This short article weaves the personal experience of adoption into an evaluation of the changing national attitudes and policies. Once considered unacceptable by Indian society, adoption is becoming an increasingly common option for Indian families. This shift is poised to benefit thousands of Indian children, moving them from group homes or institutions into family-based care.
Despite these advances, there remain many systematic barriers to the care of vulnerable children in India. Further work is needed to address the role and effects of international adoption, which removes children from their native culture. There is also a need to support disabled children, who are often overlooked by Indian families looking to adopt. Legal reform to protect children from trafficking and abuse continues to be one of the most urgent needs in many parts of India.
©Span (published on behalf of the American Embassy, New Delhi, India)
