The National Adoption Awareness Conclave 2025, organised by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) under the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, witnessed the participation of over 400 participants.
Organised as part of the National Adoption Awareness month, observed every November, this year’s event focused on the theme, “Non-Institutionalized Rehabilitation of Children with Special Needs (Divyaang Children).” Policymakers, experts, adoptive families, and key stakeholders from various States and child protection agencies attend the event. The discussions reinforced the collective national commitment towards ensuring that children with special needs receive compassionate, permanent, and family-based care.
Delivering the keynote address, Anil Malik, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, reiterated the Government of India’s sustained commitment to protecting the rights of children and ensuring that every child – especially those with special needs – grow up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent family environment.
He called upon States and agencies to work collaboratively to enhance adoption services in alignment with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
Earlier, M. Venu Gopal Reddy, Director, SARA Andhra Pradesh, welcomed the gathering.
Bhavna Saxena, Member Secretary & CEO, CARA, gave a thematic presentation, highlighting CARA’s initiatives to strengthen ethical, inclusive, and child-centric adoption systems.
M.N. Harendhira Prasad, District Collector, A. Surya Kumari, Secretary, Women & Child Development, Andhra Pradesh, and Anita Ramachandran, Secretary, WCD & SC, government of Telangana, delivered special addresses, emphasising State-level support mechanisms and the need for heightened sensitivity and awareness surrounding the adoption of children with special needs.
Adoptive parents of children with special needs narrated their journeys. Their heartfelt testimonies shed light on the challenges, joys, and transformative power of adoption, and served as inspiring examples for prospective adoptive parents across the country.
Representatives from Telangana, Odisha, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh shared their best practices related to medical assessments, financial support systems, early identification of children, and legal facilitation. These presentations underscored the importance of stronger coordination between SARAs, District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), and other stakeholders to ensure timely and transparent adoption processes.
A motivational short film titled “Adoption of Children with Special Needs (Divyaang Children)” was formally launched. The film aims to create greater public awareness, dispel societal myths, and encourage more families to consider adopting children with special needs.
Published – November 27, 2025 08:35 pm IST
