Sindhu Angadi said children should remain with biological parents unless necessary, stressed counselling before adoption and ensured child safety and dignity in institutions
Koppal
District Child Protection Officer Sindhu Angadi has called for strict measures to prevent any form of violence, abuse, or harassment against children in care institutions. She spoke while inaugurating a training programme on Adoption Guidelines 2022 held at the Taluk Panchayat hall.
The programme was organised jointly by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Development Department, District Child Protection Unit, and a Bengaluru-based child welfare organisation. Officials and heads of child care institutions participated in the training session.
Sindhu Angadi said children should not be separated from their biological parents unless absolutely necessary and only in the best interest of the child. She stressed that counselling before adoption is mandatory and institutions must ensure safety and dignity of every child.
She said institutional care should be the last option and efforts must focus on family-based care and rehabilitation. She added that children who have not been visited by parents for long should be identified and considered for adoption as per rules.
Child Welfare Committee Chairman Prakash Kadagada said in the last ten years, 23 children were abandoned and 44 were handed over by parents in the district. Out of 53 children, 44 have been legally adopted within the country and nine by foreign families under proper procedures.
Experts explained provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 and updated adoption guidelines during the training. Officials said awareness and proper implementation of rules are essential to protect children’s rights and ensure their well-being in society.