Quake Spurs Interest in Orphan Adoption - authorities predict 3-4 month moratorium

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Government and UNICEF issue warnings

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake on January 26, 2001, in Gujarat, India, there has been an outpouring of interest from around the world in adopting children who have been orphaned by the tragedy.

Responding to reports that efforts were underway to publicly identify children in an effort to expedite international adoption, the Indian Government and UNICEF have issued policy statements and cautions.

In India, and in Gujarat particularly, kinship and community care are strong traditions. Efforts will first be made to determine that children are, indeed, orphans, and second, to seek out extended family or community members for the placement of those who are. Adoption is seen as a last option. The Indian government predicts this process will take at least 3-4 months and a temporary moratorium is in place.

Initial reports that the number of orphaned children could reach several thousand have been refuted by officials. The number of children who lost both parents is now estimated at somewhere around 100 based on local information, but the final number won't be known for a while.

Concerns expressed by officials are twofold:

That children should remain within the family and community whenever possible, and
that unscrupulous individuals or entities involved in child slavery could try to represent themselves as legitimate adoption organizations.

The announcements came on the heels of a report that the Indian army would be identifying children who have been orphaned, and creating a Web site with children's names and details in order to expedite their adoption.

As always, the US State Department cautions against the adoption of any children from areas struck by conflict or disaster until the situation has calmed, an evaluation made, and proper authorities and agencies are involved.

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