More Than 43,000 Children Received Families in 11 Years

By BK Singh

For dozens of Children who once lived without the comfort of a family, life has taken a remarkable turn.

Over the past year, 42 children residing at the State Child Care Home in Khuldabad, Prayagraj, have been adopted by families in India and overseas, giving them not only a home but also a renewed sense of belonging and hope for the future.

Among the adoptive parents are couples from countries such as the United States, Italy, and Canada, along with families from several Indian cities.

For these children, adoption has meant much more than a change of address. It has provided them with a family, a new identity, emotional security, and the chance to dream beyond the walls of an orphanage.

The adoptions were completed between March 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

During this period, families from both India and abroad came forward to adopt children from the institution.

Officials say the initiative has transformed the lives of many children who had previously faced uncertain futures.

According to figures released by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), a total of 43,135 children across India found families through adoption between 2015-16 and 2025-26.

Of these:

• Families within India adopted 37,703 children.
• Foreign families adopted 5,432 children.

In the financial year 2025-26 alone, 4,603 children were adopted domestically, while 419 children were placed with international families. Officials noted that this is one of the highest adoption figures recorded in recent years.

Children Found Abandoned Now Have a New Beginning

Officials said that many of the children adopted from the Prayagraj institution had difficult beginnings.

Some were abandoned shortly after birth simply because they were girls. Others were left behind due to severe illnesses or family hardships.

Several children were found abandoned in different locations and later brought to the child care home by the police or child welfare authorities.

Today, many of those same children have become part of caring families in major cities such as Delhi, Noida, and Lucknow, as well as households overseas.

Adoption Process Conducted Under Strict Legal Guidelines

Authorities emphasised that every adoption was carried out in accordance with the guidelines laid down by CARA. The process is designed to safeguard the interests of children and ensure that they are placed in secure and nurturing homes.

Before a child is handed over to adoptive parents, extensive verification is conducted.

This includes scrutiny of documents, assessment of the prospective parents’ social and financial background, counselling sessions, and evaluation of their ability to care for and raise a child.

Only after all legal requirements are fulfilled and the necessary approvals are obtained from the competent authorities and courts are children entrusted to their new families.

District Probation Officer Sarvjeet Singh said that during the last year, 42 children were adopted by couples, including families from the United States, Italy, Canada, and other countries.

He stressed that every placement was made only after completion of all mandatory legal procedures, investigations, and court approvals.

Case Study 1: American Couple Adopts Child Through CARA

In one case, a couple from the United States had registered on the CARA portal well in advance and completed all required formalities, including registration, home-study reports, and other procedural requirements.

After the process was completed, a child from the State Child Care Home was entrusted to the family.

The infant had reportedly been found near a railway station in 2025 before being brought under the protection of child welfare authorities.

Case Study 2: Italian Couple Welcomes Child Into Their Family

In another instance, a couple from Italy applied for adoption through CARA. During the process, all their documents were carefully verified, counselling sessions were conducted, and the required approvals were obtained.

Following the successful completion of these formalities, they were granted permission to adopt a child from the Prayagraj institution.

The child had earlier been found abandoned near a bus stand and was subsequently brought to the shelter home.

A New Chapter for Children Once Without Families

The adoption of 42 children over the past year represents more than a statistical achievement.

It reflects a journey from uncertainty to stability, from abandonment to acceptance, and from institutional care to family life.

For these children, the opportunity to grow up in loving homes—whether in India or abroad—opens the door to education, emotional support, and a future filled with possibilities.

Their stories stand as a reminder that adoption can change lives, offering children not just shelter, but a true sense of belonging.