16,859 in-country adoptions in last 5 yrs, 246 children returned

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) recorded 246 instances of disruption as compared to a total of 16,859 in-country adoptions during the last five years, Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.

However, out of the 246 children returned due to disruption, 165 children have been rehabilitated with new adoptive families, she said in reply to a question.

As per the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS), an online portal of CARA, 246 cases of disruption have been reported as compared to a total of 16,859 in-country adoptions during the last five years, she said.

The children returned after disruption are counselled and placed for adoption with other families, the minister said.

CARA has formed a sub-committee of experts who have been travelling to the states and union territories for capacity building of social workers and child protection staff on adoption counselling at the district level, she said.

"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," she informed the Lower House.