A two-day orientation programme on Adoption Regulations 2022 and Foster Care organised by State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) under Mission Vatsalya, department of Social Welfare, commenced on May 14 at Highland Park, Kohima.
Delivering the special guest address, Bodeno S. Colo, secretary of the Department of Social Welfare, emphasized that adoption was more than a legal process—it is an act of love and compassion. She informed that adoption provides children in need with security and opportunities, while also bringing joy to adoptive families.
Colo highlighted the role of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), the regulatory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which oversees adoptions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
She explained the two types of adoption: in-country adoption (for Indian citizens adopting within India) and inter-country adoption (for NRIs, OCIs, or foreign nationals adopting Indian children)
She stressed the importance of awareness and community support in ensuring every child finds a loving home. In her keynote address, Tosheli Zhimomi, director of the Social Welfare Department and CEO of SARA, described adoption as a life-changing act that offers children stability and healing. She praised adoptive parents for their patience, courage, and unconditional love, and urged stakeholders to approach adoption with empathy.
“Families are not just born—they are made through choice, love, and care,” she remarked.
The event, chaired by Imkongzenla, joint director of the Social Welfare Department, featured discussions on adoption-related topics. The program was sponsored by CARA, Ministry of Women and Child Development.
SARA, as the state-level monitoring body under CARA, continues to promote adoption and work towards securing loving homes for children in need.