: In a historic decision that brings hope to childless couples, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on Monday extended the foster care of seven children.
The Full Bench decision by the CWC has opened up long-term foster care of children as a viable alternative to adoption.
Three siblings who were taken into foster care by a family were given three months extension, while the others were given extension for a year. CWC chairman Shareef Ullath said the initiative taken by Malappuram in foster care was worth emulating.
The CWC encouraged vacation foster care following the success of the first initiative last year. The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) provided logistical support to the move.
“We are driving home the vital message that a child should grow up in a family environment,” said District Child Protection Officer Sameer Machingal. Children living in government children’s home and short-stay homes are usually taken home by their relatives during vacation. Those who have none to care for them are given into foster care to chosen families.
Kunhuttan Kaipakassery, 56, and his wife, Vasanthakumari, 46, were elated when they got an extension for foster care of their girl. The child too looked a bundle of joy at the prospect of living with the farmer couple from Udarampoyil, near Kalikavu.
The CWC and DCPU is promoting foster care as it is easier and more flexible than adoption. Mr. Shareef and Mr. Sameer said that though the Juvenile Justice Act had brought a secular face to adoption, the process involved many legal formalities.
Only a child declared legally free for adoption can be adopted. Adoptive parents have to approach the District Court for adoption of a child. Foster care involves fewer technicalities and the
CWC can handle it directly.
As Shariat laws do not permit inheritance of property to adopted children, Muslims have by and large been reluctant to go in for adoption.
However, Mr. Shareef said a change in the Muslim community was evident in their approach towards adoption.
“This is where foster care comes to their rescue. Families can go in for foster care without any legal or religious complications,” said Mr. Sameer.
