An adoption ceremony took place at the Sector 15, Panchkula, where ICS Sophia Dahiya from the Haryana Finance Department served as the chief guest. Dahiya personally adopted a child and welcomed them into a family in Chennai. Ranjita Mehta, the Honorary General Secretary of the Haryana State Child Welfare Council, extended a warm welcome to Sophia Dahiya and provided insights into the council’s initiatives. Dahiya commended the council’s noteworthy efforts in supporting destitute children, acknowledging their impactful service to these vulnerable individuals.
During her visit to the crèche, Dahiya spent time with the children, offering them care and attention. Ranjita Mehta shared that, to date, 168 children left destitute have found nurturing environments in foreign countries through the centers operated by the Haryana State Child Welfare Council. Additionally, 616 children have been adopted abroad and across different states within the country.
The council has established centers in Panchkula, Jhajjar, Hisar, and Sirsa, facilitating adoptions from these locations. The Honorary General Secretary disclosed that 417 girls and 199 boys have been adopted, with 166 children finding homes abroad. The creche in Sector 15 alone has contributed significantly, with 157 boys and 250 girls adopted, along with others from Hisar, Rewari, and Jhajjar.
Mehta emphasized the challenges faced by disabled children, noting the need for a dedicated home center for children above 6 years of age. This request has been forwarded to the Chief Minister to provide a suitable facility for their care. Currently, 74 disabled children above 6 years are registered in Jhajjar, and 55 in Sonipat, receiving necessary services.
Addressing the adoption process, Mehta highlighted that it involves a thorough home study, financial condition assessment, and criminal record check before a child is placed for adoption. Efforts are being made to simplify this process, and appeals have been directed to CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) for enhanced accessibility.
Mehta informed that an online tracking system has been implemented, allowing applicants to monitor the progress of their adoption applications and facilitate a quicker adoption process. Notably, many families who have adopted a child are expressing interest in adopting a second child.