The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Leh, in collaboration with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Leh, and the Department of Social & Tribal Welfare, Ladakh, organised a Stakeholder Orientation and Consultation Programme on Foster Care and Adoption at the DC Conference Hall, Leh, on August 28.

The programme focused on promoting family-based alternative care and strengthening awareness, coordination and convergence among stakeholders on foster care and adoption under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Adoption Regulations and the framework of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).

The programme was attended by representatives from various government departments and institutions, including Health, Police, ICDS, Labour, Legal Services and DHEW, along with members of the CWC, JJB and CHL. Representatives of Child Care Institutions, the Bar Association, NGOs, religious and community organisations, women and youth groups, civil society and traders’ associations also participated.

Representatives from Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, Anjuman Imamia, Women Alliance, Ladakh Buddhist Association, ALTOA, ALGHA and Merchant Association, along with NGOs including Pagir, Rewa Society, 17000ft Foundation, Munsel Society, CT Kids, Dhamma House Stok, Chamtse Mental Health and Social Services and Lasmon Society, participated in the consultation. Superintendents and staff of Rgaatsal, Rchestsal and Lions Club Home of Snow Lions, along with officials from DCPU, CWC, JJB and CHL, were also present.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by CWC Member Tashi Dolma, who highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the safety, care and well-being of children requiring protection and support.

A technical session on “Foster Care and Adoption: Family-Based Care and the Relevant Legal and Procedural Framework” was delivered by Fariya Rafiq, Protection Officer (Non-Institutional Care), DCPU Leh. The session covered the legal and procedural framework, eligibility and assessment of foster caregivers and adoptive parents, identification of children requiring alternative care, roles of statutory authorities, placement procedures, monitoring and safeguards, with emphasis on the best interests of the child.

The session also highlighted the importance of family-based care, restoration and rehabilitation, while recognising institutional care as a measure of last resort.

An interactive stakeholder consultation and discussion was subsequently moderated by Aamir Sohail, Protection Officer (Institutional Care), DCPU Leh, and Tsering Angchuk, Member, CWC Leh. Discussions focused on identifying children requiring family-based care, timely referrals, community awareness, inter-departmental convergence, prevention of unnecessary institutionalisation, and effective monitoring and follow-up.

The programme aimed to create greater awareness about foster care and adoption, promote family-based care, prevent unnecessary institutionalisation, facilitate appropriate referrals for children requiring alternative care, and strengthen stakeholder convergence and community participation.
CWC Leh Chairperson Mumtaz Hussain appreciated the active participation of stakeholders and reiterated the importance of collective efforts to strengthen family-based care and the child protection system in Ladakh.

The programme marked an important step towards creating a coordinated and child-friendly environment where children can, wherever appropriate and in accordance with the law, grow and thrive within a safe, stable and nurturing family environment.