Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has directed State Adoption Resource Agencies to improve organised counselling before, during, and after adoption

What is it?

Regulatory organization affiliated with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.

Founded in: 1990 and became legally recognized under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015.

Main office: New Delhi.

Mandate: Oversees, governs, and supports both domestic and international adoption of Indian children.

International Function: Main Authority for transnational adoption according to the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption (1993), ratified by India in 2003.

Goals of CARA:

Guarantee ethical, clear, and prompt adoption procedures.

Safeguard the rights of children who are orphaned, abandoned, or surrendered.

Provide psychosocial assistance throughout every stage of adoption.

Functions Principales de CARA:

Regulation & Accreditation: Oversees certified adoption agencies across the country.

Digital Oversight: Oversees the CARINGS portal for clear adoption information.

Policy Execution: Challenges enforcing directives under the JJ Act and Adoption Regulations.

Capacity Development: Educates adoption specialists and assembles certified advisors.

Support Structure: Provides counseling services for biological parents, adoptive parents, and children who are adopted.