Conclusion of India–Australia Program Review–21 May 2010
Conclusion of India–Australia Program Review–21 May 2010
The Australian Central Authority has recently concluded its review of the India–Australia Intercountry Adoption Program. The ACA periodically reviews all its programs in accordance with the Intercountry Adoption Strategic Plan. The Attorney?General prioritised the review of the India–Australia intercountry adoption program in light of child trafficking allegations raised in 2008 in relation to intercountry adoption cases around 2000.
The review focused on India’s adoption framework, observance of The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, the viability of the program as it currently operates and the possible need for additional safeguards.
The review highlighted that—consistent with global trends—most infant and young children in need of families are able to be placed domestically in India. Sibling groups, older children and those with special needs appear to be the primary categories of children in need of intercountry adoption.
On the whole, the ACA is satisfied that safeguards within India’s adoption framework have improved since trafficking allegations were raised. These ongoing improvements reflect India’s commitment to progressive implementation of the Hague Convention as anticipated by the Permanent Bureau’s Guide to Good Practice on Implementation and Operation of the 1993 Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention.
The review concluded that the program should continue to operate in its current form, with the ACA to investigate options for a managed expansion. Investigations into possible new relationships with Indian agencies will be considered where there are potentially viable and reliable orphanage partners that have children in need of Australian families.
Since March 2009, a restricted list of Indian adoption agencies with which Australia has an established relationship has been in place.
ACA is aware of serious allegations registered in a Central Bureau of Investigation case against the Managing Trustee of one Indian agency, Preet Mandir. It should be noted that the review of the program recommended that the freeze on new applications to Preet Mandir be maintained. ACA is seeking verification and further information about the specific allegations and will assess what implications this has for the program. The ACA and State and Territory Central Authorities will remain in close communication about these matters. Adoptive families or adoptees who have concerns about an adoption from Preet Mandir should in the first instance contact the State or Territory Central Authority that facilitated the adoption.
http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Intercountry_AdoptionWhats_New#update