Awareness needed to popularise adoption, says expert

NEW DELHI - Lack of awareness about child adoption not only deters Indian couples who want to adopt, but also leads to rising cases of illegal adoption, an expert said here Saturday.

There’s a strict need to create awareness among parents, donors, and singles also, Leila Baig, honorary secretary of Coordinating Voluntary Adoption Resource Agency (CVARA), told IANS.

Over 11 million children are living on the streets or government institutions, while only 5,000 legal adoptions take place every year in the country, she said.

“We feel such children should be transferred to the adoption agencies for a better future and rehabilitation,” she said.

“Illegal adoption at private nursing homes is a major problem in India. The need is to step up the screening norms and safeguard-measures on adoption,” Baig added.

She was speaking at an event in the capital to mark the National Adoption Awareness Week (Nov 8-14), saying such meets are a great way to spread awareness.