Question

Which of the following statements are true with regard to 'Foster Care'?
A. It is a means of alternative care under the Juvenile Justice Act, other than the child's biological family.
B. It always precedes and leads to legal adoption.
C. It is keeping a child in need of care and protection in a family temporarily as identified by the District Child Protection Unit.
D. It may result in legal adoption.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, C and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

The key distinction to remember is: {Foster Care = Temporary}, {Adoption = Permanent}. Foster care is about providing temporary care, while adoption permanently severs the child's legal ties with the biological parents and creates new ones with the adoptive parents.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Definition: Foster Care, as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, offers temporary, family-based care for children needing protection, unable to reside with their biological families. Step 2: Analysis: A: Correct. Foster care provides alternative care by placing a child with a different family. B: Incorrect. Foster care is designed to be temporary. Adoption, a permanent legal process, is not a required outcome. C: Correct. Foster care aims to offer a safe, temporary family setting, overseen by official bodies like the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). D: Correct. Although temporary, foster care can lead to legal adoption if the child is eligible and if it is in their best interest. Step 3: Conclusion: Statements A, C, and D are valid; statement B is not. Hence, the accurate selection comprises A, C, and D.