2,250 Child adoption orders issued across the country after Amended Juvenile Justice Act came into force in September 2022: WCD

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has said that after the amendment to Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act 2015, as many as 2,250 Child adoption orders have been issued by the District Magistrates across the country.
 
The official in the Ministry said when the amendment was introduced in Parliament, there were 997 adoption orders pending with the courts all over the country. He added that after the amendment a total of 858 orders of adoptions were given immediately and as of the 16th of June 2023 the figure stands at 2250.
 
The Amended Juvenile Justice Act came into force in September last year. 
 
Under the amended Act, the District Magistrates, instead of courts have the power to issue adoption orders under Section 61 of the JJ Act. With the Act, the district magistrates have also been empowered to ensure the completion of the adoption process and support children in distress. As per the amended provisions of the Act, any childcare institution will be registered only after considering the recommendations of the District Magistrate.
 
The official said that constant efforts are being made by the Ministry to reduce the pendency of adoption orders, keeping in mind the welfare of the children.