A two day Nagaland State Orientation training on Adoption Regulations 2022 and Foster Care organised by the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), Mission Vitsalya, Department of Social Welfare was held on May 14 at Highland Park Kohima.
“Adoption is more than a legal process; it’s an act of love, compassion, and hope. It brings together children in need of families with adults who are ready to open their hearts and homes,” stated Special Guest Bodeno S Colo, Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare.
Colo noted that for many children around the world, adoption is a path to safety, stability, and opportunity — things every child deserves but not all receive from the start.
“Whether due to poverty, abandonment, or tragedy, millions of children live without permanent families. Thus, Adoption offers them the chance to grow in a loving environment, to receive guidance, and to have someone who believes in them unconditionally. Adoption also changes the lives of adoptive parents. Many families find joy and fulfillment in giving a child a second chance,” stated Colo.
However, she admitted that adoption is not always easy, which comes with emotional, legal, and social challenges. With these challenges and complications, adoption is governed by a set of legal frameworks to ensure the safety and well-being of the child, and to provide transparency and accountability in the process in India.
Details on the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) was also highlighted by the Special Guest. CARA is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, responsible for monitoring and regulating adoptions in the country. It operates under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Under CARA guidelines, there are two main categories: -In-country adoption, where Indian citizens adopt a child from within India.
-Inter-country adoption, where Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), or foreign nationals adopt an Indian child.
CARA ensures that children are legally free for adoption and maintains a centralized database for both children and prospective adoptive parents to ensure transparency. It also mandates a Home Study Report (HSR) for adoptive families to assess their readiness and capability to adopt.
Some key eligibility criteria include:
Single individuals or married couples can adopt.
– There is a specified age difference required between the child and the adoptive parents.
-A stable marital relationship of at least two years is usually preferred for married couples.
Concluding her speech, Colo encouraged all to celebrate adoption, not as a last resort, but as a valid and beautiful way to form a family.
“Let us be the kind of society where every child feels wanted, seen, and cherished – because every child deserves a home, and every home has the potential to be a place of healing and love.” She noted.
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Tosheli Zhimomi, Director Social Welfare Department, Nagaland, CEO & Member Secretary, State Adoption Resource Agency, in her keynote address, highlighted that adoption transforms lives and changes the destiny of the children as well as the families who welcome them. “At its core, adoption is all about giving every child a stable and loving home. It provides healing and stability for those children who have lost their families through tragedy, poverty or conflict,” said Zhimomi.
While discussing about adoption, the Director acknowledged the need to take into account the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs). “For parents, adoption is often a journey of incredible emotional depth. It involves patience, courage and a heart big enough to open to someone new. Adoption, is thus a reminder that families are not just born but made through choice: choice to love and care without limitation,” remarked Zhimomi.
With millions of children in India requiring a safe and nurturing home, the Government of India’s efforts in accommodating children in need under its safety net was also emphasized.
“Today, I want to take this time to honour those who have been actively involved in the process of adoption and at the same time encourage all the stakeholders to gear up and activate oneself and do the needful so that every child gets a loving and stable home,” said Zhimomi.
She also requested all stakeholders to work with empathy and also reminded that every child deserved a place to call home.
Imkongzenla, Joint Director, Department of Social Welfare chaired the program. The program was followed by discussions and seminars on different topics related to adoption.
The orientation has been sponsored by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women and Child Development. SARA is a state’level monitoring agency under the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women and Child Development in order to promote and regulate adoption. Its mandate is to find a loving and caring home for children in need.
