Jan 08, 2003 06:33 PM
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(Updated Jan 09, 2003 11:50 PM)
''While no one can deny that heredity is also a crucial factor, it takes considerable egotism to believe that one’s own genes are the most worthwhile set available. Or that it is essential to have a genetic match to love and be good parents.'' - An adoptive mother, taken from 'Bonds of Love: Experiences in Adoption', published by the Indian Association for the Promotion of Adoption (IAPA)
Let me mention at the outset that this review is on NAAF, the association, not their website.* I had requested MS whether they could add an appropriate section on NGOs, but I got a reply that it is not possible at the moment, so here I am, writing about NAAF under the internet section. (MS, if any of you are reading this review, I would also like to write about another NGO I have come across in the course of my work, so it'll be great if you could look into this, thanks!)
- Since I have worked on their website myself, I wouldn't write a review on it, instead I invite others to critique it, and any comments and suggestions are most welcome :) (URL is https://naaf-india.org)
Ok, back to what I am writing about..
The National Association of Adoptive Families or NAAF, is an association started by adoptive parents i.e. parents who have adopted one or more child, irrespective of whether they may or may not have biological children. Just to be clear on the terms, a biological parent is one who has children who are genetically their own, whereas an adoptive parent has adopted a child or children.
NAAF is basically an organisation out to create awareness about adoption, guiding and couselling adoptive parents and also prospective adoptive parents, i.e. parents who are keen on adopting a child, but have no idea of how to go about it. NAAF advises against illegally adopting a child for the welfare of both, parents and child. Illegal adoption includes taking a child directly from the birth parents or from a middleman, even a doctor! This could lead to potential problems in future.
Gaurang Mehta, honorary secretary of NAAF and himself father to two adopted girls, says ''We focus on conducting workshops to simply promote adoption -- with the best will in the world, adoption agencies are too busy placing children in adoptive families to really be able to spend time spreading the idea of adoption.''
So, to reiterate, NAAF does the following towards achieving its various objectives:
Conducting workshops and public seminars, where eminent personalities from the various regulatory bodies, adoption agencies, doctors, other adoptive parents are invited, depending on the topic being discussed. Justice Hosbet Suresh, Dr. Satish Tibrewalla, Dr. Anjali Malpani, Dr. Rani Raote, Mrs. Najma Goriawalla, Mrs. Andal Damodaran are some personalities who have graced the seminars and workshops at various times.
Membership to NAAF is either for 2 years or life-long. There are benefits to adoptive parents, the adopted child and from a social point of view on becoming a member of NAAF. It works as a support group, bringing a sense of belonging to a group sharing a common thread.
Getting people in touch with adoption agencies
An Adoption Helpline caters to dispelling the fears and anxieties that prospective adoptive parents may have while considering adoption. Clearing doubts and queries in the pre-adoption stage as well as after adoption is essential when stepping into this new role. The panel of experts includes psychologists, psychiatrists and paediatricians. Adoptive parents can avail of these services on every working Wednesday and Saturday from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
An Adoption Guidance Book brought out by NAAF gives statistics on adoption in Mumbai and information on laws and procedures to be followed regarding adoption.
Plans to approach doctors all over informing them of what NAAF does so that they in turn could encourage people to seek help and guidance in relation to adoption.
In my viewpoint, simply by spreading the message of adoption, NAAF is doing a great deal of service to society. Even learning to have an open mind towards the concept of adoption is good service.. Remember, a child who might have been homeless might have ended up on the streets, leading to negative repercussions on society. But that child is given a home, education and more important, love and security when he or she is adopted.
