Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, regulating and monitoring adoption of Indian children.

Table of Contents

Context: CARA has directed State Adoption Agencies to intensify structured counselling at all stages of adoption to ensure emotional preparedness and well-being, as per the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations, 2022.

About Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
Initially established in 1990 as an autonomous body, it became a statutory body under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
It acts as the nodal agency for the adoption of Indian children, both within the country and internationally.
CARA handles adoptions of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children through recognised adoption agencies.
It is also the Central Authority for inter-country adoptions under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption (1993), which India ratified in 2003.
In India, legal adoption can occur under:
- Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956
- Guardians and Wards Act, 1890
- Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 (and amended in 2015).
JJ Act 2015 mandates registration of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and linking them with CARA.

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)

Functions of CARA

Monitor and regulate the entire in-country adoption process.
Process adoption applications from:
- NRIs, OCIs, and foreigners living abroad through authorised agencies or Indian diplomatic missions.
- Foreigners or OCIs residing in India for over a year.
Issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for all inter-country adoption cases.
Issue Conformity Certificate under Article 23 of the Hague Convention for inter-country adoptions.
Inform immigration authorities (India and the receiving country) about inter-country adoptions.
Monitor and regulate State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs).
Conduct training, workshops, and awareness programmes to build the capacity of stakeholders involved in adoption.
Maintain a centralised database through the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS).