ADOPTION OF CHILDREN IN INDIA

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/18k-adoptions-since-2019-only-1-4k-children-with-special-needs-find-homes-124082500200_1.html

 

Context

Despite the rise in total adoption rate,  the adoption of children with special needs declined.

Details

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) reported that since 2019, India has recorded 18,179 adoptions. Of these, only 1,404 involved children with special needs

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) ●It was established in 1990 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. ●It is responsible for monitoring and regulating child adoption procedures, both domestically and internationally, to ensure the best interests of the child. ●In 1993, CARA became a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children, promoting inter-country adoptions. India ratified this convention in 2003.

Challenges Faced

• As of July 2024, 420 children with special needs were waiting for adoption, according to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). Despite the increase in adoptions overall, children with special needs often remain in institutions longer.
• The classification of "special needs" is broad and often includes children with minor or correctable issues. For example, a child with a cleft palate—an issue that can be surgically fixed—is still classified as having special needs.
  • • This broad categorization can deter potential adoptive parents.
• Many adoptive parents prefer healthy infants. As a result, children with even minor special needs are less likely to be chosen. This preference significantly impacts the adoption rates for these children.

 Way Forward

• There is a need for re-evaluating how special needs are classified.
  • • Instead of a broad label, there should be a well-defined approach that considers the severity of the needs and provides detailed information to potential adoptive parents.
• Educating the public about the challenges and needs of children with special needs can help change attitudes. Highlighting success stories and the joys of adopting such children can encourage more families to consider them.
• Enhancing support systems for families adopting children with special needs can make adoption more appealing. This includes financial support, medical care, and counselling.
• Collaborative efforts between the government and NGOs can address the gaps in adoption policies and support for special needs children. For example, targeted campaigns and reforms in adoption procedures can help.

Source:

Business Standard

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA): 1. It was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 2. It is authorized to regulate child adoption procedures only within India.  3. It is a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children. How many of the above statements are incorrect? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None   Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: CARA was established under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, not the Ministry of Home Affairs. Statement 2 is incorrect: CARA regulates child adoption procedures both within India and for inter-country adoptions. It ensures the best interests of children in both domestic and international contexts. Statement 3 is correct: CARA became a signatory to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in 1993, which facilitates inter-country adoptions.