As COVID-19 has ravaged our nation, it has been particularly heart-wrenching to read stories about children who have become orphans, losing both parents to the disease. Official numbers indicate we have lost more than 2.4 lakh people to COVID. We can safely estimate that many thousands of young children have lost one or more caregivers. There are many tweets and other messages doing the rounds on ‘adopting’ kids orphaned as both parents die of COVID. This ‘adoption’ is illegal, with even traffickers exploiting the situation.
The union ministry of home affairs has stepped in for the protection of children orphaned by Covid-19 and other vulnerable groups like women and senior citizens who are suffering because of the pandemic. In an advisory issued to states and union territories this week, the MHA has said special care must be taken so that orphaned children among others do not become victims of trafficking.
The procedure for adoption begins after the child is declared “legally free for adoption” by the Child Welfare Committee. Prospective parents register on the CARA portal and the agency prepares a home study report and assesses parents’ eligibility in terms of age, physical and psychological health along with their social and financial status. The child study report, along with a medical report, is also prepared. The suitability of the parent/s is assessed by a team of social workers and psychologists. If the child report is acceptable to the parent, a meeting ensues and the legal process begins.
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