CARA issues nationwide directions to strengthen adoption procedures, safeguard records and protect children’s identity
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has issued a series of nationwide directions to strengthen adoption procedures, ensure proper preservation of adoption records and protect the identity of children across the country.
In three separate office memorandums sent to State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) in all states and union territories, the authority – functioning under the Ministry of Women and Child Development – has called for strict compliance with adoption regulations and confidentiality norms.
The directions have been issued in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
In the first memorandum, CARA reiterated that all statutory procedures and timelines must be followed before declaring a child legally free for adoption.
Under the provisions of the law, adoption is intended to secure the right to a family for orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children. CARA clarified that no orphan or abandoned child can be declared legally free for adoption without completing due inquiry, tracing biological parents and undertaking restoration efforts within the prescribed time frame.
For surrendered children, authorities must observe the mandatory two-month reconsideration period for biological parents before the child can be declared legally free for adoption.
In the second memorandum, CARA issued policy clarification regarding the safekeeping, maintenance and transfer of records related to children and adoptees.
The move comes after difficulties faced by adult adoptees seeking information about their origins through the “root search” process under the Adoption Regulations.
CARA noted that in some cases records were unavailable because the concerned Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) or Child Care Institutions (CCIs) had been closed, deregistered or merged.
The authority said the responsibility to preserve records continues regardless of the operational status of the institution. States and Union Territories have been directed to ensure that both physical and digital records are securely preserved and transferred to designated authorities for long-term safekeeping.
CARA emphasised that such records must not be destroyed or discarded except in accordance with legal provisions, noting that confidentiality of child-related records is mandated under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Through the third memorandum, CARA directed states and union territories to ensure strict compliance with Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which prohibits disclosure of the identity of children in conflict with law or children in need of care and protection.
States and union territories (UTs) have been asked to ensure that no photographs, videos or identifying details of children residing in adoption agencies or child care institutions are shared through any medium, including social media.
States have also been advised to take appropriate action in cases of violations and to sensitise officials and staff regarding confidentiality norms and legal consequences.
CARA said the measures are aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and child protection within India’s adoption framework while safeguarding the rights, dignity and privacy of children and adoptees.
The authority has urged all states and union territories to strictly implement the directions to ensure the effective functioning of the adoption system across the country.
