Strict action against child trafficking, illegal adoptions: Minister

Strict measures will be implemented against individuals involved in the sale or employment of children as labourers, declared State Minister for Women, Child Welfare, and Tribal Welfare, Gummadi Sandhyarani. “Children are not commodities to be bought or sold. Those who wish to adopt children must follow the legal process,” she stated during a one-day awareness programme on foster adoption. The event, held at VUDA Children’s Theater, was organised by the State Women, Child Welfare, and Tribal Welfare Department.
Highlighting the importance of the programme, the Minister said, “The primary goal is to educate people about preventing illegal adoptions and child trafficking while promoting legal adoption practices.” She also pointed out the critical role of 27 orphanages established under the Women Development and Child Welfare Department. “These orphanages provide care and protection to children aged 0-6 who are orphaned, abandoned, or destitute,” she added. According to the Minister, 108 children are currently housed in these orphanages. “So far, 473 children have been adopted domestically, and 114 have found families abroad. We will not tolerate any misuse of adoption procedures or exploitation of children overseas,” she warned.
The Minister detailed various adoption policies, highlighting domestic and foreign adoption processes, adoption from relatives, and the provisions for foster care and foster adoption, emphasising their role in ensuring the welfare and legal protection of children. District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad underlined the necessity of preparing foster and adoptive parents to ensure the proper growth and well-being of children aged 6 to 18. “Parents must be educated about the responsibilities of adoption. Additionally, awareness campaigns are crucial, especially in rural areas, to guide people about adoption processes and whom to approach.”