Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)

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Why in News?

In Financial Year 2024-25, India saw a record 4,515 adoptions, the highest in nearly a decade and of these, 4,155 were domestic, marking a powerful shift in societal attitudes.

• CARA – It acts as the nodal body for adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered Indian children through its associated /recognised adoption agencies.
• Set up – 1990
• Legality – It is a statutory body through Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• It is headed by Member Secretary & CEO
• Nodal ministry – Ministry of Women & Child Development.
• Mission – To ensure no child is left behind.
• Mandate – To monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions through Child Adoption Resource Information & Guidance System (CARINGS).

• Functions – To promote In-country adoptions and to facilitate Inter-state adoptions in coordination with State Agency.
• To regulate Inter-country adoptions.
• To carry out the functions of the Central Authority under the Hague Convention on protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, 1993, ratified by India in 2003.
• To frame regulations on adoption and related matters from time to time as may be necessary.

• Fundamental principle – Preference shall be given to place the child in adoption with Indian citizens with due regard to the principle of placement of the child in their own socio-cultural environment, as far as possible.
• Illegal adoption – It amounts to child trafficking and is a punishable offense under The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021.

References

1. PIB| Successful Stories of Child Adoption

CARA| Central Adoption Resource Authority