How can a child with no voice hold systems accountable?
In November 2022 at the age of 8, Divya lost her father, and her mother legally surrendered her before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Divya was placed in a government shelter.
Divya’s case was straightforward. As per India’s adoption laws, after a 2-month reconsideration period given to biological parents, Divya should have been declared legally free for adoption.
However, the system failed her. Divya’s case was not processed. No next steps were initiated by the CWC, or the shelter, or the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), and Divya continued to stay at the shelter. During the prolonged stay, Divya gradually became used to the institutional environment.
In April 2024, Shivaji from WAIC visited the shelter to assess the children’s cases, identified the delay in Divya’s case, and immediately raised the concern with DCPU and the CWC. Through persistent follow-ups, phone calls, and in-person meetings, Shivaji advocated for urgent action in Divya’s best interest.
Following Shivaji’s interventions, a formal review of Divya’s case was initiated, Divya was counseled about adoption, and the CWC officially declared Divya legally free for adoption in June 2024.
Finally, after 2 years of institutionalization, in August 2024 Divya was reserved by prospective adoptive parents (PAPs). A formal meeting between Divya and the PAPs was arranged, however, the extended institutionalisation had deeply impacted Divya’s readiness for adoption. She tearfully expressed her desire to not be adopted. Recognizing Divya’s emotional state and lack of consent, the adoption process was paused.
What could have been a smooth transition at a younger age now became a psychological challenge for the child. Imagine if she had been declared legally adoptable at the right time? She would have spent years bonding with her adoptive family, rather than believing that a shelter is her home.
A child can’t move her case forward. The systems responsible for her welfare have to function.
WAIC case workers show up day after day, meticulously working on cases, advocating for children, and pushing systems to function for the child.
As always, thanks to all our donors, supporters, and well-wishers – on behalf of the children whose cases we work on, and on behalf of our team.
*image for illustration purposes only
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