The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), part of the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India, held a successful Regional Consultative Workshop on “Promoting Non-Institutionalised Rehabilitation of Children with Special Needs (Divyaang Children)” in Guwahati. The event attracted 122 stakeholders, including officials from State Adoption Resource Agencies, health professionals, and child protection practitioners, indicating a strong commitment to improving adoption and rehabilitation frameworks for special needs children.
The workshop featured presentations on CARA’s initiatives for family-based care, a film illustrating a successful adoption case, and state representatives discussing challenges and innovative practices in adoption and care. Focused group discussions yielded actionable recommendations regarding health assessments, legal issues, financial challenges, grievance resolution, and coordination among institutions.
State-wise adoption data for FY 2024–25 was reviewed, and strategies were devised to overcome obstacles in the adoption process for special needs children. The workshop highlighted the need for improved inter-sectoral collaboration, capacity building for frontline workers, and well-informed decision-making for prospective adoptive parents.
Concluding with a commitment to develop a strategic roadmap for domestic adoption of Divyaang children, CARA emphasized the importance of safe, nurturing family environments for all children, adhering to child welfare principles, transparency, and the best interests of the child.
