Adoption is a Blessing for Childless Couples; Illegal Adoption is a Crime.

DECCAN FREEDOM NEWS

MULUGU DECEMBER 17

District Welfare Officer Smt. K. Sirisha emphasized that adoption can be a blessing for childless couples but warned that illegal adoption is a punishable offense under the law. Speaking at a training program on adoption guidelines, organized by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) at the District Welfare Office on Tuesday, she highlighted the importance of legal adoption processes.

Addressing the attendees, including ICDS CDPOs, supervisors, and staff from the Mahila Shakti Kendram and Bharosa, Sirisha stated that many childless couples, out of emotional distress, often adopt or purchase children through unauthorized means. She cautioned that such practices fall under illegal adoption and can lead to legal consequences, including penalties and imprisonment. She urged field-level workers to utilize the training to effectively identify and address illegal adoption cases in their respective areas.

District Child Protection Officer J. Omkar elaborated on the 2023 adoption guidelines, explaining legal aspects like kinship adoption and step-parent adoption. Protection Officer Harikrishna added that those involved in illegal adoptions face up to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.

The program saw active participation from Eturunagaram CDPO Smt. E.P. Premalatha, in-charge CDPOs Smt. Dhanalakshmi and Smt. Vijayalakshmi from Venkatapuram and Tadvai ICDS projects, sector supervisors, DCPU ORW B. Raju, and staff from Mahila Shakti Kendram and Bharosa centers.