Description

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) recently clarified that digitally signed adoption orders sent via email are fully legally valid under current laws. Adoptive parents do not require physical copies, reaffirming the push towards paperless, efficient adoption processes in India.

Introduction To CARA

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the apex statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. It serves as the central regulatory and monitoring authority responsible for the adoption of Indian children, both within the country and abroad.

• Established: 1990 as an autonomous body

• Statutory Status: Granted in 2015 under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act 2015)

• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Women & Child Development

• Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Core Mandates And Responsibilities

CARA ensures transparency, ethical practices, and legal compliance in all adoptions through regulated adoption agencies. It primarily facilitates the adoption of orphaned, abandoned, or surrendered children through authorised channels.

Oversee In-Country and Inter-Country Adoptions

• Acts as the nodal agency for domestic adoption.

• Serves as the Central Authority for inter-country adoption under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, 1993 (ratified by India in 2003).

Monitor and Authorize Adoption Agencies

• Coordinates with: State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs), Authorised Foreign Adoption Agencies (AFAAs), Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)

Maintain Central Databases

• Manages the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS), which includes: Children legally free for adoption, Prospective adoptive parents (PAPs), Finalised adoptions and placements

Adoption Laws In India

CARA operates under multiple legal frameworks to regulate adoptions in the country:

• Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956

• Guardians and Wards Act (GWA), 1890

• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015

Functions Of CARA: A Comprehensive List

Regulatory and Operational Roles

• Set uniform procedures and standards for adoption.

• Issue No Objection Certificates (NOC) for inter-country adoptions.

• Issue Conformity Certificates under Article 23 of the Hague Convention.

• Notify immigration authorities about inter-country adoptions.

Support and Coordination

• Guide and support SARAs, SAAs, CWCs, and DCPUs.

• Conduct training, workshops, and awareness campaigns.

• Provide technical and legal assistance to stakeholders.

Capacity Building

• Help establish counselling centres at national, state, and district levels.

• Organise exposure visits, seminars, and consultative meetings.

International Collaboration

• Sign bilateral agreements with foreign Central Authorities as per the Hague Convention.

• Authorize foreign agencies to sponsor Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and foreign nationals for adoption.

Digital Transformation In Adoption

CARA's move to digital adoption orders enhances transparency, cuts delays, and aligns with the government's Digital India initiative. These orders are:

• Digitally signed and certified

• Sent via email to adoptive parents

• Legally enforceable, as per the JJ Act 2015

Significance Of CARA In Child Welfare

CARA plays a pivotal role in ensuring the right to family for every child. By bridging the gap between child care institutions and adoptive families, it supports a structured and secure adoption system rooted in child rights, ethics, and accountability.

Conclusion

CARA’s ongoing reforms, including the acceptance of digital adoption documentation, signify a move towards more inclusive, efficient, and secure adoption systems. Its coordinated efforts across government and international platforms ensure that every child in need finds a loving, legal, and permanent home.

Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.

For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section

For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Visit Notopedia's College Entrance Exams Section