Child Adoption in India
Latest Update : Enhanced psychosocial support directives to SARAs under Adoption Regulations, 2022.
1. Legal & Institutional Framework
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) |
| Governing Laws | - HAMA, 1956: Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists- JJ Act, 2015 (Amended 2021): Universal secular law |
| Nodal Agency | CARA (Statutory body under MWCD)-Central Adoption Resource Authority |
| International Framework | Hague Convention (1993): Ratified by India (2003) to prevent child trafficking in intercountry adoptions |
| State-Level Bodies | SARAs, DCPUs, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) |
2. Key Directions to SARAs (2025)
Mnemonic: "SARA Supports 4Ps"
- Psychosocial support for PAPs (Prospective Adoptive Parents), adopted children & biological parents
- Panel qualified counsellors at District/State levels
- Proactive intervention by SAAs/DCPUs in crisis situations
- Prevent trauma & ensure post-adoption well-being
3. Role of Key Bodies
| Agency | Function | Level |
|---|---|---|
| CARA | Regulates all adoptions; Central Authority under Hague Convention | National |
| SARA | Implement JJ Act/CARA guidelines; Coordinate counselling & training | State |
| SAA | Facilitate adoptions; Home Study Reports; Match children-PAPs | District |
| DCPU | Identify orphaned/abandoned children; Support SAAs | District |
4. Recent Updates & Relevance
- Adoption Regulations, 2022:
- Simplified procedures; Mandatory counselling stages.
- Strict timelines: Child declared legally free within 2 months.
- JJ Act Amendment (2021): Strengthened CARA’s statutory powers.
- Current Affairs Link: Rising intercountry adoptions (2022-23: 665 children adopted internationally).
Key Concepts & Definitions
- Psychosocial Support: Counseling for trauma, attachment issues, and post-adoption adjustment.
- Hague Convention: Ensures intercountry adoptions prioritize child’s best interests; prevents sale/trafficking.
- Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA): Licensed institutions (e.g., orphanages) processing adoptions.
Current Affairs & Schemes
- Mission Vatsalya (2022): Replaces Child Protection Services Scheme; funds SARAs/DCPUs.
- PM-CARES for Children: Support for COVID-orphaned children (includes adoption facilitation).
- Data Point: 4,000+ adoptions domestically in 2022-23; 65% infants (<2 years).