Question : GUIDELINES FOR CHILD ADOPTION HOMES

(a) the criteria adopted or guidelines issued to State Governments for child adoption homes;

(b) whether there are large number of illegal child adoption homes in the country particularly in Southern States;

(c) if so, the number of such homes come to the notice of the Government, engaged in illegal sale purchase of infants;

(d) whether the Government has framed any code on the rights of child with the help of UNICEF;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether this code on the rights of child has been adopted by all the State Governments; and

(g) if so, the details thereof and the further measures taken or being taken by the Government for the protection of infants from sale purchase?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT (SMT. SUBBULAKSHMI JAGADEESAN)

(a): The Guidelines for In-country Adoption, 2004 in its annexure-IV prescribe the minimum standards that each adoption agency has to maintain regarding quality child care in their homes. These guidelines have been circulated to State Governments for effective implementation and monitoring.

(b): Government of India had received reports on some cases from the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

(c): Two.

(d): No, Sir.

(e): Does not arise.

(f) and (g): Although no code has been framed with the help of UNICEF, the Juvenile Justice Act, 1986 which had been earlier under implementation in the country was replaced by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. The responsibility of the implementation of the Act lies with the State Governments/UT Administrations. The Act provides for proper care and protection and treatment of children in need of care and protection including those vulnerable to trafficking. Additionally, the State Governments are requested periodically to ensure that malpractices and irregularities in adoption including sale of children for monetary considering are removed.