Syllabus: GS2/ Governance
Context
- Adoption Awareness Month is celebrated annually in November.
About
- It is an initiative led by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) to raise awareness about the legal adoption process.
- Theme for 2024: “Rehabilitation of Older Children through Foster Care and Foster Adoption.
Adoption Data in India
- India has approximately 29.6 million stranded, orphaned, and abandoned children, but only a small fraction ranging from 3,000 to 4,000, are adopted annually.
- Over 16,000 prospective parents in India are waiting for adoption referrals, but the number of legally available children for adoption falls far short of this demand.
Laws Related to Child Adoption in India
- Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956: This act applies to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. It specifies that only a child’s father, mother, or guardian can give the child up for adoption.
- Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015: This act applies to children who need care and protection and are eligible for adoption.
- Introduces the concept of Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) who must register through CARA’s CARINGS portal.
- Guardianship and Wards Act of 1890: This secular act applies to all citizens of India. It covers the process for petitioning the courts to appoint a guardian.
| Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) – It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, oversees ethical and legal adoptions in India, prioritizing the best interests of children. – As the central authority for Indian adoptions, CARA regulates and monitors both in-country and inter-country adoptions. – It adhered to the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by India in 2003. CARINGS portal – The CARINGS (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System) portal was launched in 2011. – It serves as the sole platform for adoption, complying with the Hague Convention, international protocols, and national laws. – The portal integrates data of legally free children with that of Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs), enabling automated matching based on preferences. |
Challenges in the Adoption Process
- Complex Procedures: Lengthy and bureaucratic adoption processes deter many prospective adoptive parents (PAPs).
- Low Awareness: Limited knowledge about legal adoption and the CARINGS portal restricts participation.
- Societal Stigma: Adoptive families face prejudices, and the preference for infants over older children and those with special needs further narrows the adoption scope.
- Foster Care Gaps: India’s foster care system is still nascent, requiring robust policy frameworks and infrastructure for implementation.
Way Forward
- Simplify Procedures: CARA and other stakeholders must streamline legal formalities to make adoption more accessible.
- Enhance Awareness: Initiatives like media campaigns and community workshops should educate people about the benefits and processes of legal adoption.
- Strengthen Foster Care: A robust foster care system, focusing on older children and those with special needs, complement the adoption process.
- Financial Support: Providing incentives, counseling services, and post-adoption support can address challenges faced by adoptive families.
Concluding remark
- Adoption is not just a legal process; it is a life-changing act that prioritizes the welfare of children.
- Empowering CARA, promoting awareness, and addressing systemic barriers can ensure that every child finds a loving home, affirming the principle that “Every Child Matters.”
Source: PIB
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