Two months after notifying new norms, wait list for adoption shrinks to 644

• The pendency in the adoption of children has come down to 644 from 905 over the last two months since the new Adoption Regulations were notified.
• In a total of 361 cases, adoption orders have been issued.

Background

• The Rules for adoption of the Juvenile Justice Act were notified in September.
• The new rules empower the District Magistrates to issue adoption orders.
• Earlier, this power was exercised by the judiciary.
• Since then, >589 children were adopted.

Changes made

• Complete health check-up: done by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the child’s district before processing the adoption.
• Changes to Child Adoption Resource Information & Guidance System: online platform for adoption.
• Opting from the home state: prospective adoptive parents can now opt from their home State or region.
• Ensures that the child and the family adjust well with each other, belonging to the same socio-cultural milieu.
• Changes for children with foster families: Earlier, children placed in foster care waited for five years for adoption.
• Now, if the child adjusts well with the foster family, it can adopt the child after two years of fostering.

Prelims Takeaway

• CARINGS
• CARA