01 : Between 6 – 8 years who are not adopted within 2 years of being declared legally free

02 : Between 8 – 18 years who are not adopted within 1 year of being declared legally free

03 :  With special needs of any age who are not adopted within 1 year

04 : Living in a community where DCPU considers that the child needs to be in foster care

05 : Between 6 -18 years, staying in child care institutions and not been declared legally free

06 : Whose parents are terminally ill and unable to take care of their children

07 : Whose parents are mentally ill and are unable to take care of their child;

08 : Whose one or both parents are in jail;

09 : Victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, natural /man-made disasters, agrarian distress and domestic violence

The Rules are clear in advocating plans to restore every child in institutional care to family-based care and CCIs are expected to identify children suitable for foster care and inform DCPU. Children of any age can be placed in foster care from the community or from the child care institutions.