Question : CHILD ADOPTION

(a) whether the Government has launched/proposes to launch foster care scheme for orphan children in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the salient feature of the scheme;

(c) the details of the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating adoption centres/ agencies in the country, State/UT-wise along with the funds/facilities provided to them by the Government during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether the cases of exploitation of children in the adoptions within the country and inter-country adoptions/adoption by foreigners have come to the notice of the Government during the said period, if so, the details thereof along with the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in such cases; and

(e) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to encourage domestic adoptions and to ensure adequate safeguards to children in domestic as well as inter-country adoption/adoption by foreigners?

MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)

(a) & (b): The Ministry is implementing a Foster care program under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) for children living in difficult circumstances. Under the foster care program the Ministry is providing sponsorship and foster care fund to the tune of Rs. 10 lakhs per district per annum which is placed at the disposal of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU). Under this fund a financial support of Rs.2000 per month per child is provided as foster care grant.

(c): The State/UT-wise details about number of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) running Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAAs), being funded under ICPS and funds released to them during the last three years and current year are as per Annexure- I & II respectively.

(d): No, Madam.

(e): The adoption of orphan, abandoned, surrendered children is governed by the Guidelines Governing the Adoption of Children, 2011. The said guidelines mandates priority to domestic adoptions. There is also the provision of post adoption follow up to ensure adequate safeguards for children placed either in in-country or inter country adoption.