Social Welfare warns against illegal adoption procedures

Dimapur, Nov. 29 (EMN): The Social Welfare department has issued a notification cautioning individuals or organizations offering or receiving any orphans, abandoned or surrendered child, for the purpose of adoption without following the provisions or procedures. The notice has been issued in the interest of public services and in pursuance of section 80 and section 81 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2015 and the directives of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, updates stated on Thursday. Any individual or organization violating norms shall be punishable by rigorous imprisonment up to seven years and also be liable for a fine of one lakh rupees, the updates stated. Direct adoption of children from hospitals, nursing homes, and maternity homes by or through the person in charge, including employees or any other person, without following the procedures is a punishable offence, the updates stated. Citizens and stakeholders have been informed to strictly adhere to the provisions and to note that adoption can take place only through due process of law. For any clarification or assistance on the matter, the district child protection units in the district or state adoption resource agency at the state level may be contacted.