New Adoption Guidelines to Include 'Unfit Guardians' and Increased Visitations

The Women and Child Development (WCD) Department has announced new adoption guidelines in India, adding categories of children with 'unfit guardians' and those without visitations. WCD Secretary Anil Malik emphasized improvements in the adoption infrastructure and growing interest in adoption among Indian citizens, particularly for children with disabilities.

In a significant shift, children living in institutions who have 'unfit guardians' or lack visitations will now be included in India's adoption pool, an official from the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department announced on Sunday.

Speaking at the ninth Annual National Stakeholders Consultation on 'Protecting the Rights of Children Living with Disabilities,' WCD Secretary Anil Malik revealed major changes aimed at improving the adoption landscape.

Malik outlined two new categories for the adoption pool, expanding beyond orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children. ''We are adding those with no recent visitations and those with unfit guardians,'' he said.

A survey of 15,000 children in care institutions pinpointed those suitable for adoption and foster care. Malik also highlighted the growth of specialized adoption agencies (SAAs) nationwide, with 698 agencies now operating in 588 districts.

He noted a rising trend in adoption interest among Indian citizens and NRIs, especially for children with disabilities. "Earlier, foreigners led the way in adoptions, but now Indians are stepping up," Malik said. The adoption process has been streamlined with transparent medical reports certified by chief medical officers.

The secretary shared adoption statistics to show progress. ''In 2022-23, 152 children with disabilities were adopted, doubling to 309 last year. So far this year, around 150 children have already found homes,'' Malik stated, crediting the Supreme Court's guidelines for these improvements.

(With inputs from agencies.)