The State forms a committee for children orphaned by Covid-19

Bengaluru: Many children have been orphaned as they lost their parents to Covid-19. The adverse impact of Covid is that it has made many orphans. The social media platforms are flooded with requests to adopt kids who are orphaned recently. It is also observed that WhatsApp groups are filled with posters of child care services that offer food, emotional security support to children.

The government has formed a committee to identify such children and provide them with food and shelter. These children will be sent to their relatives after verification or to institutions/orphanages by NGOs.

Officials say that handing over orphaned children to child care agencies, NGOs and others without the knowledge of the government is a punishable offence, under sections 32, 33 and 34 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

A 35-year-old widow named Reeta (name changed) died due to Covid on Tuesday which has left her three children aged 13, 10 and 5 orphaned.  Her husband had passed away a few years ago. On Tuesday night, Reeta’s sister took the three children to take care of them along with her own children.

Another instance is that of Rohini and Ananth Mishra (names changed), who were tested Covid positive and were hospitalised. Their two kids of age 8 and 5 were also Covid positive but, they were recovering at home as they were asymptomatic. Ananth was admitted to ICU while, Rohini was an HDU patient. Both the parents were not able to decide about the care of their children, and so, Priya (name changed), a colleague of the Mishras said, “We put out a social media post asking for suggestions on how to deal with this situation. The family had no relatives in the city, nor did they have many friends. We had to struggle to make arrangements for their children to get the right medication, food and care. We were grateful that their neighbours decided to take care of the two children for two days until their relative reached the city. We were not sure if we could send them to a hospital or a covid care centre because that would entail considerable risk to the children’s safety.”

“So far we have not received any such cases where the children had to be shifted to an orphanage. Most of the time, the family’s relatives come forward to take care of them. People should reach out to us for any clarification and should not approach any NGO to hand over such children. Recently, a young child below 10 years lost both his parents due to covid and the child’s grandmother came forward to take the child along with her. When grandparents insist, we cannot deny them as they have the right to care for their grandkids. We will assist them if they need help”, said Mohan Raj, IAS, nodal officer of the committee formed by the government.

Do not look out for help on social media

Many people have been seeking help from social media platforms. They even give the details of the kids. The Child Welfare Committee says that such posts can be a threat to children’s lives.

Pallavi Akurathi, IAS, Director of Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) stated, “As per the Juvenile Justice Act, the first option will be given to the next of kin or extended family members to care for the child. If friends or neighbours are trying to set up temporary care for these children, they should reach out to the 1098 helpline. This is to prevent strangers from taking the children away and keeping children safe from child trafficking. Children can call this helpline too and we will counsel them on what to do next. We will also speak to the family members and advise them. If anyone from the extended family wants to step up and care for the child, we will verify them, and keep a record of this. Sometimes if grandparents are unable to take care of three to four grandchildren who have been orphaned, we will advise them to take care of one and NGOs will step to take care of the rest. This is to ensure their education is not compromised and the family has visitation rights.”

She added, “If people want to adopt children or sponsor for their education, they can reach out to the CWC and they will put them in touch with the children and their relatives.”

You can call 1098 if a neighbour’s child is orphaned or both the parents are hospitalised.

The childline authorities will inquire about the children and their parents and also note down that the kids are in your temporary care.

The authorities will get in contact with the extended family of the kids and entrust them in the care of someone who is willing to step up.