CARA organised regional consultation workshop to strengthen rehabilitation of children with disabilities in Guwahati
CARA organised regional consultation workshop to strengthen rehabilitation of children with disabilities in Guwahati
Participants came together to offer practical recommendations on child adoption
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India successfully organized a Regional Consultation Workshop on “Promoting Non-Institutional Rehabilitation of Children with Special Needs (Divyang Children)” today (30th January 2026) in Guwahati, Assam.
The day-long consultation meeting was attended by 122 stakeholders, including State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), Special Adoption Agencies (SAAs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), Chief Medical Officers, health professionals, child protection workers, and adoption workers from various parts of the region. The large participation demonstrated growing institutional commitment to strengthening adoption and rehabilitation mechanisms for children with special needs.
The workshop began with an overview of CARA’s initiatives aimed at promoting family-based care for children with special needs, followed by a film screening showcasing stories of successful adoptions of children with special needs. Later in the program, representatives from each state shared their experiences on current challenges, best practices, and innovative approaches being adopted to facilitate child adoption and non-institutional care.
A group discussion was also held to develop recommendations related to specific topics that had been provided to the delegates in advance. The discussions covered the following topics:
- Health and medical assessment of children with special needs
- Legal and Procedural Aspects of Adoption
- Financial and administrative challenges
- Grievance Redressal and Institutional Coordination
Each group presented implementable recommendations aimed at strengthening identification, certification, counseling, placement, and post-adoption support mechanisms. The workshop deliberated on strategies related to the adoption of children with special needs. Emphasis was placed on enhancing inter-sectoral coordination, building the capacities of frontline workers, and encouraging informed decision-making among prospective adoptive parents.
The consultation meeting concluded with a collective resolve to promote domestic adoption of children with disabilities, strengthen non-institutional care mechanisms and develop a strategic roadmap to intensify awareness efforts during the Adoption Awareness Month.
CARA reiterates its commitment that every child, regardless of their physical or developmental challenges, should grow up in a safe, nurturing and stable family environment and that adoption should be guided by the principles of child welfare, transparency and the best interest of the child.
