Follow due process during child adoption, says Dharwad official

Snehal R. is the Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO Successive governments have put in place adequate legal provisions for adoption of children that streamline the process and protect all the parties involved. Prospective parents must follow the prescribed procedures without resorting to shortcuts or illegal means, Deputy Commissioner Snehal R. said in Dharwad on Thursday.She was speaking after flagging off an awareness walkathon organised as part of the National Adoption Awareness Month – November 2026 at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.Ms. Snehal said that several cases have come to light in which people adopted children by paying money but abandoned them after one or two years claiming that they were unable to raise them.“Such incidents can cause severe emotional trauma to children and push those who have already lost parental care back into vulnerable circumstances,” she said. Children are the future of the country and providing them with a safe environment, quality education and proper care are essential for building a stronger society. The Women and Child Development Department and Child Protection officials play an important role in safeguarding children and, society as a whole must also contribute,” she said.“Childless couples should make use of the legal provisions available for adoption instead of allowing social stigma or hesitation to deter them. Two children have been adopted into my family and they are being raised with love and care,” she said.District Legal Services Authority Member-Secretary and Senior Civil Judge Allappa Badiger said that adoption must be completed in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015.“The process should ensure the child’s safety, education and overall well-being,” he said.The awareness walkathon, which began at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, passed through Court Circle, Line Bazaar, Bhusappa Chowk, Gandhi Chowk, Old Bus Stand before concluding at Jubilee Circle.The programme was jointly organised by the Directorate of Child Protection, Bengaluru, the Dharwad district administration, the zilla panchayat, the District Legal Services Authority, Women and Child Development Department, District Child Protection Unit and childcare institutions. Published - November 12, 2026 08:38 pm IST