Source: Times of India
Context: CARA is reviewing the Adoption Regulations, 2022 to address procedural bottlenecks and improve the adoption of special needs children, including those with treatable conditions.
What is CARA?
- The statutory apex body and nodal authority for the adoption of Indian children — specifically orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children.
- Parent ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)
Establishment and Status
- Originally established: 1990, as an autonomous body to oversee and streamline child adoption
- Statutory status: conferred under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as amended in 2021
- International mandate: designated as India’s Central Authority for inter-country adoption under the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, which India ratified in 2003
- Aim: ensure transparent, ethical and child-centric adoptions, prevent trafficking, and secure safe, permanent families for orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children.
