Question : Return of Adopted Children

(a) whether the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has recorded 264 instances of disruption over a period of five years ending 2018-19 which translates into six in every 100 children being returned at an advanced stage of adoption and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether such children returning to the institution after being placed with a family face rejection and are scarred for a long time and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the CARA has constituted a panel of child rights activists, members of SC appointed Child Welfare Committees and adoptive parents to sort out the problem faced by such children and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) & (b) As per the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS), an Online Portal of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), 246 cases of disruption have been reported as compared to a total of 16859 In-country Adoptions during the last five years. However, these children returned after disruption are counselled and are placed for adoption with another adoptive family. Out of the 246 children returned back due to disruption, 165 children have been rehabilitated through adoption with an adoptive family.

(c) CARA has formed a Sub-Committee of Experts who have been travelling to the States and UTs for capacity building of social workers and child protection staff on adoption counselling at the District level. Emphasis is being given for preparation of parents adopting older children as well as the older children being placed in adoption. Advisories and instructions have been issued to all States and UTs for addressing the disruptions cases.

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