Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 28: The month of November is celebrated annually as Adoption Awareness Month by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), underscoring the critical role of adoption under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme within the Non-Institutional Care Program.
In this context, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), under the District Administration, South Andaman, in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services and the Child Development Project Office (Urban), organized an awareness program on adoption and other child protection legislations. The event was held on 28th November 2024 at the ICDS Training Centre, Attam Pahad, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Public Health Nurses, and ICDS staff.
The program commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a warm welcome by the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), South Andaman. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Judge Shri Anupam Sircar, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sessions Court, and Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, as the Chief Guest. In his address, the Hon’ble Judge provided valuable insights into the legal framework governing adoption in India, including the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2015 (amended in 2021), the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, and the Guardian and Wards Act.
Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director of Health Services, attended as the Guest of Honor and emphasized the importance of following proper legal procedures for adoption. He urged participants to disseminate accurate information in their respective fields.
Smti. Zarina, Child Development Project Officer (Urban), spoke on the pressing issue of child marriage, while Shri A.K. Biswas, Nodal Officer of Mission Vatsalya, elaborated on the Directorate of Social Welfare’s role as the State Adoption Resource Agency.
A detailed PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the Protection Officer, NIC, who sensitized the participants on various aspects of adoption, including the mandatory registration of all types of adoption—Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP), Relative Adoption, or Step-Parent Adoption—on the CARINGS Portal (www.carings.nic.in) of CARA. Participants were also informed about the options for family and group foster care.
The primary objective of the program was to raise awareness about the Adoption Regulations 2022 and promote legal adoption, discouraging direct, unregulated adoptions. Discussions also covered the procedure for surrendering children for adoption, ensuring their eventual placement in suitable families.
The program concluded with an interactive session, where participants raised their queries and shared their field experiences.
For further assistance or support, the District Child Protection Unit, South Andaman, can be contacted at Room No. 19, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman.