Constitution, governance, social justice and institutional analysis
CARA Issues Directions to States for Strengthening Counselling Support
On 18 July 2025, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) issued directives to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) under Section 70(1)(a) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021), and the Adoption Regulations, 2022. The directives focus on enhancing counselling support systems at district and state levels to ensure transparency and psychosocial intervention throughout the adoption process.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification of Directives Issued | 18 July 2025 |
| Policy Implementation Deadline for SARAs | 30 November 2025 |
Key Provisions and Eligibility
The directives issued by CARA mandate the following key provisions to ensure the welfare of biological and adoptive parents, as well as children:
Eligibility Criteria for Counsellors
SARAs are required to designate or empanel qualified counsellors with expertise in one or more of the following fields:
- Child psychology
- Mental health
- Social work
Post-Adoption Counselling
Psychosocial interventions will be offered to adoptive families in situations assessed by Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs).
Counselling for Biological Parents
Biological parents surrendering children for adoption are to be counselled about:
- The legal finality of their decision after 60 days.
- The child’s future right to undertake a root search, as per Regulations 7(11) and 30(2)(c) of the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
Documentation Requirements
All counselling sessions and psychosocial interventions must be fully documented at both the SAA and DCPU levels for transparency and continuity of care.
Adoption Requirements Under CARA
Adoption through CARA is governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, ensuring a legal and regulated process overseen by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The eligibility requirements for adopting parents and children are as follows:
Eligibility for Prospective Adoptive Parents
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Indian citizens, NRIs, OCI cardholders |
| Marital Status | Married couples (minimum 2 years of stable marriage) or single individuals (unmarried/divorced/widowed) |
| Age Difference | Minimum of 25 years between adoptive parent and child |
| Maximum Composite Age Limits | Up to 45 years for children below 4 years Up to 50 years for children aged 4–8 years Up to 55 years for children aged 8–18 years |
| Exceptions | Relative adoptions and adoption by step-parents exempt from age criteria |
| Prohibited Categories | Live-in couples and same-sex couples |
Eligibility for Children
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Legal Free Status | Declared legally free for adoption by a Child Welfare Committee (CWC) |
| Age | Below 18 years |
| Condition | Abandoned, surrendered, or orphaned |
Application Process and Key Highlights
Application Fee
The directives do not specify any application fee for implementing counselling support at SARA levels. Adoption-related fees are subject to adoption procedures under CARA.
How to Apply for Adoption Under CARA
Eligible parents can apply for adoption through CARA by following these steps:
- Visit the official CARA website: https://cara.nic.in.
- Register as a prospective adoptive parent (PAP) by creating an account and completing the required form.
- Submit all necessary documents, including proof of identity, address, and marital status (as applicable).
- Undergo the mandatory home study assessment conducted by an authorised agency.
- Select a child profile from the database of children declared legally free for adoption by CWCs.
- Proceed with the adoption process, including court formalities, to obtain the final adoption order.
Key Highlights
- CARA’s directives aim to strengthen psychosocial support mechanisms for biological and adoptive parents as well as children.
- Documentation of counselling sessions is mandatory to enhance transparency and continuity of care.
- The directives reinforce alignment with the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and Adoption Regulations, 2022.
- Prospective parents must meet specific eligibility criteria under CARA guidelines.
- Strict prohibition of commercial transactions or sale of children under adoption laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main objectives of the directives issued by CARA regarding counselling support?
The CARA directives aim to enhance counselling support systems for biological and adoptive parents, as well as children, throughout the adoption process. This includes ensuring transparency and providing psychosocial interventions at both the district and state levels, specifically addressing the emotional needs of all parties involved in adoption.
What criteria must prospective adoptive parents meet under CARA’s guidelines?
Under CARA’s guidelines, prospective adoptive parents must be Indian citizens, NRIs, or OCI cardholders, and meet specific marital and age criteria. For married couples, they should have been in a stable marriage for at least two years, with age differences stipulating a minimum of 25 years between the adoptive parent and child, alongside maximum age limits based on the child’s age group.
How does CARA ensure transparency and continuity in the adoption process?
CARA ensures transparency and continuity in the adoption process by mandating full documentation of all counselling sessions and psychosocial interventions conducted by Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs). This documentation is crucial for maintaining a clear record of interactions and support provided to both biological and adoptive parents, as well as to children.
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