Port Blair, June 28: Children are the supreme asset & the most precious treasure of every nation. India has the largest child population in the world. Although constitution of India guarantees several rights to the children, but still there are children who are neglected and abandoned by their parents, who are vulnerable to child abuse, trafficking, forced labour etc. at a very tender age. Adoption is the suitable resort for their secure life.

Through the process of adoption, an individual/couple assumes parental rights of a child, who is not biologically his/her kid, and the child so becomes the legitimate child of his adoptive parents. It is now mandatory to register online on CARINGS to adopt a child. One can adopt a child only through submission of online application available at www.cara.nic.in and following the procedures provided in the Adoption Regulations.

As per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection for children) Act, the_ State government shall recognise one or more institutions in each district as a Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA). It must be a registered Child Care Institution run for housing orphan, abandoned and surrendered children who are placed by the order of Child Welfare Committee for the purpose of adoption.

SAA is mandated to furnish report regarding all cases of admissions, restorations, transfers, death and adoption of children and also to submit the status of every orphan, abandoned and surrendered child to the Child Welfare Committee, District Child Protection Unit, State Adoption Resource agency and to the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS), portal.

Every Specialised Adoption agency (SAA) shall treat biological parents of a surrendered child with respect and dignity throughout the surrender process. It must also maintain confidentiality of unmarried mother and biological parents.  Presently, in A & N Islands, Pranab Kanya Sangha, a registered CCI, situated at AIR Road, Port Blair, is the only registered Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA). The SAA under the Directorate of Social Welfare is functioning as an adoption agency for the purpose of placing children in adoption.

For any queries and information regarding adoption one can contact the Department of Social Welfare at Room No 308.