Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
Prelims:
Welfare schemes,
Social Sector
Mains:
GS Paper II:
Welfare schemes and mechanisms for vulnerable sections; issues relating to
children
Current relevance:
The
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has launched the Adoption
Awareness 2026 theme — “Legal Adoption. Safe Childhood. Secure Future.
Say No to Illegal Adoption!”
Highlights:
1.
Central Adoption
Resource Authority (CARA):
i.
The
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) functions under the Ministry
of Women and Child Development, Government of India, and promotes a legal,
safe, transparent and child-centric adoption system.
ii.
CARA
seeks to protect the dignity, rights and future of orphaned, abandoned or
surrendered children through legally prescribed adoption procedures.
iii.
Adoption
must be carried out only through legally prescribed channels and designated
authorities or agencies, rather than through private arrangements between
individuals.
iv.
The
adoption framework places the best interest of the child at the centre
of the adoption process.
2.
Adoption Awareness
2026:
i.
CARA
launched Adoption Awareness 2026 with the theme “Legal Adoption. Safe
Childhood. Secure Future. Say No to Illegal Adoption!”
ii.
The
campaign follows a year-round awareness approach, with State/UT-level
Adoption Awareness Workshops being organised from September 2026 onwards,
instead of limiting awareness activities to November.
iii.
The
campaign aims to promote awareness about the statutory adoption process, prevent
illegal adoption practices and strengthen inter-departmental coordination.
iv.
It
also seeks to strengthen capacity at the State, district and community
levels while reinforcing the principle of the best interest of the child.
3.
Strengthening the
Legal Adoption Process:
i.
The
initiative emphasises the timely reporting of children found separated
from their guardians and adherence to lawful procedures for their care and
protection.
ii.
It
promotes lawful surrender procedures and the proper declaration of
eligible children as legally free for adoption.
iii.
Prospective
adoptive parents and other stakeholders are encouraged to strictly follow the prescribed
legal adoption procedure.
iv.
Citizens
are encouraged to report suspected cases of illegal adoption to the competent
authorities.
v.
A
legally regulated adoption system helps protect children from secrecy,
uncertainty and risk.
4.
Multi-Stakeholder
Approach:
i.
The
campaign brings together Women and Child Development Departments, Child
Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units, Specialised Adoption
Agencies, Child Care Institutions, Police, Health Departments, Judiciary and
Legal Services Authorities.
ii.
It
also involves hospitals, nursing homes, medical professionals, ASHA and ANM
workers, civil society organisations, media and digital platforms to
strengthen adoption awareness and child protection.
iii.
CARA
has strengthened coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
and the Ministry of Home Affairs to address illegal adoption practices.
iv.
Such
institutional convergence strengthens coordination across child protection,
healthcare, policing, judicial and community-level mechanisms.
5.
Towards a
Child-Centric Adoption Ecosystem:
i.
The
initiative promotes a legal and transparent adoption process that protects
child rights and facilitates a safe and secure family environment.
ii.
Sustained
awareness, institutional coordination and adherence to legally prescribed
procedures are essential for protecting every child’s dignity, identity,
rights, safety and future.
Source: PIB- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2305520®=48&lang=1