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The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), has issued comprehensive directions to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs).
- Aim - To strengthen and institutionalize structured counselling services throughout the adoption process.
- Stages of the adoption process
- Pre-adoption,
- During adoption,
- Post-adoption stages.
- Nodal Ministry - The Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Directions issued under - Section 70(1)(a) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021).
- These are aligned with the provisions laid down under the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
- This initiative aims to reinforce the psychosocial support framework for all key stakeholders.
- Key Stakeholders - Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs), adopted children, and biological parents who surrender their child for adoption.
- Professionals’ Qualification - Designate or empanel qualified counsellors at the district and state levels.
- They should have a background knowledge in child psychology, mental health, or social work.
- Mandatory Provisions - Pre-adoption counselling - It has been made mandatory to provide pre-adoption counselling to prospective adoptive parents during the Home Study Report (HSR) process.
- Additionally, older children must receive counselling support both before and during the adoption process.
- Post-adoption counselling - To be provided in specific situations, such as
- When an adopted child initiates a root search to trace their origins,
- In cases of non-adjustment between the child and adoptive family, or
- In any situation indicating potential disruption or dissolution of the adoption.
- These are covered under Regulations 30(4)(e), 14(4), 14(6)(b), and 21(6) of the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
- The directions also include provisions for psychosocial intervention in any other circumstances as assessed by the Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) or District Child Protection Units (DCPUs).
- Moreover, counselling for biological parents surrendering their children for adoption has been mandated.
- They must be informed about the legal finality of their decision after 60 days and the child's right to undertake a root search in the future, in accordance with Regulations 7(11) and 30(2)(c).
- Significance - The Central Adoption Resource Authority remains committed to building a robust, child-friendly, and emotionally supportive adoption ecosystem in India.
- Through these measures, CARA aims to safeguard the rights of children and ensure that every adoption is a step towards creating a secure and loving family environment.
Reference
PIB| strengthening all stages of counselling service
