventually become capable of caring for him. The CWC will regularly review the parents' situation to assess if they can resume care for Arjun.

Meanwhile, the CWC conducts monthly inspections to ensure Arjun's well-being in the foster family. If at any point the Sharmas are found to be unable to provide adequate care, the CWC will intervene and place Arjun with another suitable foster family.

Since Arjun is considered adoptable, the CWC ensures that he is not placed in long-term foster care, keeping the option of adoption open.