CARA Guidelines for Adoption

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.

Legal Framework

• 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.

Legal Procedure

• 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.