Secretary SWD, Bodeno S Colo; Director SWD Tosheli Zhimomi, Director; Kohima Superintendent of Police Teisovise Metha; Upasana Chakma, Senior Professional, CARA WCD and others two-day Nagaland state orientation training on Adoption Regulations 2022 and Foster Care in Kohima on May 14. (Morung Photo)
State orientation training on Adoption Regulations 2022 & Foster Care underway
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 14
Adoption brings together children in need of families with adults willing to open their hearts and homes, Nagaland Social Welfare Department (SWD) Secretary Bodeno S Colo stated today.
“For many children around the world, adoption is a path to safety, stability, and opportunity,” she added, addressing the inaugural programme of a two-day Nagaland state orientation training on Adoption Regulations 2022 and Foster Care at Highland Park, Kohima.
The training is being held under the aegis of the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), Mission Vatsalya, SWD Nagaland, and is sponsored by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Union Ministry of Women & Child Development (WCD).
“Whether due to poverty, abandonment, or tragedy, millions of children live without permanent families,” the Secretary said, adding that adoption offers them the chance to grow in a loving environment, to receive guidance, and to have someone who believes in them unconditionally.
Adoption, she said, can also transform the lives of adoptive parents. “Many families find joy and fulfilment in giving a child a second chance. But adoption isn't always easy — it comes with emotional, legal, and social challenges,” she added.
In India, adoption is governed by a legal framework designed to safeguard the child’s well-being and ensure transparency in the process.
CARA, under the WCD, is the nodal agency responsible for regulating and monitoring adoptions in the country, functioning under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Bodeno explained that CARA oversees two categories of adoption: in-country adoption, where Indian citizens adopt children within India, and inter-country adoption, where NRIs, OCIs, or foreign nationals adopt Indian children.
CARA ensures that children are legally free for adoption and maintains a centralised database of children and prospective adoptive parents. It also mandates a Home Study Report (HSR) to assess the readiness of adopting families.
“Adoption is not just a legal act; it is a social commitment to raise a child with love, care, and dignity,” Bodeno said, calling for greater awareness and support.
“Let us celebrate adoption not as a last resort, but as a valid and beautiful way to form a family. Every child deserves a home, and every home has the potential to be a place of healing and love.”
‘Millions of children need safe, nurturing homes’
Tosheli Zhimomi, Director, SWD, and CEO & Member Secretary of SARA, said adoption is an act of love and compassion.
“It transforms lives and changes the destinies of both children and families who welcome them with open arms,” she said. “It provides healing and stability for children who have lost their families through tragedy, poverty, or conflict.”
She emphasised that for adoptive parents, the journey involves patience, courage, and the willingness to embrace someone new. “Adoption reminds us that families are not just born — they are also made through choice,” Zhimomi said.
There are millions of children in India in need of safe and nurturing homes, and the Government of India has been working to include them under its protective safety net, she added.
‘Ensure every child gets a loving, stable home’
Zhimomi commended those actively involved in the adoption process and urged all stakeholders to step up efforts “so that every child gets a loving and stable home.”
She called for empathy in every aspect of the work and reaffirmed that adoption is more than a legal process — it is a commitment of love.
“Adoption is a reminder that every child deserves a place to call home. Every family is special, unique, and valid,” she added.
Upasana Chakma, Senior Professional at CARA, presented an overview of the 2022 Act and dwelt on the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including the district administration, CMO, police, SARA, Child Welfare Committee, SSA, and DCPU.
An open house discussion and deliberation on the way forward was led by Renchumi Imti, Programme Manager, SARA.
The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Imkongzenla, Joint Director, Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland.
Kekuolhuno Nakhro, Programme Officer, SARA, and Petekhrienuo Rame, Protection Officer (NIC), Longleng, moderated the first and second sessions, respectively.
Kohima Superintendent of Police Teisovise Metha and several other dignitaries were present at the inaugural function. The event witnessed participation from District Child Protection Officers, Protection Officers (NIC), Legal-cum-Probation Officers, and members of Child Welfare Committees.
