Patna DM issues adoptionorders for three children

Patna: The state’s first kinship adoption order was issued on Friday, with Patna district magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Singh granting adoption orders for three children under the new guidelines based on the Union ministry of women and child development’s 2022 recommendations.Previously, adoption procedures were handled by family courts, but the new laws now authorise the DM to issue final adoption orders. This change is aimed at reducing procedural delays and expedite adoption processes. “The fresh arrangement under the new adoption system has been made to ensure the kids and children get new families and homes at the earliest. The district administration will provide all possible help to the families who want to adopt orphaned children,” the DM said.Singh cautioned that adopting children without following the procedures outlined in the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, amended in 2021, and the Adoption Regulations 2022, is illegal and punishable. “Anyone found doing so could attract a jail term of three years or a fine of Rs 1 lakh or both,” Singh said, adding indulging in the sale or purchase of children is a serious crime that could lead to rigorous imprisonment for five years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.The DM said any information regarding orphaned or lost children should be reported immediately to the child line service at emergency helpline number 1098 or 112, the nearest police station, the child welfare committee, or the district child protection unit. “Failing to do so may attract a fine of Rs 10,000 or a jail term of six months or both,” Singh added.On the same day, adoption orders were issued for three children – two girls and one boy. “The first girl, rescued from Khagaul (Danapur) when she was just 15 days old, was adopted by a couple from Telangana. The second girl, also rescued from Khagaul (Danapur) at just three days old, was adopted by a couple from Bangalore.