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Writer's picturetrushali Kotecha

Ernakulam tops in number of child adoptions in stateRead more at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/109098371.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst


T C Sreemol / Apr 7, 2024, 06:11 IST




Kochi: Ernakulam district witnesses the maximum number of child adoptions that happen in the state. According to the state adoption resource agency (SARA), as many as 37 children were adopted from the district between April 2022 and March 2024. A total of 200 children were adopted in the state during this period.


There has also been an increase in the number of children being adopted by couples from neighbouring states, especially from Tamil Nadu.


Of the 37 children adopted from the district between April 2022 and March 2024, 25 were adopted after the new adoption rule Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Amendment Act came into effect. As per the new rule came to effect in Sept 2022, the district magistrates are authorised to issue adoption orders.


After Ernakulam, Kottayam and Kollam districts have seen 24  adoptions each during this period.


Authorities said that they not only receive applications for adoptions from couples from Kerala, in recent times they have received several applications from the neighbouring states also. According to the authorities, the number of children who are available for adoption is higher in the district compared to other districts of the state. These children are either abandoned or surrendered by their biological parents.


“Earlier only a smaller number of children were given for adoption to the registered prospective adoptive parents. After the amendment in September, the adoption process has been made easier and it stands to benefit both the couples who want to adopt a child and as well as the children who will thus get a permanent home. From Sept 2022 to March this year, we found that five children from the district were adopted by couples from Tamil Nadu. Couples from other states, including Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also have adopted children from Ernakulam,” said an official in the district child protection office.


Explaining the reason behind choosing a kid from Kerala, an official said, “The couples applying for adoption appear to believe that children from Kerala are more intelligent. Children with fair complexion are more in demand, but not everyone is adamant about it,” said the official. Photo and medical records of the child are uploaded on the website of SARA, where couples can register for adopting children. The couple can choose the region and the state from which they prefer to adopt children.


Child welfare committee officials said nearly 50 children are surrendered at the committee in Ernakulam every year. Once adopted, the welfare of the child is followed up by district officials for up to two years. The follow up reports are uploaded every six months. SARA officials said the number of couples who register with the agency is considerably higher than the children available for adoptions.


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