SC URGED TO STOP ILLEGAL ADOPTION

SC URGED TO STOP ILLEGAL ADOPTION

Subject: Governance

Context: The Supreme Court has agreed to intervene after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) sounded the alarm on a spate of complaints about illegal adoption of COVID orphans through private individuals and organizations.

Concept:

• NCPCR statistics shows that 3,621 children were orphaned, 26,176 children lost either parent and 274 children were abandoned between April 1, 2021 to June 5, 2021.
• The second wave of the pandemic was at its worst form during this period, leaving a trail of death across the country.
• NCPCR had received many complaints in May that private individuals and organisations have been actively collecting data on these children while claiming that they want to assist families and children in adoption.
• Social media posts are circulating that children are up for adoption. This is plainly illegal and violates the Juvenile Justice Act.
• The Act also prohibits the disclosure of identity of children with regard to the name, school, age, address or any information which would reveal the essential details of the child.

What is the procedure to be followed with children who have been orphaned?

• If someone has information about a child in need of care, then they must contact one of the four agencies: Childline 1098, or the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) or the helpline of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
• Following this, the CWC will assess the child and place him or her in the immediate care of a specialized Adoption Agency.
• When there is a child without a family, the State becomes the guardian.

About JJ Act, 2015:

• Aim: To comprehensively address children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection.
• It mandates setting up Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees in every district. Both must have at least one-woman member each.
• Also, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) was granted the status of a statutory body to enable it to perform its function more effectively.
• All Child Care Institutions, whether run by State Government or by voluntary or non-governmental organisations are to be mandatorily registered under the Act within 6 months from the date of commencement of the Act.