CARA hosts Regional Consultative Workshop in Guwahati to strengthen rehabilitation of Children with special needs

**Executive Summary** The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, organized a Regional Consultative Workshop in Guwahati on January 30, 2026. The workshop focused on promoting non-institutionalized rehabilitation of children with special needs and developing actionable recommendations on child adoption. The aim was to strengthen adoption and rehabilitation mechanisms. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Workshop Overview:** * The Regional Consultative Workshop was held in Guwahati, Assam on January 30, 2026. * The workshop's focus was on "Promoting Non-Institutionalised Rehabilitation of Children with Special Needs (Divyaang Children)". * 122 stakeholders participated, including representatives from State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), Chief Medical Officers, health professionals, child protection functionaries, and adoption practitioners. * **Workshop Activities:** * The workshop began with an overview of CARA's initiatives to promote family-based care for children with special needs. * A film showcasing successful adoption of children with special needs was screened. * Representatives from each state shared insights on challenges, best practices, and innovative approaches. * Group discussions were held to bring out recommendations on specific subjects. * **Deliberation Subjects:** * Health and medical assessment of children with special needs. * Legal and procedural aspects of adoption. * Financial and administrative challenges. * Grievance redressal and institutional coordination. * **Workshop Outcomes:** * Each group presented actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening identification, certification, counselling, placement, and post-adoption support mechanisms. * Emphasis was placed on enhancing inter-sectoral coordination, building capacities of frontline functionaries and promoting informed decision-making among prospective adoptive parents. * The consultation concluded with a collective resolve to develop a strategic roadmap for promoting domestic adoption of Divyaang children, strengthening non-institutional care mechanisms and intensifying awareness efforts during Adoption Awareness Month. * **CARA's Commitment:** * CARA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child, irrespective of physical or developmental challenges, grows up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent family environment. * Adoption continues to be guided by the principles of child welfare, transparency, and the best interest of the child. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Children with Special Needs** * **Impact:** Better support and improved adoption/rehabilitation mechanisms, leading to more children growing up in a family environment. * **Action Required:** (Indirectly) Benefit from the implementation of the roadmap and improved processes. **Stakeholder: State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)** * **Impact:** Enhanced capacity and inter-sectoral coordination to facilitate adoption and rehabilitation. * **Action Required:** Implement the recommendations and strategies discussed at the workshop to improve processes and support for children with special needs and adoptive parents. **Stakeholder: Chief Medical Officers, Health Professionals, Child Protection Functionaries, Adoption Practitioners** * **Impact:** Increased awareness and training on the needs of children with special needs, leading to better assessments, support, and guidance for adoptive parents. * **Action Required:** Incorporate the discussed best practices and insights into their work to provide better care and support. **Stakeholder: Prospective Adoptive Parents** * **Impact:** Access to more information and support, leading to more informed decision-making. * **Action Required:** Engage with the improved adoption processes and support mechanisms.

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