Know The Right Way To Help Children Who Have Lost Their Parents Due to Covid-19

What the pandemic is showing everybody is no secret. Covid-19 has brought with it not just a wave of deaths but also a surge in the number of assault cases, especially against children. Since children are vulnerable and innocent, they are the most credulous target at these catastrophic times. Families are getting wiped as children are losing their primary caregivers. This has given rise to various complications including illegal adoption and forceful prostitution. 

When we come across a story of a child struggling to cope with the changes happening around us, our first instinct is to share the story and help the child get a safe space for himself as soon as possible. We even plan on donating funds to families who decide to raise the child. But, is the correct way to show our support?

No. These actions make us irresponsible citizens as these steps are illegal as per Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The act has laid down a procedure that needs to be followed when we encounter such cases for adoption. Failing to abide by this procedure may lead us into prison or entitled to a hefty fine.

As per the Justice Juvenile Act, 2015 or the JJ Act, if we have any information about a child in need of care, we must contact one of the four agencies mentioned below. 

1. Child Helpline Number - 1098

2. District Child Welfare Committee (CWC)

3. District Child Protection Officer (DCPO)

4. The helpline of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights

These points of contact should be the first places to be informed instead of asking around for adoption. This would provide the child with appropriate care and save him from entering any illegal practices.

Following this, the Child Welfare Committee, commonly called CWC will assess the child and place him in the immediate care of a Specialized Adoption Agency. This includes communicating with the child, noting his best interests, and maintaining his mental health. The Committee will contact the relatives first for the adoption of the child.

It is imperative to follow the procedure as there are huge chances that the child may be introduced to human trafficking and prostitution through illegal adoption. The causes of illegal adoption are not limited to exploitation. In many cities, parents who fail to conceive adopt children illegally to save themselves from the hectic procedure of the government. There is a prevailing superstition that women can get rid of their curse and conceive if they take care of another’s child by adopting him. 

Adoption through word of mouth can be harmful to the child in the future. The government lacks a detailed mechanism for tracing illegal adoption. This makes us all the more responsible for the child in need. Immediate care to the child who has lost his parents may be provided by relatives or neighbors. However, it is important for them as well to follow this procedure.

Next time you come across a social media post pleading for the adoption of a child, know that it should not be shared publicly. You must call the designated authorities at the earliest. Sharing posts along with personal information of the child will put the child in danger and make him vulnerable to all kinds of exploitation. Amoli Trust urges everyone to help children the right way to let innocence prevail. 

The article has been written by our Amol - Akshit Bakshi.

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