Udupi: Adoption has transformed the lives of 72 orphaned and abandoned children in Udupi district over the past decade, offering them the opportunity to grow up in caring families and secure environments. The children were legally adopted through the district’s only government-aided adoption agency, bringing hope not only to the children but also to childless couples seeking to build families.

Official data shows that 72 children from Sri Krishnanugraha Child Care Centre at Santhekatte have found permanent homes since 2015-16. While dozens of children have been successfully rehabilitated through adoption, demand continues to remain high, with 373 prospective parents currently on the waiting list.

Adoption centre plays key role in child welfare

Sri Krishnanugraha Child Care Centre, functioning under the Udupi District Child Protection Unit, is the district’s only government-aided adoption agency. Udupi district currently has 26 child care institutions, including three government-run centres, but only Sri Krishnanugraha facilitates legal adoption procedures.

Since 2015-16, the centre has admitted 82 children who were orphaned, abandoned or in need of care and protection. Of these, 72 children have been legally adopted, enabling them to begin a new chapter of life with adoptive families.

Officials said the institution provides shelter, care, education and emotional support to children until they are rehabilitated through adoption or other child welfare measures.

Children adopted across India and abroad

Among the 72 children adopted over the last decade, 66 were placed with families within India, while six were adopted by families living overseas.

The majority of adoptions took place within Karnataka, where 47 children found new homes. Other adoptions were recorded in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

Officials noted that there has been growing interest among prospective parents from southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Telangana, in adopting children from the centre.

The six international adoptions provided children with opportunities to grow up in family environments outside India while remaining protected under legal adoption frameworks and post-adoption monitoring systems.

Demand for adoption remains high

Despite the successful placement of 72 children, the demand for adoption continues to exceed the number of children available for adoption.

According to official figures, 373 prospective parents have already registered and submitted applications seeking to adopt a child. The long waiting list reflects increasing awareness about legal adoption and the willingness of families to provide homes to children in need.

Authorities said the number of children eligible for adoption each year remains limited, making the process highly competitive and often time-consuming for applicants.

Peak adoption recorded in 2022-23

The highest number of adoptions was recorded during the 2022-23 financial year, when 14 children were placed with adoptive families.

However, adoption activities came to a complete halt during 2020-21 due to restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Travel limitations, administrative delays and safety protocols affected adoption procedures across the country.

The adoption programme gradually resumed after the pandemic, and officials reported that seven children were adopted during 2025-26. In the first few months of the current year, three more children have already joined adoptive families.

Special needs children continue to receive care

Officials said the centre accommodates an average of seven to 10 children every year. The highest intake was recorded during 2020-21 when 21 children were admitted.

At present, 10 children are residing at the institution, including seven children with special needs. The centre continues to provide specialised care and support while efforts are made to identify suitable adoptive families.

Child welfare authorities emphasised that children with special needs often require additional attention during the adoption process and may face longer waiting periods before placement.

Adoption process can take several years

Parents wishing to adopt a child must register through the official portal of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).

Following registration, authorised adoption agencies conduct a detailed home study to assess the applicants’ financial condition, social environment and readiness to adopt. Prospective parents are then matched with children based on availability and suitability.

Once a child is selected, authorities assess compatibility between the child and the adoptive family. The child is subsequently placed under pre-adoption foster care before the competent authority issues the final adoption order.

Even after legal adoption is completed, officials continue monitoring the child’s welfare for at least two years through periodic visits and follow-up assessments.

“Adoption is a lengthy process that generally takes three to four years,” said Nagaratna Nayak, Child Protection Officer, Udupi district.

Appeal against child abandonment

Child welfare officials have urged parents not to abandon unwanted infants under any circumstances.

Nagaratna Nayak said abandoning children in public places is a punishable offence. Instead, parents who are unable or unwilling to care for a child can legally hand over the infant to the Child Protection Unit.

She noted that citizens can contact Childline by dialling 1098, after which officials will take custody of the child while ensuring complete confidentiality for those involved.

Authorities stressed that legal surrender mechanisms exist to protect children and provide them with opportunities for rehabilitation and adoption through recognised channels.

Conclusion

The successful adoption of 72 orphaned and abandoned children over the last decade reflects the vital role played by Udupi’s child welfare system in securing stable and loving homes for vulnerable children. While hundreds of prospective parents continue to wait for an opportunity to adopt, officials emphasise the importance of legal adoption procedures and child protection measures in ensuring the best interests of every child.