Dignitaries and others during the observance of National adoption awareness month on May 15.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 15
Nagaland observed National adoption awareness month under the theme “Foster Care and Foster Care leading to Adoption” at Highland Park, Kohima on May 15. The programme was held under the aegis of State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), Mission Vatsalya, Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland and sponsored by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women & Child Development.
Talking on Foster Care, Yongchimkumla, secretary, social welfare department, Nagaland, said that every year, thousands of children enter the foster care system due to abuse, neglect, or circumstances that prevent their biological families from safely caring for them.
“They are real children with real hopes, dreams, and fears,” she said.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development have released The Model Foster Care Guidelines 2024, which is an updated version of the existing foster care guidelines, she said adding that these guidelines aim to provide vulnerable children with a nurturing family environment, moving beyond institutional care.
She said that the guidelines emphasize the roles of State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) in implementing and monitoring foster care arrangements.
Regular training programs and orientation sessions are conducted to ensure stakeholders are well-equipped to handle foster care processes, she said.
The Government of India has tailored the guidelines to bring every child in need of care and protection under its protection by making the eligibility flexible and simplifying the procedures.
As implementing agencies of child care, it is up to us now to put it into practice and thereby give opportunity to each and every child who deserves a loving and nurturing home, she said.
Meanwhile, Yongchimkumla urged every stakeholder to forge ahead "because it is not just about having guidelines but it is about enforcing them with compassion, transparency and accountability."
Tosheli Zhimomi, director social welfare said that India is home to millions of children in need of care and protection.
“While adoption for such children can be the ultimate solution, foster care offers an equal solution which provides a more immediate response to those children who are unable to accommodate with their biological parents,” she said.
Zhimomi said that 2024 guidelines broaden the pool of prospective foster parents. Single individuals aged 35 to 60, regardless of marital status (unmarried, widowed, divorced, or legally separated), are now eligible to foster children. Single women can foster and adopt children of any gender. Single men are permitted to foster and adopt male children only. Married couples must have a combined age of 70 to 110 years for fostering children aged 6 to 12, and 70 to 115 years for children aged 12 to 18.
She said that prospective foster parents can now register online through the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS), streamlining the application process.
Each district will establish a Sponsorship & Foster Care Approval Committee (SFCAC), headed by the District Magistrate.
“This committee is responsible for reviewing and sanctioning sponsorships and foster care placements, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the child,” Zhimomi said.
Upasana Chakma, Senior Professional, CARA, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Delhi shared an overview on Foster Care and Foster Care leading to adoption. Today's programme also witnessed screening of short film on adoption. The programme was chaired by Imkongzenla, Joint Director, Social Welfare department, Nagaland while Kekuolhuno Nakhro, Programme Officer SARA moderated the interactive session.
