CHILDREN orphaned by cyclone Nargis can be adopted only after the proper legal procedures have been completed, says the Department of Social Welfare.

Officials say they are acting to protect orphans and children separated from their parents in the wake of the disaster from falling prey to human trafficking, abuse and forced labour.

The department and many NGOs and INGOs are collecting data about orphans and children separated from their families in Nargis-hit Ayeyarwady delta and Yangon Division.

Those children are now being cared for in temporary orphanages and monasteries in the affected areas.

Department spokesman U Aung Tun Khine said the department would consider applications for adoption when the situation has settled down, provided the applicant can show a letter of recommendation from the local authorities or the monk who was caring for the child.

“People think they can adopt a child if they have the monk’s permission,” said U Aung Tun Khine. “But we’re afraid they might use the children as domestic or general workers.”

He said the department would take action under existing laws against anyone suspected of using child labour, adding that the department would trace the history of applicants when they ask permission to adopt.

Adoption applications would be handled under the Act of Registration of Adopting Children enacted in 1939.