Punjab girl rescued from begging finds forever home through legal adoption
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 23, 2026: A girl rescued while begging on the streets of Patiala has found a permanent family after completing the legal adoption process, marking a significant step in her journey from vulnerability to a secure and caring home.
Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr. Baljit Kaur said the case reflects the importance of providing children in need of care and protection with sustained support, rehabilitation and, where legally possible, a family environment.
The girl, born in 2019, was rescued from the Leela Bhawan area of Patiala on November 19, 2024, during the ‘Jeewanjot 2.0’ campaign, which focuses on rescuing children found begging and linking them with protection and rehabilitation services.
Following the rescue, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Patiala produced the child before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Patiala. The committee directed that she be placed in a Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA).
At the agency, the child received counselling, healthcare, education, emotional support and other forms of care in a safe environment.
According to Dr. Baljit Kaur, a social investigation found that the child had no surviving biological relative capable of providing her with care and protection. After completion of the prescribed legal process, the Child Welfare Committee declared her legally free for adoption on June 4, 2026.
She was subsequently matched with a suitable Prospective Adoptive Parent through the statutory adoption process and placed in Pre-Adoption Foster Care on July 27, 2026.
After completion of the required legal formalities, the adoption was finalised by the competent authority on September 22, 2026.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the case showed that child rehabilitation cannot end with rescue and must include continued care, emotional support, education and, wherever permitted under the law, the possibility of growing up in a permanent family.
She also acknowledged the efforts of the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee, Specialized Adoption Agency, counsellors and other adoption authorities involved in the process.
The Minister said the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development would continue to strengthen child protection services and family-based care for vulnerable children across Punjab.
“Our responsibility does not end with rescue—it begins there. Our mission is to restore childhood, protect dreams and ensure that every child grows up with love, security and opportunities,” Dr. Baljit Kaur said.
The adoption has given the child a permanent family and marks the completion of a nearly two-year journey from being rescued from the streets to finding a secure home through the legal child-protection and adoption system.