Adoption in India: Breaking Myths | Meera Marthi | Where Are India's Children

In this deeply insightful and thought-provoking episode of Parenthoot Spotlight, we sit down with Meera Marthi, CEO & Co-founder of Where Are India’s Children (WAIC), an organization dedicated to transforming India’s adoption system and advocating for the rights of children in institutional care.

With warmth, wit, and a wealth of experience, Meera sheds light on the urgent gaps in India's adoption system, the barriers preventing thousands of children from finding families, and the crucial role of technology, policy reform, and grassroots advocacy in solving these issues.

We also discuss WAIC’s Safe Surrender campaign, which seeks to prevent unsafe child abandonment, the societal myths surrounding adoption, and what prospective parents need to know before embarking on this journey. Whether you're considering adoption, working in child welfare, or simply want to be part of the change, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode

🌐 Where Are India’s Children (WAIC) – Learn more about their work and donate: waic.in

📜 Juvenile Justice Act (Section 35) – Read about the Safe Surrender law: https://legislative.gov.in

📌 CARA – Central Adoption Resource Authority – Official website for adoption in India: http://cara.nic.in

📍 Safe Surrender Awareness Campaign – Read and share WAIC’s campaign: https://waic.in/safe-surrender

📖 Books on Adoption & Parenting:

• The Connected Parent – Karyn Purvis & Lisa Qualls
• A Home for Choco – Keiko Kasza (Children’s book on adoption)
• The Primal Wound – Nancy Verrier (On adoptee identity)

👥 NGOs & Adoption Support Networks:

• Families of Joy (familiesofjoy.org) – Adoption advocacy & counseling
• Padme Foundation (padme.in) – Adoption support & counseling

📣 Follow WAIC on Social Media:

• Instagram: @WAIC_family4everychild
• Twitter: @WAIC_campaign
• LinkedIn: Where Are India’s Children

How You Can Help

✅ Donate to WAIC: Even small contributions help keep their programs running. waic.in/donate

✅ Spread Awareness: Share this episode and discuss Safe Surrender & Adoption with your community.

✅ Ask Questions When Supporting Shelters: If you donate to a childcare institution, ask:

• How many children here are eligible for adoption?
• Are they being processed for adoption?
• Why or why not?

✅ Volunteer: WAIC is always looking for people to help with advocacy and awareness programs.

✅ Consider Adoption: If you've ever thought about adopting,