Bhubaneswar, July 24 (UNI) Child adoption in Odisha has registered a steady growth over the past three years due to awareness, streamlined processes and strengthened systems with adoption of girl children exceeding that of the boys, said a senior official of the women and child welfare department here today.
As per the findings of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), the orphaned and abandoned children finding parental care through lawful adoption process has recorded rise both within and outside the state, added the official.
The rise in adoption cases was revealed in the State-Level Child Protection and Welfare Monitoring and Review Committee meeting held here today.
It also focused on reviewing the institutional and non-institutional frameworks for child protection and care in Odisha and strengthening convergence among various departments and stakeholders.
Currently, the state has 160 children’s homes, 33 specialised adoption agencies, 12 open shelters, 7 observation homes, and 7 special homes.
The state has 30 District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), 31 Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), 34 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), 36 dedicated Juvenile Police Units, and 220 Child Care Institutions (CCIs).
About 8,150 children are under institutional care while 6,317 children are under non-institutional care, Monisha Banerjee, Director of Women and Child Development informed while speaking at the review meeting
Of the 8,150 children in CCIs, 98% have been enrolled for Aadhaar. Currently, 672 children are pursuing vocational education and 8,130 individuals have undergone training through 264 different programmes. While 211 children have secured employment, 79 have become self-employed, she informed.
Furthermore, the state provides marriage assistance to children leaving institutional care. Currently, 41 Child Help Units/Help Desks and the State Control Room are functioning effectively to extend support to children in need.
Financial assistance under the Ashirbad Yojana, a scheme for specially cared children is being provided to eligible children. Forging a unified, rights-based Adoption Strategy to strengthen family-based care and accelerate adoptions in Odisha , Adoption Conclave 2025 was held in May last.
Other key focus areas discussed the review meeting included mental health support and counseling for traumatized children, smart education through e-learning, video conferencing facilities for Juvenile cases hearings, monthly financial aid for continuing education under Ashirbad Yojana, and encouragement of sports and cultural activities through initiatives like the State-Level Mahak and Utsah programmes, said officials.
For prompt child protection assistance, Child Helpline 1098, Women Helpline 181, and the Emergency Response support system 112 have been integrated. The Child Helpline 1098 is effectively functioning in all districts, claimed Secretary, Women and Child Development, Shubha Sharma.
Under the Yashoda Scheme, orphan surveys are conducted every four years. The Amari Shishu Portal is being operationalized to update all child care and protection data digitally.
So far, over 51,000 children have been covered under the Ashirbad Yojana and are receiving various benefits and assistance. Plans for setting up Child Help Centres at railway stations and bus stands are also afoot, said the official.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja who presided over the review meeting emphasized strengthening institutional and non-institutional mechanisms for child protection and care through collective efforts of all departments.
Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Anu Garg instructed the secretaries and senior officers of various departments to visit schools and child care institutions during their district tours.
