GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING SOME INITIATIVES ON ADOPTION OF CHILDREN

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTER EMPHASIZES ON TRANSPARENCY AND A HIGH DEGREE OF INTEGRITY IN ADOPTIONS

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The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is considering some initiatives on in-country and inter-country adoptions. This was disclosed by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya while addressing the concluding session of the three-day International Meet on adoption here today. He said that certain disquieting features have been recently noticed in the area of adoption. Emphasizing on transparency and integrity in adoptions, the Minister said that a very high degree of ethics and moral values are required in the process of adoption for its support and acceptance by the society. Dr. Jatiya said that the government is ready to provide the necessary support and guidance through its policies and programmes. He said, "In the changing social environment, with increasing social pressure, there has been a large increase in the number of destitute and orphan children. The Government is fully aware of this change and the consequent requirements." Soliciting cooperation of the Non-Governmental and philanthropic organisations in providing care and a home to the destitute children, Dr. Jatiya said that they have a vital role to play at the ground level.

The Meet, organised by the Central Adoption Resource Agency, CARA, discussed a volume of issues including ethics, procedures and practices, promotion of in-country adoptions, safeguards for children placed in inter-country adoptions and role of different central authorities.

The Meet was among others attended by 73 members of recognised placement agencies, 85 members from foreign agencies enlisted by CARA and 15 representatives of Central authorities of receiving countries.