In a heartwarming initiative focused on providing secure and loving environments for children in need, the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) conduct training on adoption and foster care in Kohima, a two-day orientation program operating under the aegis of Mission Vatsalya and the Department of Social Welfare. This crucial training, held on May 14th and 15th, 2025, at Highland Park, aimed to deepen understanding and promote best practices concerning the Adoption Regulations 2022 and Foster Care within the state. The event brought together dignitaries and participants committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing family setting.
Bodeno S. Colo, the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare, graced the occasion as the special guest and fluently articulated the profound significance of adoption. Emphasizing that child adoption transcends mere legal formalities, she highlighted it as a profound act rooted in love and compassion. Colo emphasise the transformative power of adoption, providing children facing adversity with much-needed security, stability, and a wealth of opportunities for a brighter future. Furthermore, she noted the immense joy that welcoming a child through adoption brings to adoptive families, enriching their lives in immeasurable ways.
Colo also shed light on the pivotal role of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), the apex regulatory body operating under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. CARA diligently oversees all adoption processes in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the best interests of the child are paramount. Understanding the framework established by CARA is crucial for all stakeholders involved in facilitating adoptions.
Navigating the Landscape of Adoption in India
The orientation programme provided valuable insights into the different pathways to adoption, clearly distinguishing between in-country adoption and inter-country adoption. In-country adoption caters to Indian citizens residing within India who wish to adopt a child. Conversely, inter-country adoption addresses the needs of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), or foreign nationals seeking to provide a loving home to an Indian child. This distinction is vital for prospective adoptive parents to navigate the appropriate legal channels and procedures.
A key takeaway from the programme was the critical importance of fostering widespread awareness and robust community support to ensure that every child in need finds a loving and permanent home. By educating the public and engaging various stakeholders, SARA aims to cultivate a supportive ecosystem that encourages and facilitates both adoption and foster care. This collective responsibility is essential in addressing the needs of vulnerable children effectively.
Adoption as a Life-Changing Act: Stability and Healing
In her insightful keynote address, Tosheli Zhimomi, the Director of the Social Welfare Department and CEO of SARA, eloquently described adoption as a truly life-changing act, offering children who have faced challenging circumstances the precious gifts of stability and healing. She lauded the remarkable patience, unwavering courage, and unconditional love demonstrated by adoptive parents, acknowledging their profound commitment to building families through choice rather than birth. Zhimomi passionately urged all stakeholders to approach the process of adoption with deep empathy and a child-centric perspective. Her powerful statement, “Families are not just born—they are made through choice, love, and care,” resonated deeply with the audience.
The orientation programme, skillfully chaired by Imkongzenla, the Joint Director of the Social Welfare Department, facilitated engaging discussions centered on various critical aspects of adoption. The generous sponsorship provided by CARA, under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, underscored the national commitment to this vital cause.
SARA: A Beacon of Hope for Children in Nagaland
As the state-level monitoring body operating under the guidance of CARA, the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) conducting training on adoption and foster care in Kohima, plays a pivotal role in actively promoting adoption and diligently working towards securing loving and nurturing homes for children in Nagaland who are in need of family. Through initiatives like this orientation programme, SARA continues to be a beacon of hope, striving to create a brighter future for vulnerable children within the state.
The orientation programme on Adoption Regulations 2022 and Foster Care organized by SARA in Kohima serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing commitment to ensuring the well-being of children in Nagaland. By fostering a deeper understanding of the adoption process, highlighting the crucial role of CARA, and emphasizing the transformative power of love and community support, this initiative paves the way for more children to find their forever families. The dedication of the Department of Social Welfare, SARA, and all stakeholders involved underscores the profound belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive in a safe, stable, and loving home.