CARA Reviews Adoption Regulations, 2022
Social Justice / Governance · Friday, 21 August 2026
The Central Adoption Resource Authority is reviewing the Adoption Regulations, 2022 to remove procedural bottlenecks and improve adoption outcomes for children with special needs, including treatable conditions. CARA is India’s statutory apex body for the adoption of orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children.
Quick highlights
- CARA functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- It received statutory status under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
- CARA is India’s central authority for inter-country adoption under the 1993 Hague Convention.
- It regulates domestic, inter-state and inter-country adoptions.
- The CARINGS portal provides centralized digital management and queue tracking.
- The ongoing review focuses on procedural delays and adoption of children with special needs.
Context
CARA is reviewing the Adoption Regulations, 2022 to address administrative bottlenecks and improve placement opportunities for children with special needs, including children whose medical conditions are treatable.
Key Facts
CARA was established in 1990 as an autonomous body and later received statutory recognition under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as amended in 2021. India ratified the 1993 Hague Convention on inter-country adoption in 2003.
Significance
CARA seeks to ensure transparent, ethical and child-centric adoption while preventing trafficking. It coordinates with SARAs, SAAs, CWCs, authorized foreign agencies and diplomatic missions, with priority given to adoption by Indian resident families.
Challenges / Way Forward
Procedural delays, fragmented institutional coordination and limited placement of older or special-needs children remain concerns. Updating regulations, strengthening agencies, improving CARINGS and supporting pre-adoption foster care can make the system more responsive.
Exam Angle
Revise CARA’s statutory basis, parent ministry, Hague Convention role, categories of children eligible for adoption, institutional coordination and the CARINGS digital platform.
Remember this
- CARA was originally established in 1990.
- It functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Its statutory basis is Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
- India ratified the Hague Adoption Convention in 2003.
- CARA regulates both domestic and inter-country adoption.
- CARINGS stands for Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System.
- CARINGS is integrated with Mission Vatsalya.
- CARA deals with orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children.
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