Who is the nodal body for adoption in India?

The Central Centralon Resource Authority (CARA) is the nodal body for adoption of children in India. It is a statutory body established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. CARA functions to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. It also maintains a database of children and registers prospective parents.

The main objectives of CARA are:

• To promote and facilitate in-country adoptions
• To regulate inter-country adoptions
• To protect the interests of children in adoption
• To provide counseling and support to prospective parents

CARA has a number of functions, including:

• Maintaining a database of children available for adoption
• Registering prospective parents
• Conducting home studies of prospective parents
• Matching children with prospective parents
• Facilitating the adoption process
• Providing counseling and support to prospective parents and children

CARA is a government body, but it works in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and adoption agencies. NGOs and adoption agencies play a vital role in the adoption process, as they provide counseling and support to prospective parents and children, and they also facilitate the adoption process.

The adoption process in India can be complex and time-consuming, but CARA is committed to making the process as smooth and efficient as possible. If you are interested in adopting a child in India, you can contact CARA or an adoption agency for more information.

Here are some of the benefits of adopting a child from India:

• There are many children in India who are waiting for a loving home.
• The adoption process in India is relatively affordable.
• The Indian government provides support to adoptive parents and children.
• There are many resources available to help adoptive parents, such as NGOs and adoption agencies.

If you are considering adoption, I encourage you to learn more about the process and the benefits of adopting a child from India. It can be a life-changing experience for both you and the child.

Here are some of the things you need to know if you are considering adopting a child from India:

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must have been married for at least two years.
• You must be mentally and physically fit.
• You must have a stable income and living arrangements.
• You must undergo a home study and counseling.

The adoption process in India can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The specific timeline will depend on a number of factors, such as the child's age, health, and availability.

If you are interested in adopting a child from India, I recommend that you start by contacting CARA or an adoption agency. They will be able to answer your questions and help you through the adoption process.

Adopting a child is a big decision, but it can also be a very rewarding experience. If you are considering adoption, I encourage you to learn more about it and to explore the possibility of adopting a child from India.

History of CARA

Before the establishment of CARA, the process of adoption in India was governed by the Guardians and Wards Act of 1890. This Act did not provide a specific framework for adoption and lacked a centralized authority to oversee adoption-related matters. As a result, adoption procedures were inconsistent and varied across different regions of the country.

Formation of CARA:

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) was established on August 2, 1990, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its formation was a response to the need for a centralized authority to regulate and streamline the adoption process in India. CARA was created with the primary objective of ensuring the welfare of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children while also facilitating the adoption process for prospective parents.

Evolution and Milestones:

• 1990s: In its early years, CARA focused on developing guidelines and procedures for adoption agencies as well as creating a centralized database of children available for adoption. The organization worked to bring uniformity to adoption practices and prevent the exploitation of children and prospective adoptive parents.

• 2000s: CARA's role expanded as it became responsible for coordinating with adoption agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, to promote the adoption of children. The organization also focused on enhancing transparency and accountability within the adoption process.

• Amendments: Over the years, CARA has undergone several amendments to its guidelines and rules to address the changing needs and challenges in the field of adoption. These amendments were aimed at making the adoption process more child-centric and efficient while safeguarding the rights and interests of all parties involved.

• Hague Adoption Convention: India ratified the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption in 2003. This marked a significant step in aligning India's adoption practices with international standards and ensuring ethical and transparent intercountry adoptions.

• Transfer of Authority: In 2015, CARA was moved from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This transfer aimed to strengthen the focus on child welfare and better align CARA's objectives with the well-being of children.

• Modernization and Technology: In recent years, CARA has embraced technology to enhance its operations. It launched the CARINGS (CARA-Managed Adoption Resource Information Guidance System) portal, which serves as a centralized platform for managing adoption-related information, registrations, and tracking the adoption process.