Did the Centre Launch a Campaign for Adoption Awareness for Children with Special Needs?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Government initiative promoting adoption awareness.
- Focus on children with special needs.
- Activities include competitions and storytelling.
- Engagement from multiple states across India.
- Success stories highlight the importance of adoption.
New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) The Union government has initiated a month-long campaign to raise awareness about adoption, particularly focusing on the rehabilitation of children with special needs. Each year, November is recognized as adoption awareness month. However, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has kicked off various offline and online social media initiatives leading up to the official launch in November, as noted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The theme for this year emphasizes the non-institutionalized rehabilitation of children with special needs, also referred to as divyaang children.
According to the Ministry, “This nationwide campaign is aimed at fostering the adoption of children with special needs, dispelling myths and misconceptions associated with adoption, and celebrating the joy and transformative impact that adoption can have on children and families.”
The adoption awareness month seeks to shed light on critical issues regarding adoption, enhancing public understanding and involvement.
A special logo and a unique hashtag “#EveryChildMatters” have been created to honor families and celebrate children who have been adopted, as well as those who are still waiting for loving homes.
The national online initiative by CARA, in partnership with MyGov India, features activities such as poster-making competitions, pledge-taking events, mascot designs, sharing of adoption stories from parents and adoptees, and submissions of ideas and suggestions to improve adoption processes.
States including Ladakh, Assam, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andaman Nicobar Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and others are anticipated to host awareness events.
Offline activities will encompass interactive sessions with prospective and adoptive parents, adoptees, and stakeholders; cultural events, competitions, and Q&A sessions to share experiences; and community campaigns aimed at dispelling myths and promoting positive perceptions about adoption.
In FY25, a total of 313 children with special needs were successfully adopted, comprising 83 domestic adoptions and 230 inter-country adoptions. Each adoption exemplifies the dedication of families and society to providing love, care, and dignity to every child,” the Ministry stated.