What is CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority)? #AdoptUCare

Adoption is a heart-warming act and best when done right. Wanting to adopt a child does not make it a great action, unless done through proper channels. To bring a child into your family, you need to follow legal procedure. And, CARA is the regulating body for taking care of adoption in India.

From the CARA website – “CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) is the nodal body for adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. CARA is a statutory body of Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.CARA is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003.

CARA primarily deals with adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its associated /recognised adoption agencies.”

                                            CARA Logo

In simple words, CARA provides the guidelines for all adoption procedures in India. All the Prospective Adoptive Parents(PAPs) need to register themselves with CARA in order to be eligible for adoption. There is specific criteria for all the PAPs to be eligible to adopt a child. You should never fall into the trap of touts, who offer to help you get a child in exchange of money.

It also has different recognized agencies and authorities, that have been assigned roles to facilitate adoption process as per Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children-2015.

Once, an adoptive parent registers with CARA, they need to fill in forms for background checks. Only after all thorough investigation they are matched with a child. It becomes more important in case of international adoptions.

Religion also plays a vital role in adoption laws in India. Each religion has a specific law/act under which the adoption process is regulated. We will take about various laws/acts covering the adoption in the next post. For more information, please visit the CARA website here or call on the toll free number -1800-11-1311.

Adoption Fact -Married couples must be in a stable relationship for 2 years. Same-sex couples may not adopt.


November is International Adoption Month and I am raising awareness about Child Adoption in India with #BlogchatterProjects. If you know someone who has adopted or is an adoptive parent, then do share their story with us. You can also share the details anonymously with us by mailing at [email protected]. We respect your privacy.

You can read my previous post talking about adoption here. Join us in raising Adoption Awareness by commenting and sharing the post with your friends and family.

Post Author: Dishki

17 thoughts on “What is CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority)? #AdoptUCare

    […] can read my previous post talking about adoption here. Join us in raising Adoption Awareness by commenting and sharing the post with your friends and […]

    sayeridiary

    (26th November 2018 - 17:15)

    I told you that I am looking for such organization for long. I have visited their website and applied online also. I want to adopt a girl child and have shared all my informations with them.

      Dishki

      (26th November 2018 - 21:27)

      Wow Sayeri, I am so glad to hear this and all the best to you. May you soon get to bring your little bundle of joy home. 🙂

    aritrarelivingdreams

    (24th November 2018 - 20:11)

    Many important information indeed. I had no idea about this. A sensitive n beautiful act like adoption must have legal bindings to ensure security of the child.

      Dishki

      (26th November 2018 - 21:26)

      Yes Aritra, CARA gets all backgrounds checks done to ensure the safety of the child.

    missbhukkad

    (24th November 2018 - 12:46)

    That’s a very informative and helpful article. So many things I wasn’t aware of that played a role in adoption.

      Dishki

      (26th November 2018 - 21:24)

      Glad you found the post helpful. 🙂

    Shraddha Bhalla

    (24th November 2018 - 01:36)

    Adoption is such a fantastic option for parents who are unable to conceive. Hopefully the taboo in India will lessen and more people will choose this option

      Dishki

      (26th November 2018 - 21:24)

      Very true, I hope so! 🙂

    uttpalkhot

    (23rd November 2018 - 20:05)

    They have been doing very well. many more NGO;s should come forward and take up various noble causes. Our society needs so much help. Thank you for this lovely post.
    Cheers!!

    UK

      Dishki

      (26th November 2018 - 21:24)

      True that, we need more NGOs but they should all be held responsible and should follow the legal route for adoption.

    Directingdreams

    (23rd November 2018 - 15:50)

    Thanks for the detailed post… Gonna share with my friend who is looking forward to adoption to enjoy parenthood.

      Dishki

      (26th November 2018 - 21:23)

      Great to be of help.

    Neha

    (23rd November 2018 - 12:40)

    This is a great series. I had no idea religion plays an important role in the adoption process. This is really informative and looking forward to future series.

      Dishki

      (23rd November 2018 - 12:54)

      Thanks for dropping by Neha.
      Yes, the religion has an important role in laws of deciding whether you can adopt a child or be a guardian only. Will be posting it soon.

    Richa Mina

    (22nd November 2018 - 18:13)

    That’s a noble way to help someone so special… i hope CARA is able to help many children… great initiative

      Dishki

      (23rd November 2018 - 12:55)

      Thanks Richa.
      In the recent years, CARA has been applauded for their efforts and we still have a long way to go.

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