Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jun 8: For children deprived of parental care, adoption offers the promise of a new family, love, security and a brighter future. For childless couples, it often becomes a life-changing ray of hope. In a heartening reflection of this process, 72 orphaned and abandoned children in Udupi district have found new homes through legal adoption over the past decade.
According to official data, parents from different districts, states and even foreign countries have adopted 72 children from Sri Krishnanugraha Child Care Centre at Santhekatte, the government-aided adoption agency functioning under the Udupi District Child Protection Unit. Meanwhile, 373 prospective parents remain on the waiting list, having already submitted applications to adopt a child.
Udupi district has 26 child care institutions, including three government-run centres. Among them, Sri Krishnanugraha is the district’s only government-aided adoption centre. Since 2015-16, a total of 82 children have been admitted to the institution. Of these, 66 children were adopted within India and six by families abroad, enabling a total of 72 children to begin life in a new family environment.
Children adopted across India and overseas
Among the adopted children, 47 found homes in Karnataka, while six were adopted by families in Tamil Nadu, four in Maharashtra, three each in Telangana and Kerala, and one each in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
The figures highlight the growing interest among couples from southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Telangana, in adopting children. In addition, six children were adopted by foreign couples, giving them an opportunity to build a new life beyond India’s shores.
The highest number of adoptions was recorded in 2022-23, when 14 children were placed with adoptive families. The adoption process came to a complete standstill during 2020-21 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
During 2025-26, seven children were adopted, while three children have already joined new families during the opening months of the current year.
Officials said the centre provides shelter to an average of seven to 10 children annually. The highest intake was recorded in 2020-21, when 21 children were admitted. At present, 10 children, including seven with special needs, are residing at the centre.
Adoption process takes 3-4 years
Parents seeking to adopt a child must first register on the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) portal https://cara.wcd.gov.in. Following registration, an authorised adoption agency visits the applicants’ home and prepares a report on their financial and social background.
Prospective parents are then shown details of children available for adoption. Once a child is selected, authorities assess whether there is compatibility between the child and the adoptive family. The child is subsequently placed with the family under pre-adoption foster care.
Thereafter, the competent authority formalises the adoption through an official order. Even after the process is completed, officials continue to monitor the child's welfare for a minimum of two years through periodic visits to the adoptive family's home.
“Adoption is a lengthy process that generally takes three to four years,” said Nagaratna Nayak, child protection officer, Udupi district.
She also appealed to parents not to abandon unwanted infants.
“If parents do not wish to keep their children, abandoning infants in public places is an offence under the law. Instead, they can hand over such children to the Child Protection Unit. By calling 1098, officials can reach the location and take custody of the child. Complete confidentiality will be maintained in such cases,” Nagaratna Nayak said.