Organogram of SCPS :

Functions of SCPS :

• Contribution to the effective implementation of child protection legislation, schemes and achievement of child protection goals laid out in the National Plan of Action for Children. In doing so, the SCPS will follow national and state priorities, rules and guidelines.
• Implementation, supervision and monitoring of ICPS and all other child protection scheme/programs and agencies/institutions at State/UT level;
• Setting up, supporting and monitoring performance of DCPU and ensure proper flow and utilization of funds to the districts through ICPS;
• Ensuring effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, draft rules under the Act if not already done so or adopt the Central Model Rules;
• Ensuring of effective implementation of other legislations and policies for child protection in the State viz. Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA) 1956; Guardians and Wards Act (GAWA) 1890; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986; Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006 and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1986, Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994, Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 (CPCR Act), Protection of children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012, etc. and any other Act that comes into force for protecting child rights;
• Networking and coordinating with all government departments to build intersectoral linkages on child protection issues, including Departments of Health, Education, Social Welfare, Urban Basic Services, Backward Classes & Minorities, Youth Services, Police, Judiciary, Labour, State AIDS Control Society, among others;
• Networking and coordinating with voluntary and civil organizations working in the field of child rights and protection;
• Carrying out need-based research and documentation activities at state-level for assessing the number of children in difficult circumstances and creating State-specific databases to monitor trends and patterns;
• Training and capacity building of all personnel (Government and Nongovernment) working under child protection system;
• Providing quarterly progress report to MWCD on Program implementation and fund utilisation; (xi) Liaisoning with MWCD and State Child Protection Societies of other States/UTs;
• Providing secretarial support to the State Child Protection Committee (SCPC).
• Maintaining a state level database of all children in institutional care and family based non-institutional care and update it on a quarterly basis. Financial Support for setting up State Child Protection Societies along with their roles and responsibilities under this scheme are given at Annexure-I.

Role of State Child Protection Societies (SCPS) in conducting trainings :

At the State/UT level, the nodal responsibility of training and capacity building shall be with the SCPS, which shall be responsible for developing a training master plan for the State/UT with the help of all its DCPUs. The SCPS shall identify a pool of expert organizations/institutions/academies/universities/school of social work and individuals with specialization in the field of child rights and protection to facilitate training courses at state and district levels. The SCPS shall also identify personnel working under ICPS and arrange for them to be trained as Master Trainers on the relevant subjects with the help of NIPCCD and its Regional Centres.

The SCPS shall work with Universities and Educational Institutions for formulating new courses on counselling and other specialized child protection issues for building a cadre of professionally equipped manpower to work on child protection issues.

State Child Protection Society Officer's/ Staff Details :

Functions of SARA :

In order to support CARA in promoting in-country adoption and regulating intercountry adoption, ICPS provides for establishing of a State Adoption Resource Agency(SARA) in every State/UT as a unit under the SCPS, to coordinate, monitor and develop the work of adoption and render secretarial and administrative assistance to the State Adoption Advisory Committee(SAAC).

SARA shall liaison with DCPU at District levels and provide technical support to the Child Welfare Committees in carrying out the process of rehabilitation and social reintegration of all children through sponsorship, foster-care, in-country and intercountry adoption. The specific roles and responsibilities of SARA shall include:

• Functioning as the State level Resource Centre to coordinate, monitor and develop the adoption program in the State;
• Facilitating the setting up of SAAs, provide legal recognition to SAAs and maintain a comprehensive list of such agencies;
• Ensure that all adoptions/permanent placements of children are done in accordance with the Laws & Guidelines of the Supreme Court of India and Government of India;
• Promote in-country and regulate inter-country adoptions in coordination with CARA;
• Maintain a centralized web-based database of adoptable children with the help of DCPU as a part of the child tracking system;
• Maintain a centralize web-based database of prospective adoptive parents with the help of DCPU;
• Supervise the work of SAAs and ensure coordination between them within State;
• Ensuring that all PAPs are registered at SAA/ SARA;
• Providing comprehensive adoption data to CARA on monthly basis;
• Ensuring sensitization of all agencies and allied systems;
• Enhancing capacity of those working in the adoption system;
• Taking necessary punitive action when malpractices occur in the adoption program whether by licensed /recognized adoption agencies or by unlicensed individuals or organizations
• Advocacy and awareness for promoting adoptions in the State;
• Developing and disseminating IEC materials.

Note :

• Except State Secretary and Director dealing with child related services, all other staff members to the society shall be engaged on contractual basis. The scheme allows flexibility regarding number of staff, with approval of the Project Approval Board (PAB), on the basis of criteria such as geographical spread and population of the State.
• State Adoption Resource Agency shall coordinate with the DCPO and Protection Officer at District level.
• (iv) Program Manager (Training, IEC & Advocacy) shall be responsible for training and capacity building of all personnel including those working in the adoption system.

State Adoption Resource Agency Officer's Details :

Organogram of DCPU :

In order to ensure effective service delivery ICPS will be implemented by setting up State Child Protection Society (SCPS) and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) as the fundamental units for implementation at State and District level respectively. State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) shall function as a unit under the SCPS. The SCPS will be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and function under the overall supervision and control of the department looking after child welfare/protection in the State/UT. ICPS envisages setting up a District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in each district as a fundamental unit for the implementation of the scheme.

Functions of District Child Protection Unit :

The DCPU shall coordinate and implement all child rights and protection activities at district level. Specific functions of the DCPU shall be to:

• Contribute to effective implementation of child protection legislations, schemes and achievement of child protection goals laid out in the National Plan of Action for Children. In doing so, the DCPU will follow national and state priorities, rules and guidelines.
• Ensure that for each child in need of care there is an individual care plan and that the plan is regularly reviewed. Monitor the implementation of the plan.
• Identify families at risk and children in need of care and protection through effective networking and linkages with the ICDS functionaries, Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAA), NGOs dealing with child protection issues and local bodies, viz. PRIs and Urban Local Bodies, etc.;
• Assess the number of children in difficult circumstances and create districtspecific databases to monitor trends and patterns of children in difficult circumstances;
• Map all child related service providers and services at district for creating a resource directory;
• Map all child related service providers and services at district for creating a resource directory;
• Support implementation of family based non-institutional services including sponsorship, foster care, adoption and after care;
• Ensure effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and its Amendment Act, 2006 at district/city levels by supporting creation of adequate infrastructure, viz. setting up JJBs, CWCs, SJPUs in each districts and homes in a cluster of districts as required; (ix) Ensure setting up of District, Block and Village level Child Protection Committees for effective implementation of programs, as well as discharge of its functions;
• Facilitate transfer of children at all levels for either restoration to their families or placing the child in long or short-term rehabilitation through sponsorship, kinship care, in country adoption, foster care, inter-country adoption and placement in institutions;
• Facilitate effective implementation of other legislations for child protection in the district, viz. Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA) 1956; Guardians and Wards Act (GAWA) 1890; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986; Child Marriage and Restraint Act 1979 and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1986, Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994, Protection of children from Sexual Offence Act,2012, CPCRC Act,2005 etc. and any other Act that comes into force for protecting child rights;
• Network and coordinate with all government departments to build inter-sectoral linkages on child protection issues, including Departments of Health, Education, Social Welfare, Urban Basic Services, Backward Classes & Minorities, Youth Services, Police, Judiciary, Labour, State AIDS Control Society, among others;
• Network and coordinate with voluntary and civil society organizations working in the field of child rights and protection;
• Develop parameters and tools for effective monitoring and supervision of ICPS in the district;
• Supervise and monitor all institutions/agencies providing residential facilities to children in district;
• Train and build capacity of all personnel (Government and Non-government) working under child protection system to provide effective services to children;
• Encourage voluntary youth participation in child protection programs at district, block and community levels;
• Organize quarterly meeting with all stakeholders at district level including Childline Services, SAA, superintendents of homes, NGOs and members of public to review the progress and achievement of child protection activities;
• Liaison with the SCPS, SARA and DCPUs of other districts;
• Provide secretarial support to the DCPC;
• Maintain a database of all children in institutional care and non-institutional care at the district level. This Data Management System will ultimately be uploaded onto a comprehensive, integrated, live database for children in care and in need of care in the country- the ‘TrackChild’.

Note :

• Counsellor at the DCPU will be responsible for supervising counsellors in the institutions and also for providing counselling support to children and families coming in contact with the DCPU.
• All staff members shall be engaged on contractual basis.
• The scheme also allows flexibility for staff on the basis of the geographical spread and population of the State, with the approval of PAB.

District Child Protection Unit Contact List :

Child Welfare Committee (CWC)

Guidelines for setting up of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs)

• Location of CWC As provided under the JJ Act, 2000, the Child Welfare Committee should hold its sittings in the premises of a Children’s Home.
• Space and Infrastructure
• i) The newly constructed Children’s Homes shall have two rooms of 300 Sq. ft. each for the CWC. Where an existing Children’s Home has the required space available within the premises, the same shall be provided to the Committee. However, in districts where there is no Children’s Home or the existing Children’s Home has no space for the CWC, the ICPS will provide funds for constructing or renting suitable premises for the CWC.
• ii) The Committee shall hold its sittings in one room and the other room should be used as a waiting room for children and families. The room where the CWC holds its sittings should be well equipped with necessary furniture and equipment, be well lit and have a child friendly environment. The waiting room should have provisions for drinking water and some indoor recreation facilities for children.

Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) Contact List :

Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU) :

As per JJ Act, Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU) is to be set up in every districts and city to co- ordinate and upgrade the police interface with children. All the police officer, designated as child welfare officers (now known as Child Welfare Police officers) in the district/city are members of SJPU.

State Details Chart

SJuvenile Justice Board (JJB) :

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 makes it mandatory to have one Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in each district to deal with matters relating to juveniles in conflict with law. To facilitate setting up of a JJB in each district and to ensure their effective functioning, the scheme provides adequate infrastructure and financial support to the States/UTs.

Guidelines for setting up of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs)

• i) Location of JJB As provided by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, a JJB should hold its sittings in the premises of an Observation Home.
• ii) Space and Infrastructure The newly constructed Observation Homes shall have two rooms of 300 sq. ft. each for the JJB. The districts where Observation Home already exists, the required space for the JJB shall be made available within the premises. Where there are no Observation Homes, funding for rooms for the JJB have been made in the construction budget of the Observation Homes. The Board shall hold its sittings in one room and the other room should be used as a waiting room for children and families. The room where the Board holds its sittings should be equipped with necessary furniture and equipment should be well lit and have a child friendly environment. The waiting room should have provisions for drinking water and some indoor recreation facilities for children.

Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) Contact List

Child Protection Committees (CPC) in West Bengal

Roles and Responsibilities of CPCs :

• Monitoring, reporting and responding to issues of child protection in the community.
• Planning and taking up innovative activities for raising awareness on child protection in the community.
• Developing Annual Action Plan to address CP issues.
• Referring and reporting cases to higher level CPCs and DCPUs
• Engaging stakeholders in raising awareness

The need for restructuring the existing VCPCs as per ICPS was felt by SCPS, West Bengal. Accordingly, a consultative process was initiated in June 2013. Unicef and Save the Children facilitated the process of framing guidelines for constituting CPCs and leading NGOs like CINI, JPISC, Prajaak, Jabala and others actively participated in it.

The Guidelines for the formation and strengthening of CPCs was launched by the Department of Child Development, Women Development and Social Welfare on 17.07.14. The said Guidelines were modified on 03.08.15.

Village level Child Protection Committees (VLCPC) :

The village level Child Protection committees will be established in each village (Gram Samsad) of State for prevention, reporting, monitoring, protection and responding on the issues of child right and protection. The VLCPC will be a community based organisation formed by the participation of community member, children, Government functionaries and elected representatives. A total of six (6) seats will be reserved for female members including one girl as children representative

Block Level Child Protection Committee (BLCPC) :

BLCPC will consist of Block Welfare Officer, Sabhapati Panchayat Samiti (CP), Representative of District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) (Nominated by District Magistrate) Chairperson of VLCPC- Pradhan (Head of Panchayat)-all, Block Education Officer (as decided by BDO), CWPO of local Police Station, PLV to be nominated by DLSA, Nari –O- Shishu Kalyan Karmadhyaksha/ Secretary of Karmadhyaksha /BWO may be considered

Ward Level Child Protection Committee (WLCPC) :

Borough Chairman/Municipality Chairman will be a Special Invitee and members will include Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC), CWPO of local P.S and DLSA nominee. At least four (4) seats will be reserved for female members including one girl as children representative.

Member of DCPU, DSWO, SP, DM and SCPS can participate during the meeting of WLCPC

Milestones regarding CPCs in West Bengal

• July 2014- Launching of CPC Guidelines in English
• September, 2014- Bengali version of Guidelines published
• October, 2014- Dissemination of guidelines at district level initiated.
• December, 2014- Guidelines uploaded on Departmental website
• December, 2014- Meeting of NGOs with SCPS on development of training modules
• January, 2015- Engagement of short term Consultant for development of training modules
• January, 2015- Workshop with DCPOs on CPCs
• February, 2015- Training modules development process initiated
• March, 2015- nodal NGO for each district identified
• April, 2015- BLCPC formation initiated in all districts including Alipurduar
• June 2015- Meeting chaired by HMoS with all stakeholders for setting timeline for formation of CPCs at all levels
• Modified CPC Guidelines notified on 03.08.15 vide No. 72/OSD-Secy/CD, WD & SW/15
• Review meetings on status of formation of CPCs in the districts in December, 2015. Fresh timeline set in these meetings.
• ü List of Master Trainers sent by DCPUs finalized in January, 2016
• Identification of State Level Resource Persons in January, 2016
• Planning for orientation of RPs and MTs in February, 2016

STATUS OF CPC FORMATION AT BLOCK, WARD AND GRAM SAMSAD LEVELS AS ON 28.02.2019 :

So Status of Formation of BLCPCs, WLCPCs and VLCPCs) :

Institutional Care

• Both CNCP and CCL children are placed in institutional care and their period of stay is either determined by the CWC (for CNCP) or JJB (for CCL).
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 has defined Child Care Institutes (CCI), Children Home, Observation Home, Special Home, Place of Safety, Shelter Home, Specialized Adoption Agency, Open Shelter and Fit facility
• A CCI means Children’s Home, Observation Home, Special Home, Place of Safety, Shelter Home, Specialized Adoption Agency, Open Shelter and Fit facility recognised underJuvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 for giving care and protection to such children who are in need of these services.
• A Children’s Home is a CCI set up either by the Government or by NGOs for a district and group of districts and is registered under JJA. It houses CNCP and in West Bengal there are Children’s Homes set up exclusively for Children with Special Needs (CWSN).
• An Observation Home is a CCI set up either by the Government or by NGOs for a district and group of districts and is registered under JJA. It houses under trial CCL.
• Special Home is a registered CCIrun either by the Government or by NGOs for a district and group of districts. It is set up for providing rehabilitative services to CCL who have been found guilty and was sent to the Home by order of JJB.
• Place of Safety is an institution (not a police station or lock up) established separately or attached to an Observation or Special Home where CCL (above 16 years of age) will stay by order of JJB or Children’s Court during enquiry or for the purpose of rehabilitation.
• Shelter Homes are recognized institutions run by reputed NGOs for providing temporary shelter to runaway children , migrant children and other vulnerable children.
• Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA) is a recognized CCI run either by the Government or by NGOs for housing orphan, abandoned and surrendered children and placed by order of CWC for the purpose of adoption.
• Open Shelter is a facility run either by the Government or by NGOs for children in need of care and protection to street children, slum children in urban and semi urban areas.
• Fit facility is facility run either by the Government or by NGOs prepared to temporarily own the responsibility of a child for a specific purpose as determined by CWC or JJB.

Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAA) :

List of Government Run Homes :

List of NGO Run Homes :

Section 53(2) of JJ (C& PC) Act, 2015 states that 'Every institution shall have a Management Committee, to be set up in a manner as may be prescribed, to manage the institution and monitor the progress of every child.'

Every registered CCI has a HMC with DCPO as the Chairperson as per Rule 56 of West Bengal Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2009. HMCs will be reconstituted after the new JJ Rules come into force.

Section 53(3) of the said Act states that 'The officer in-charge of every institution, housing children above six years of age, shall facilitate setting up of children's committees for participating in such activities as may be prescribed, for the safety and well-being of children in the institution.'

CCs are constituted in the registered CCIs as per Rule 57 of West Bengal Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2009. They will be reconstituted after the new JJ Rules are framed

Click here for West Bengal Task Force & RRRI of Women & Children

“Adoption” means the process through which the adopted child becomes the lawful child of his adoptive parents with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that are attached to a biological child.

PROCESS OF REGISTRATION :

Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP), who intend to adopt a child, shall register online in Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System by filling up the application in the prescribed format provided in Adoption Guideline 2015 and uploading the relevant documents. The Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System” means an e-governance system for facilitating and monitoring the adoption programme. Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) can register on-line through the link www.cara.nic.in and get registered.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADOPTION :

• The Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) should be physically, mentally and emotionally stable; financially capable; motivated to adopt a child; and should not have any life threatening medical condition;
• Any prospective adoptive parent, irrespective of his marital status and whether or not he has his own biological son or daughter, can adopt a child;
• Single female is eligible to adopt a child of any gender:
• Single male person shall not be eligible to adopt a girl child;
• In case of a couple, the consent of both spouses shall be required;
• No child shall be given in adoption to a couple unless they have at least two years of stable marital relationship;
• The age of Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) as on the date of registration shall be counted for deciding the eligibility The eligibility of Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) to apply for children of different age groups shall be as under –

  Age of the child	Maximum composite age of prospective adoptive parents	Maximum age of single prospective adoptive parent
  Upto 4 years	90 years	45 years
  Above 4 upto 8 years	100 years	50 years
  Above 8 upto 18 years	110 years	55 years

• The minimum age difference between the child and either of the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) should not be less than twenty five years;
• The age for eligibility will be as on the date of registration of the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP);
• couples with more than four children shall not be considered for adoption;

ADOPTION PROCEDURE FOR RESIDENT INDIANS

The Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System” means an e-governance system for facilitating and monitoring the adoption programme .Every resident Indian Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP), who intends to adopt a child, shall register on-line through the link www.cara.nic.in and get registered. Registration number and Pass word will be generated for further correspondence by filling up the application form as provided in Schedule-5.

Once registration is completed contact the selected SAA for Home Study Report. The PAP will be eligible once the Home Study Report (HSR) is done by the Social Worker of SAAin the format given in Schedule – 6 of Adoption Guideline 2016 within one month from the date of submission of requisite documents. The home study report will remain valid for two years and shall be the basis for adoption of a child by the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) from anywhere in the country.

The system will enable PAP to view up to 6 for In-Country Adoption and 2 child pictures for Foreign adoption in their generated id in CARINGS portal.

PAP has to block the child within 48 hrs./96 hrs. Once the child is reserved/block they will know the name of the agency where the child is present residing.

The PAP will physically visit the agency & place the documents (same as uploaded in CARINGS while reg.) to the adoption Committee of the respective SAA.

The Adoption Committee (Constitutes in SAA) will verify documents and interact with the PAP & ensure placement of the child in pre-adoption foster care within 10 days by signing the pre adoption foster care undertaking (schedule 7).

ADOPTION PROCEDURE FOR NON-RESIDENT INDIAN, OVERSEAS CITIZEN OF INDIA AND FOREIGN PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS

• Any non-resident Indian, overseas citizen of India and foreign Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP), living in a country which is a signatory to the Hague Adoption Convention and wishing to adopt an Indian child, can approach the concerned authorized foreign adoption agency or the Central Authority, as the case may be, for preparation of their home study report and for further necessary action.
• In case, there is no authorized foreign adoption agency or Central Authority in their country of residence, then the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) shall approach the concerned Government department or Indian diplomatic mission in that country for the purpose.
• The authorized foreign adoption agency or Central Authority or the concerned Government department or the Indian diplomatic mission, as the case may be, on completion of the home study report, shall register the application of the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) in Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System in the format along with the required documents mentioned in Schedule – 5.
• The seniority of the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) shall be from the date of their registration in the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System.
• The home study report and other documents of the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) referred to in this Chapter shall be scrutinized at Central Adoption Resource Authority in order to determine their eligibility or suitability.
• Profiles of two children shall be referred to the authorized foreign adoption agency or Central Authority or Government department or Indian diplomatic mission, as the case may be, which may forward such profiles to the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) concerned as per local rules. In case of a foreigner or overseas citizen of India, such profile of children shall be referred to the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP).
• The Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) may reserve one of the referred children within ninety six hours and the profile of the other child shall stand automatically withdrawn.
• In case the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) fail to reserve any of the children within ninety six hours, then the profiles of both the children stand automatically withdrawn.
• As far as possible, preference of the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) shall be taken into consideration when sending referrals to them.
• If the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) opt for one of the children shown, they shall accept the child by signing the child study report and medical examination report of the child within thirty days from the date of referral.
• The child study report and medical examination report and photograph in original shall be sent by the specialized adoption agency to the concerned authorized foreign adoption agency or Central authority or the Indian diplomatic mission.
• In case the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) fail to accept the referred children within thirty days, then, the profile of the child will stand withdrawn to the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System and the seniority of those Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) will shift to the bottom of the list, who shall be given another opportunity to select a child when their turn becomes due. Provided that the registration of such Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) shall continue for two years from the date of registration.
• If the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) desire to visit the specialized adoption agency to see the child in person, before accepting him for adoption, such visit may be made after their adoption application is approved by Central Adoption Resource Authority, and the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) can also get the medical examination report of the child reviewed by a medical practitioner of their choice.
• The authorized foreign adoption agency shall forward the original documents of the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP), as specified in Schedule-8, to the concerned specialized adoption agency.

Documents to be uploaded & submitted by PAP

FOR IN-COUNTRY ADOPTION

• PAN Card/Passport
• Proof of residence (Aadhaar Card/Voter ID Card/Passport/driving license/current electricity bill/telephone bill)
• Proof of income of last year (e.g. salary slip/income certificate issued by Govt. Department /Income tax return)
• Copy of marriage certificate and photograph
• Copy of divorce decree/ death certificate of the spouse (if applicable)
• Copy of birth certificate of the PAPs
• Certificate from a medical practitioner certifying that the PAPs do not suffer from any chronic, contagious or fatal decease and they are fit to Adopt
• In case of single parent, undertaking from a relative to take care of the child in case of mishap

FOR INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION

• Passport.
• Proof of residence (Adhaar Card/Voter ID Card/Passport/driving license/current electricity bill/telephone bill)
• Proof of income of last year (e.g. salary slip/income certificate issued by Government Department /Income tax return)
• Copy of marriage certificate and photograph
• Copy of divorce decree/ death certificate of the spouse (if applicable)
• Copy of birth certificate of the PAPs
• Certificate from a medical practitioner certifying that the PAPs do not suffer from any chronic, contagious or fatal decease and they are fit to adopt
• Permission of the receiving country as per Article 5 and 17 of the Hague Adoption Convention (Only applicable in cases of Hague ratified country)
• Copy of the Passport of PAPs and a copy of OCI certificate, if applicable
• Police clearance certificate
• In case of OCI/Foreign PAPs living in India, a copy of No Objection Certificate from their Embassy/ High Commission for adoption and assurance for post adoption in case the PAPs relocate from India
• In case of single parent, undertaking from a relative to take care of the child in case of mishap
• Undertaking from the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) to allow personal visits by the representative of the authorized foreign adoption agency or Central Authority or concerned Government Department, as the case may be, for follow-up of the progress of the child as required under Para 20 (6) of the Guidelines.

CENTRAL ADOPTION RESOURCE AGENCY

Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. It functions as the nodal body for adoption of Indian Children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. CARA is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoption in accordance with the provision of the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003.

CARA HEAD OFFICE

Central Adoption Resource Authority,
Ministry of Women & Child Development,
West Block 8, Wing 2,
2nd Floor, R.K. Puram,
New Delhi-110066 (India)

Telephone Numbers: +91-11-26180194
E-mail : carahdesk.wcd@nic.in
For adoption queries:
Toll-Free No: 1800 11 1311
Available between 9:30AM to 5:30PM in all workings days(Mon-Fri)

FOR FURTHER DETAILS LOG ON TO www.cara.nic.in

STATE ADOPTION RESOURCE AGENCY

State Adoption Resource Agency isa nodal body set up by the State Government within the State to promote and monitor adoption and non-institutional care in co-ordination with Central Adoption Resource Authority.
SARA Contact Details
State Adoption Resource Agency, 9th Floor, 14/2 CIT Scheme,ICMARD Building, Ultadanga, Kolkata-64

Telephone Number: 033-23560351
Available between: 11 AM to 5.30 PM (Mon-Fri)
E-mail: adoption.sarawb@gmail.com

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS (PAP) (PAPS)

Only adopt from Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) recognized by State Governments.
Read the Adoption Guidelines carefully on the website and follow the due procedure.
Follow the steps for completing your registration.
Please upload documents as per instructions.
For adoption related charges, please refer Schedule-13 of the Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children (2015). Always make payment by cheque or draft and collect your receipt.
In case of query, you may contact Toll Free Helpline No. 1800-11-1311 or carahdesk.wcd@nic.in

Click here for Download FAQ on Adoption
Click here for Download Adoption Regulation Guidelines 2017
Click here for Download Adoption Guidelines 2015
Click here for Download Central Adoption Resource Authority Guidelines 2011

Sponsorship is the provision of supplementary support to families for preventing child destitution, abuse, exploitation and it offers holistic child protection including counselling and guidance.

Sponsorship means providing conditional assistance to ensure that the child continues his/her education. It facilitates child care within the family/ extended family environment

SPONSORSHIP UNDER ICPS :

Keeping in line with the guiding principles of ICPS, the aim of sponsorship is preserving families and encouraging parents to fulfil their responsibilities towards the growth and development of their children.

Under ICPS, two types of Sponsorship are provided :

• REHABILITATIVE-Children placed into institutions by families as a poverty coping measure to reunite them with their families
• PREVENTIVE–Support to families living in extreme conditions of deprivation or exploitation to enable the child to remain in his/her family

Sponsorship has been defined under JJA 2015, and individual, group and community sponsorship have been mentioned.Section 45 of JJA 2015 mentions sponsorship. Primary focus of sponsorship is on deinstitutionalization of children already residing in CCIs. Priority is given to children restored to families and who have either both or at least one parent alive. In certain cases, children staying with the grandparents may be included. The State Guidelines for Sponsorship was developed through consultation with NGOs and experts prior to this notification

Department of CD,WD & SW has passed order for formation of Sponsorship Approval Committee (SFCAC) in each district vide Memo No. 2296 (19)-SW/JJA 2014 dated 11.07.14.

The composition of SFCAC is as follows:

• District Child Protection Officer-Chairperson
• Protection Officer (Non-Institutional Care)-Member
• Protection officer (Institutional Care)-Member
• Chairperson/Member, Child Welfare Committee- Member
• Representative of SAA-Member
• Representative of a Voluntary Organization (working in the area of Child Protection with experience in restoration and family reunification)

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF CHILDREN

Children up to 18 years of age
Children staying in child care institutions for more than six months continuously, who can be restored to their families, with financial support.
Physically disabled children who are school drop out because of financial reasons.
The total income of the family should not be more than Rs.24, 000 per year.

Priority shall be given to : :

• Children of a single mother/widow/ grandparents.
• Children affected and infected with HIV AIDS.
• Children of Leprosy patients/HIV infected children.
• Children who are residing in Government homes.
• Vulnerable children who are residing in institutions which are declared as “fit institutions”.
• Children whose parent/bread earner is in a correctional home
• (Children of)Parents suffering from chronic ailments and from terminal diseases.
• (Children of)Parents who are disabled and incapacitated to work.
• Vulnerable children and the families from the community who are the victims of child marriage, child trafficking and child labor.

Click here to show full details of Sponsorship Guidelines

Foster care is an arrangement whereby a child lives, usually on a temporary basis, with unrelated family members. A child shall be preferably placed with child’s extended family or with close friends of the family who are known to child and when such options are either not available or not willing to take care of the child, the child may be placed in foster care. While placing a child in foster care, preference shall be given to those families that share similar cultural, tribal and /or community connection.

WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?

Foster care is an arrangement whereby a child lives, usually on a temporary basis, with unrelated family members. A child shall be preferably placed with child’s extended family or with close friends of the family who are known to child and when such options are either not available or not willing to take care of the child, the child may be placed in foster care. While placing a child in foster care, preference shall be given to those families that share similar cultural, tribal and /or community connection.

• Foster care can be short term or long term depending upon the needs of the child. The situations under which short term Fostercare will be given and the duration will rest on the CWCs based on their assessment of the individual case presented before them. Long term foster care, on the other hand, is placement of a child by the Committee for a period exceeding one year.
• Group foster care is a family like care facility for children in need of care and protection who are without parental care. The aim is to provide personalised care and fostering a sense of belonging and identity, through family like and community based solutions.
• Group Foster is defined as a family setting where a group of unrelated children are placed with a set of parents may/may not be having their own biological children.
• Group foster care as an intermittent arrangement is suitable for children picked up from streets before placing them in individual foster care. Children are placed in group foster care during the weaning period defined as weaning the children from street life and high risk behavior. It is also suitable prior to any other form of family based care.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF FOSTER CARE

• Family or a family like environment is most conducive for a child and every child has the right to grow in such an environment;
• All decisions, initiatives and approaches falling within the scope of the present Guidelines are to be made on a case-by-case basis, with a view, to ensuring child’s safety and security, and must be grounded in the best interests of the child;
• All decisions, initiatives and approaches falling within the scope of the present Guidelines must respect the child’s right to be consulted and to have his views duly taken into account in accordance with his evolving capacities;
• Siblings and twins should preferably be placed in one family;
• Recognizing that every child has the right to grow in a family environment, every attempt must be made to reunite the child with his biological family by strengthening the biological family through a planned process.

CATEGORIES OF CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR FOSTER CARE

The following categories of children shall be considered for Foster Care:

• Children in the age group 0-6 years shall not ordinarily be considered for placement in long term Foster care as such small children should be preferably provided a permanent family through adoption; Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015 shall apply.
• Children in the age group of 6-18 years who have been staying in child care institutions; shall be placed in foster care based on their individual care plan developed in the institution;
• Children whose parents are terminally ill and have submitted a request to the Committee or the District Child Protection Unit for taking care of their child as they are unable to take care of their child;
• Children identified by DCPU through PO(NIC)
  • whose parents are mentally ill and are unable to take care of the child;
  • whose one or both parents are in jail;
  • who are victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, natural disasters and domestic violence.

RIGHTS OF A CHILD UNDER FOSTER CARE

• The Child Welfare Committee, in conjunction with district and state functionaries shall ensure that the foster child’s best interest is upheld and his views are taken into consideration as far as possible in his placement.
• The Child shall have access to information on the situation of his biological family.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF FOSTER CARERS/PARENTS

The foster carers/parents have following rights:

• Right to be heard and respected;
• Right of non-discrimination on the basis of their social origin
• Right to adopt the same child, after keeping that child in foster care for a minimum period of five years and the child has no claimant of his own, after following due procedures prescribed in the Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015

The foster carers/parents have following responsibilities towards the child placed in their care:

• General Responsibilities:
  • Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter;
  • Provide care, support and treatment for child’s overall physical, emotional and mental health;
  • Ensure education and vocational training according to the age, developmental needs and interests of the child;
  • Protection from exploitation, maltreatment, harm, neglect and abuse; Respect the privacy of the child and his biological family, and acknowledge that any information provided about them is confidential and is not to be disclosed to another party without prior consent.
  • Provide treatment in emergency situations and then inform PO(NIC)
• Responsibilities to be shared with the Protection Officer-Non Institutional Care:
  • Support contact between the child and his Protection Officer-Non-Institutional care;
  • Support contact between the child and his biological family in consultation with the Child Welfare Committee;
  • Share and discuss information pertaining to the progress of the child and enable Protection Officer- non-institutional care to write reports and, when required, attend meetings;
  • Seek approval of the Committee through PO(NIC) in advance for serious medical matters such as operatic procedures and the use of anesthesia;
  • Ensure that the child’s whereabouts are known at all times, including reporting any changes of address, holiday plans and any episodes of running away of child;
  • Report to the Protection Officer- Non-Institutional Care in case of any critical incidents such as injuries (accidental or non-accidental), instances of alleged abuse by any person and any criminal or self-harming behaviors exhibited by the child.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF FOSTER CARERS/PARENTS

Following criteria shall apply for selection of individual and group foster carers/parents by the District Child Protection Unit:

• Both the spouses must be Indian citizens; (It is felt that at present single parent should not be encouraged for foster care as they are likely to enter matrimony and this may result in problems);
• Both the spouses must be willing to foster the same child;
• Both the spouses must be above the age of 35 years and must be in good physical, emotional and mental health; (No upper limit is being fixed for foster carers/parents as Home Study report will consider their suitability);
• Ordinarily should have an income in which they are able to meet the needs of the child and are not dependent on the foster care maintenance payment for the child;
• Medical reports of all the members of the foster care family residing in the premises should be obtained including checks on Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis B to determine that they are medically fit;
• Should have adequate space and basic facilities;
• Should be willing to follow rules laid down including regular visits to doctors, maintenance of child health and their records;
• Should be willing to attend foster care orientation programes organized by the DCPU;
• Must be without criminal conviction or indictment;
• Should have supportive community ties with friends and neighbors

RELAXATION AND INTERPRETATION TO THE GUIDELINES

• These Guidelines are issued having regard to the provisions of the existing law and for the interpretation; the relevant law is to be referred to.
• In case of ambiguity or any dispute, the power to interpret these Guidelines vests with Ministry of Women and Child Development GOI.

Click here to show full details of Foster Care

After Care is the provision of care for all children, including children with special needs, after they have reached the age of 18 years, and are discharged from Children’s Homes/Special Homes. Children who have completed 18 years may be referred to as “young adults”. It is to help prepare these young adults to sustain themselves during the transition from institutional to independent life.

The State Government is mandated by the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children)Act, 2000 vide Sec 44 to set up an after care programme for care of juveniles or children after they leave special homes and children's homes to facilitate their transition from an institution-based life to mainstream society.

JJ Act 2015 mentions Aftercare in Section 46. Aftercare has also been defined under this Act.

OBJECTIVES OF AFTERCARE

• To enable such young adults to adapt themselves to society
• To encourage them to move away from institution based life.

CRITERIA FOR AFTERCARE

Children going to complete 18 years of age in the Children’s/Special Home, without any family fit to take care of them and who is willing to undertake the training in After Care will be considered for After Care programme.

Duration of Aftercare

After care services may be available to young adults up to a period of 3 years or until he/she has reached the age of 21 years, whichever is earlier.

Financial norms

Financial assistance per month per young adult will be provided as per ICPS norms applicable at that time for meeting the basic needs including food, clothing, health care and shelter; age appropriate and need based education and vocational training and any other requirements

COMMITTEES FOR IDENTIFICATION OF AFTERCARE ORGANIZATION

The DCPU shall form a committee comprising of the DSWO (Chairman) DCPO (Member- Convener), PO-IC and PO-NIC, and a member of the CWC, which will identify suitable Government and voluntary organizations to run the After Care programme. The list of identified organizations will be placed before the Chairman DCPU for approval through the Secretary DCPU. This list will thereafter be made available to the CWC/JJB.

After Care Approval Committee isto be formed in every district to implement and monitor the After Care programme and would consist of the following members:

• District Magistrate and Chairperson, DCPU---Chairman
• DCPO---Member Convener
• Chairperson or/his or representative of CWC---Member
• Chairperson/his or representative of JJB---Member
• PO(IC)---Member
• PO(NIC)—Member
• Superintendent or his/her Representative of the concerned CCI (where the young adult is staying at the time of approval)---Member
• One technical expert in the field of vocational training, preferably from a government department/undertaking, to be nominated by Chairman, DCPU

Criteria for selection of Aftercare Organization

The organization should be preferably run by the State Government but may also be run by reputed NGOs

• The Organization should be registered under the JJ Act.
• Five years of experience in management of a Home
• Minimum three years of experience in assisting children with vocational training
• Minimum three years of experience in placement of children in jobs, apprenticeships etc.
• A well-establishedcounsellingprogramme

PROCEDURE RELATED TO PLACEMENT IN AFTERCARE

Identification and recommendation for After Care by Child Care Institution (CCI):

• Preparation of young adult by CCI
• Release of Young Adults who are unwilling to join After Care
• Scrutiny of Documents by DCPU and Finalisation for After Care Placement
• Placement order by CWC/JJB
• Placement of young adult

POST PLACEMENT SERVICES

• Release of Grant
• Preparation of Care Plan for the Child by the After Care Organization

MONITORING ANDREVIEW:

• Tracking progress of child
• Monitoring of After Care Organization
• Records to be maintained by DCPU

Termination of Aftercare

Aftercare services will be terminated:

• If the young adult has found suitable employment and a place to live before attaining 21 years of age.
• When the young adult has completed 21 years of age, regardless of whether he/she has got employment or not.
• In case it is found by functionaries of the After Care organisation or DCPU that the young adult despite receiving counseling/assistance is
  • Displaying lack of interest in vocational training/education etc.
  • Regularly breaking discipline
  • Picking fights with other residents, neighbors’, staff etc.
  • Spoiling the atmosphere of the Home by his/her behaviour
• Becoming a negative influence on other residents due to his/her habits such as drinking, drug abuse etc.
• In case girl/boy gets married
• If the young adult is absent for more than 15 days without permission

SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY AFTERCARE ORGANISATION

• The After Care Organisation shall essentially provide for every child
• Shelter facility, for a maximum period of 3 years as per institutional model
• Professional emotional and psychological counselling on a weekly basis
• Health care through tie ups with nearby medical centres/doctors
• Vocational training facilities through tie ups with educational institutions through CSR (training and absorption) teaching certified skill development courses.
• Assistance in opening bank accounts and for getting identification such as “Aadhar” number, ration cards, voting cards, etc.
• If the child is interested in education, in addition to the vocational training, he/she may be encouraged /assisted to pursue the NIOS programme.
• Training, apprenticeships and placement in collaboration with professional agencies and Corporates.
• Arranging loans for entrepreneurial activities along with professional advice and training
• Peer counselling
• Legal services that may be required by the child through DCPU or linkages with other organisations.
• Computers, recreational material and other facilities at the place of stay.
• Specialized counseling services in polyclinics may be provided to those children who have disciplinary issues, problems of substance abuse, frequent absenteeism etc. so that they can be mainstreamed into society.

MODELS OF AFTERCARE

Option I: The DCPU will identify an existing Children’s Home which is run by the Government / NGO, where a portion will be earmarked for After Care having separate building with other facilities to avoid interaction with the children in Children’s Home.

Option II: Dedicated institutions for After Care with maximum capacity of 100 children can be considered in case it is available in strategic locations as decided by the DCD &DWD&SW, Government of West Bengal

Facilities to be provided by Aftercare organizations :

• Counselling
• Savings
• Vocational Training
• Linkages with Corporates and Civil Society Groups
• Identity
• Health
• Volunteers
• Life skills programme
• Monitoring & Follow Up

EXISTING AFTERCARE HOMES IN WEST BENGAL

Sl. No	Name of the Home	GO/NGO	Boys/Girls
1.	SUMANGALAM	GO	Boys
2.	SHILAYAN	GO	Girls
3.	VIDYASAGAR BALIKA BHAVAN (VBB)	GO	Girls
4.	UTTARPARA FEMALE DESTITUTE HOME(UFDH)	GO	Girls
5.	ANANDA MATH	GO	Girls
6.	SUKANYA	GO	Girls
7.	SMM HOME	GO	Girls
8.	ALLBENGAL WOMEN’S UNION (ABWU)	NGO	Girls
9.	CHIRANABIN	NGO	Girls

Guidelines For After Care of Children under ICPS

Scheme for the welfare of children in need of care and protection :

• Rationale : Rapid urbanization and industrialization contributes increasingly to the problem of destitution. The problem is on the increase, especially among children, due to continuous migration of families from rural to urban areas in search of employment and work. The inadequacy of housing facilities in urban areas, forces them to live under slum conditions. This in turn contributes to the increase in destitution and delinquency. Increasing number of child beggars found in metropolitan and industrial cities is only a symptom of the larger problem of destitution.
• Objective : The objective of welfare services for destitute children is to rehabilitate them as normal citizens in the community they belong to. The programme includes ameliorative services of food, shelter, clothing, medical attention and curative services of education, prevocational and vocational training, vocational guidance, recreation and cultural development and citizenship education. It is an effort to make the children grow up as responsible citizen and job worthy.
  The Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal has worked out arrangements for institutionalizing these destitute children under ‘Cottage Scheme’. The programme consists of providing assistance in the form of capitation grants to the existing voluntary organizations active in the field of child welfare. The recurring and nonrecurring expenditure is borne by the organizations running cottage homes. The Institution is entrusted with a number of units of 25 children each separately for boys and girls from 0 to 18 years. One house mother is present for a unit of 25 children and a trained social worker is present both for offering case work services as well as supervision. At present there are 96 cottage homes run by non-government organization supported by Government of West Bengal providing services to 8750 destitute children.
• Services : The package of services that is offered to children at the existing institutions is separate for boys and girls and includes physical and social care, school education and recreational activities and near family atmosphere for children between 0 to 18 years with the help of services of house mothers. For children between 12 and 18 years services of physical and social care, school education, pre-vocational and vocational and citizenship education and recreation is provided at the institutions.
• Criteria for admission of children into Children’s Home :

• (i) Children who do not have parent or any near relative.
• (ii) Children who have single parent families, like husband is dead or imprisoned or separated or vice versa and where the income of the family is less than 250 per month.

List of Cottage Homes in West Bengal with contact details

Click Here to Show Enhancement of the Rate of Maintenance Cost for Inmates of Homes Run by Government & NGOs.

Click Here to Download The Admission Form of West Bengal Child Rights & Trafficking

• Recommendation and forwarding letter by District Authority
• Application in proper format
• A copy of certificate or Registration of Societies/Renewal receipt,
• Memorandum of Association/ Trust Deed
• Annual Report for last 3 years
• Audit Report for last 3 year
• List of inmates and their home address, age, sex, guardian name referred by etc.
• Name of Superintendent & Medical Officer
• Blue print of the Building should have duly been vetted by concerned Engineer. (Applicable for Block/Municipality/Corporation)
• Rent Agreements if rented building
• Managing Committee approved by the concerned D.M.
• Inspection Report enquired by Block/District Authority.
• U.C if Govt.grant received (for any Central/State Scheme)
• One copy of Diet Chart & Health Status( Compilation)
• Last grant-in-aid sanctioned by Govt.( if any) with date & order no. & amount/fund source (for new case)
• Certification from competent authority or declaration by the Home authority on safe drinking water fire extinguishing measures and Sanitation including Drainage and Sewerage system,
• Resolution copy of the Managing Committee/Governing Body.
• Above papers are required for issuance/renewal of Licence.
• Resolution copy of DCPS.