parent/s are common. These factors in the child’s growing years seriously hamper his/her normal personality development. Thus to have a family which is as close as possible to the child’s ethnic, socio-cultural and economic background is essential. This facilitates the process of adjustment and transition from the natural home to the foster home and vice-versa.

In India, The Central Social Welfare Board initiated the foster-care programme in the year 1964 as a pilot-project in the Third Five Year Plan for the welfare of the family and child.  Family Service Centre was also one of the pioneers who initiated the Foster Care Scheme. In 1994, Government of Maharashtra took over the scheme from the Centre and renamed it Bal Sangopan Yojana (BSY).

BSY recognizes that the best rehabilitation for children is not possible in an institution rather in a family. Presently, Maharashtra is the only state implementing BSY in the country.  A unit of 50 children is covered under the scheme By FSC.  The Government has allocated a sum of Rs. 500/- per month per child. This grant covers maintenance stipend to parents, a percentage of the salaries of the social worker and office assistant and administrative expenses incurred.