The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India—in collaboration with the Government of Jharkhand and the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), Jharkhand—organized its fifth regional consultative workshop for the Eastern Region in Ranchi on October 27, 2026. The workshop reaffirmed CARA’s commitment to strengthening family-based care and expanding opportunities to provide children with special needs (children with disabilities) with safe, permanent, and loving families.
This workshop was held as part of the ‘Adoption Awareness Campaign 2025,’ which focuses on the theme: “Promoting Non-Institutional Rehabilitation for Children with Special Needs (Children with Disabilities).” The primary objective was to foster better coordination among stakeholders, identify regional challenges, and devise practical strategies to facilitate the adoption and rehabilitation of children with special needs.
The Eastern Region encompasses Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Given the geographical and administrative diversity of this region, the workshop saw the participation of approximately 175 stakeholders from nearly 115 districts across Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. The event served as a vital platform for dialogue, the exchange of best practices, and the development of a coordinated strategy for inclusive, family-based rehabilitation.
Key attendees at the workshop included Ms. Bhavna Saxena, CEO of CARA; Mr. Umashankar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Women, Child Development and Social Security (DWCD&SS); Ms. Kirti Shree G., State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Ms. Kiran Pasi, Director of Social Welfare, Jharkhand; and Mr. Vijay Kumar Sinha, Director and Member Secretary of the Jharkhand State Child Protection Society (JSCPS), alongside other senior officials. Addressing the workshop, Ms. Bhavna Saxena, CEO of CARA, highlighted the encouraging progress achieved through targeted awareness campaigns and the active participation of stakeholders. Emphasizing the need for sustained and collective efforts, she underscored the importance of removing barriers within the adoption process and strengthening the support available to prospective adoptive parents. She noted that through continuous awareness and a sensitive, child-centric approach, more children with special needs can be placed in permanent families.
Mr. Umashankar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development & Social Security (DWCD&SS), stated that ensuring equal opportunities for family life, care, and a sense of belonging for children with special needs requires consistent, result-oriented action, rather than relying solely on awareness initiatives. He remarked, “Through ongoing collaboration among child protection authorities, healthcare professionals, and adoption agencies, we must translate our commitment into meaningful outcomes for children.”
The workshop saw the participation of officials and representatives from State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAAs), Child Care Institutions (CCIs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), healthcare institutions, and various organizations involved in child protection. This broad-based participation from diverse sectors facilitated a comprehensive discussion on the medical, legal, procedural, and administrative aspects of adoption.
Key challenges—including medical assessments, legal and procedural requirements, financial aspects, grievance redressal, and inter-departmental coordination—were discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on fostering better coordination between healthcare institutions and the child protection system to ensure timely medical evaluations, appropriate care planning, and a smoother adoption process.
Through group discussions, stakeholders had the opportunity to examine sector-specific challenges and develop practical, actionable, and time-bound recommendations. The discussions covered topics such as expanding public awareness and outreach, strengthening institutional capacities, removing procedural hurdles, and providing better support for children with special needs throughout the entire adoption process.
During the workshop, a short documentary film showcasing the successful adoption of children with special needs was also unveiled. Based on a real-life story, this impactful film highlighted the positive influence of family-based care. It conveyed the message that a loving and supportive family can provide children with security, emotional support, dignity, and a lasting sense of belonging.
With this workshop held in Ranchi, CARA has completed the fifth in its series of regional consultation workshops. Previously, such consultations were organized in Rajasthan (for the Northern region), Assam (for the North-Eastern region), Madhya Pradesh (for the Central region), and Maharashtra (for the Western region). These consultations have provided a structured platform to identify region-specific challenges, share effective practices, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders involved in adoption and child protection.
This consultation workshop for the Eastern region…The recommendations derived from these consultations are expected to guide future initiatives aimed at improving the adoption process, strengthening coordination between healthcare and child protection systems, and expanding family-based rehabilitation opportunities for children with special needs across the country.
Through these consultative efforts, CARA remains committed to advancing a child-centric and inclusive approach within the field of adoption. This initiative reinforces the fundamental principle that every child deserves not just care, but the opportunity to live and grow within a family—an environment where they can experience love, respect, a sense of belonging, and the necessary support.