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Protecting Children's Rights: How India Aims to Safeguard Special Needs Kids

The government is doubling down on protecting children's rights, especially for those with special needs. At a major adoption conclave in Visakhapatnam, top officials called for better collaboration between states and agencies. The event highlighted the importance of family-based care over institutional solutions for children with disabilities. Heartfelt stories from adoptive parents showed how transformative this approach can be for everyone involved.

Key Points: Govt Committed to Protecting Rights of Children Says MWCD Secretary

  • Government emphasizes permanent family care for children with special needs
  • States urged to enhance adoption services under Juvenile Justice Act
  • Over 400 participants including policymakers and adoptive families attended
  • Focus on non-institutional rehabilitation for Divyaang children
2 min read

Govt committed to protecting rights of children: Top official

Anil Malik reaffirms government's commitment to child rights and special needs adoption at National Adoption Awareness Conclave 2025 in Visakhapatnam.

"sustained commitment to protecting the rights of children and ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment - Anil Malik"

New Delhi, Nov 28

The government is committed to protecting the rights of children, especially those with special needs, said Anil Malik, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).

He was speaking at the National Adoption Awareness Conclave 2025, organised by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) under MWCD, in Visakhapatnam.

Delivering the keynote address, Malik reiterated the government’s “sustained commitment to protecting the rights of children and ensuring that every child -- especially those with special needs -- grows up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent family environment”.

He called upon “states and agencies to work collaboratively to enhance adoption services in alignment with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations, 2022”.

The event witnessed the participation of more than 400 participants, including policymakers, experts, adoptive families, and key stakeholders from various states and child protection agencies.

Organised as part of National Adoption Awareness Month, observed every November, the Conclave focused on this year’s theme, “Non-Institutionalised Rehabilitation of Children with Special Needs (Divyaang Children).”

The discussions throughout the day reinforced the collective national commitment towards ensuring that children with special needs receive compassionate, permanent, and family-based care.

The experts emphasised state-level support mechanisms and the need for heightened sensitivity and awareness surrounding the adoption of children with special needs.

A key emotional highlight of the Conclave was the experience sharing segment, where adoptive parents of children with special needs narrated their powerful journeys.

Their heartfelt testimonies shed light on the challenges, joys, and transformative power of adoption, and served as inspiring examples for prospective adoptive parents across the country.

The National Adoption Awareness Conclave 2025 is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening India’s adoption ecosystem and generating actionable recommendations to ensure that every child -- particularly children with special needs -- finds a family that offers love, stability, and lifelong care.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see focus on Divyaang children. But I hope they're also working on reducing the bureaucratic hurdles in adoption process. The paperwork and waiting periods are still too long for many families.
A
Anjali F
As someone who works with special needs children, I appreciate this focus. However, we need more than just awareness - we need trained professionals, better infrastructure, and post-adoption support systems. The government should allocate proper budgets for this.
S
Sarah B
The experience sharing segment sounds incredibly moving. Hearing real stories from adoptive parents can really break down misconceptions and inspire more people to consider adoption. More such platforms are needed across India! ❤️
V
Vikram M
Finally some concrete action! The Juvenile Justice Act was a good step, but implementation has been patchy. Hope this conclave leads to real changes on the ground. Every Indian child deserves a family - yeh toh basic right hai.
M
Michael C
Great to see India taking progressive steps in child welfare. The focus on non-institutional care is particularly important for children with special needs who thrive better in family environments. Hope other countries learn from this approach.

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