Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 11: The State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) under Mission Vatsalya Scheme, Directorate of Social Welfare organized an Adoption Awareness Programme on the theme “Adoption of Special Needs Children” yesterday in the Conference Hall, Department of Industries. The programme was sponsored by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women and Child Development. A total of 60 participants attended the event both physically and virtually, including Prospective Adoptive Parents and Adopted Parents from various parts of the Islands.
The objective of the programme is to enhance understanding of the adoption procedures relating to children with special needs and to provide appropriate guidance and support to Prospective Adoptive Parents. Smt. Manjula Das, Program Manager (SARA i/c) welcomed the gathering.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp and was inaugurated by Shri Om Prakash Yadav, Assistant Director (Training and Media), Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women and Child Development. The occasion was graced by Dr. Arpita Saha, Additional Medical Superintendent, G.B. Pant Hospital; Smt. Zarina Bibi, Programme Officer (ICDS), Dr. Shweta (Nodal Officer, Mission Vatsalya), Directorate of Social Welfare; and Shri Sujit Thankachen, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee.
The Chairperson provided an in-depth explanation of the adoption procedures and emphasized the significance of integrating special needs children into family environments. The chief guest deliberated on the legal framework governing adoption, state-specific challenges, the status of special needs children available in the adoption pool, and other pertinent technical aspects.