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CARA Guidelines for Adoption

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Introduction

  • Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
  • Functions under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Adoption Regulations.
  • Regulates in-country and inter-country adoption of orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children.

Objectives of CARA

  • Ensure ethical, transparent and child-centered adoption process.
  • Prevent child trafficking and illegal adoption.
  • Promote rehabilitation of children without parental care.
  • Facilitate timely placement of children into families.
  • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
  • Adoption Regulations, 2022 (latest major framework).
  • Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993.

Children Eligible for Adoption

Categories

  • Orphan:
    • Child without biological/adoptive parents or legal guardian.
  • Abandoned:
    • Deserted child declared legally free after due inquiry.
  • Surrendered:
    • Child relinquished voluntarily by parents/guardian.

Legally Free for Adoption

  • Child Welfare Committee (CWC) declares child legally free for adoption after due procedure.

Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs)

Eligibility Criteria

  • Physically, mentally, emotionally and financially stable.
  • No life-threatening medical illness.
  • Motivated and capable to care for child.

Age Criteria

  • Composite age limits vary with age of child:
    • Up to 4 years child: maximum composite age 90 years.
    • 4–8 years child: maximum 100 years.
    • 8–18 years child: maximum 110 years.
  • Minimum age difference between child and either parent: 25 years.

Marital Status

  • Stable marital relationship of at least 2 years.
  • Single female can adopt child of any gender.
  • Single male cannot adopt a girl child.

Number of Children

  • Preference generally given to families with fewer children.
  • Couples with 3 or more children usually considered only for special needs/hard-to-place children.

Adoption Procedure

Registration

  • PAPs register online through CARINGS portal (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System).

Home Study Report (HSR)

  • Conducted by Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA) or authorized social worker.
  • Evaluates family environment, financial stability and preparedness.
  • Valid for 3 years.

Referral of Child

  • PAPs receive profile and medical examination report of child.
  • Reserved period provided for acceptance.

Acceptance and Pre-adoption Foster Care

  • PAP signs child study report and medical report.
  • Child may be placed in pre-adoption foster care.
  • Petition filed before District Magistrate.
  • Adoption order generally to be issued within stipulated time.

Post-adoption Follow-up

  • Periodic follow-up visits by agency/social worker.
  • Especially important in inter-country adoption.

Special Provisions

Relative Adoption

  • Adoption by relatives permitted as per regulations.

Step-parent Adoption

  • Allowed with consent of biological parent and legal procedures.

Special Needs Children

  • Priority placement and relaxation of certain criteria.

Inter-country Adoption

  • Considered when in-country adoption unavailable.
  • Must comply with Hague Convention safeguards.

Role of Pediatrician in Adoption

Pre-adoption Evaluation

  • Review medical records.
  • Assess growth, nutrition, immunization and developmental status.
  • Screen for congenital disorders, infections and disabilities.

Counseling

  • Counsel adoptive parents regarding:
    • Nutrition and immunization.
    • Developmental monitoring.
    • Emotional and behavioral issues.
    • Attachment disorders and trauma.

Follow-up Care

  • Developmental surveillance.
  • Catch-up immunization.
  • Psychological and behavioral assessment.

Safeguards under CARA

  • Mandatory registration and documentation.
  • Legal scrutiny before adoption order.
  • Tracking through CARINGS portal.
  • Protection of confidentiality.
  • Prevention of sale and trafficking of children.

Challenges

  • Delay in declaring children legally free.
  • Long waiting periods for healthy infants.
  • Limited awareness regarding special needs adoption.
  • Psychosocial adjustment issues.

Conclusion

  • CARA provides a uniform, transparent and legally regulated adoption system in India.
  • Emphasis is on best interests, safety and holistic rehabilitation of the child.
  • Pediatricians play an important role in medical evaluation, counseling and long-term follow-up of adopted children.

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