French woman adopts kid with special needs
2018, 11:18 IST
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Nathalie Deffond with Chaitanya, whom she she adopted from the Child Welfare Council in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
Nathalie Deffond with Chaitanya, whom she she adopted from the Child Welfare Council in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As times change, more and more people are ready to adopt kids. In fact, the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare (KSCCW) is witnessing two adoptions per week. However, people usually ignore children with special needs. But it was different in the case of French national Nathalie Deffond.
It was a happy day for Deffond, a 47-year-old teacher and environmentalist, when she took over the role of mother of Chaitanya, an inmate of KSCCW. Just a month ahead of her 6th birthday, Chaitanya has found mother in Deffond.
The KSCCW authorities has specially mentioned in her adoption details that Chaitanya is a thalassemia patient, a blood disorder which require transfusion every year. The disease was not a deterrent for Deffond, who already adopted a 7-year-old Elias Arya from Kolkata in 2012 who has similar medical condition. "Now I know how to take care of these kids. Also when they grow up, the brother and sister can take care of each other," said Deffond when asked what made her chose a girl with such a medical condition. Elias Arya too arrived with her mother to receive the new member of their family. The name of Chaitanya has been changed to Lila Chaitanya Violette.
"I am so happy. I was looking forward to have a little daughter. I hope all children get adopted," she told media persons at KSCCW on Wednesday.
When asked why she chose India for adoption, Deffond said that India is more open for adoption for single parents. The family will return to France on February 22.
KSCCW general secretary Deepak S P said that the council received the 6-month-old girl from Palakkad in May 29, 2012, who was later named Chaitanya. "She had a hard life due to thalassemia. But she is very active and is loved by staff and members of the council. The efforts of Deffond could be seen as a model for society," he said.
Deepak said that four children from the council will be adopted by foreign nationals this month. "Procedures for adoption of Siddharath and Divyendu respectively by French and Italian nationals and Chand and Honey by Americans will be completed this month itself.," he said.
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