Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA): Objectives, Role, Functions, Significance & Challenges

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the apex body in India that regulates and monitors the adoption process to ensure it is transparent, ethical, and child-centric. Recently, CARA issued nationwide directives to strengthen adoption procedures, secure records, and protect the identity of children—marking an important step toward safeguarding child rights.

What is Central Adoption Resource Authority- CARA ?

CARA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, responsible for regulating adoption in India.

• It gained statutory status under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
• It deals with the adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children
• Headquarters : New Delhi

Objectives of CARA

The primary objectives of CARA are :

• To ensure every child gets a safe and permanent family
• To make the adoption process transparent, ethical, and legally sound
• To protect children’s rights and identity
• To prevent illegal adoption and child trafficking

International Role

CARA is designated as the Central Authority for inter-country adoption in India.

• It functions in accordance with the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993
• India ratified this convention in 2003
• Ensures protection of children’s interests in international adoptions
• Prevents illegal practices and exploitation

Major Functions of CARA

(A) Promotion of Domestic Adoption

• Encourages adoption within India
• Coordinates with state agencies to simplify procedures

(B) Inter-State Adoption

• Facilitates adoption across different states within India

(C) Regulation of Inter-country Adoption

• Regulates adoption by foreign prospective parents
• Ensures child safety and legal compliance

(D) Policy Formulation

• Issues rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Updates guidelines as per emerging needs

(E) Role under Hague Convention

• Ensures international cooperation
• Protects children involved in cross-border adoption

(F) Monitoring and Regulation

CARA supervises and regulates the following bodies :

• SARA – State Adoption Resource Agency
• SAA – Specialized Adoption Agency
• AFAA – Authorized Foreign Adoption Agency
• CWC – Child Welfare Committee
• DCPU – District Child Protection Unit

Recent Developments

Key highlights of recent CARA directives :

• Strengthening security of adoption records
• Ensuring confidentiality of children's identity
• Improving digital record systems
• Enhancing transparency and accountability
• Implementing standardized guidelines nationwide

Significance

CARA plays a crucial role in India’s child protection system :

• Promotes family-based care over institutional care
• Reduces dependency on orphanages
• Ensures legal and transparent adoption processes
• Safeguards child rights
• Enhances India’s global credibility in adoption practices

Challenges

Despite progress, several challenges remain :

• Delays in adoption procedures
• Lack of awareness among prospective parents
• Low adoption rates of special needs children
• Coordination issues among various agencies