CARA Issues Nationwide Directions to Strengthen Adoption Procedures, Protect Records and Safeguard Children’s Identity

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, has issued three Office Memorandums to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) across States and Union Territories. The directions aim to tighten compliance with adoption procedures, ensure proper preservation of adoptee records, and prevent disclosure of children’s identity. The measures are based on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as amended in 2021, and the Adoption Regulations, 2022.

Focus on Legal Process Before a Child Is Declared Free for Adoption

In the first memorandum, CARA has stressed that all legal procedures and timelines must be strictly followed before any child is declared legally free for adoption. This applies especially to orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children. CARA said that no orphan or abandoned child can be declared legally free unless due inquiry, efforts to trace biological parents, restoration steps and other statutory requirements are completed within the prescribed period. For surrendered children, the mandatory reconsideration period of two months must be fully observed before such a declaration is made. These directions are linked to the legal framework under Section 56(1) of the Juvenile Justice Act, which recognises adoption as a means to secure a family for children in need.

States Told to Preserve Adoptee Records for Future Root Search

Through the second memorandum, CARA has clarified policy on the safekeeping, maintenance and transfer of records of children and adoptees. The move comes after difficulties faced by adult adoptees trying to access information about their origins through the root search process under Regulation 47(2) of the Adoption Regulations, 2022.

CARA noted that in some cases, records become difficult to access because the concerned Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) or Child Care Institution (CCI) has shut down, been de-registered, merged with another institution or had its functions transferred. The authority has now made it clear that the duty to preserve records continues even if the original institution is no longer functioning. States and Union Territories have been asked to ensure that both physical and digital records are securely stored and transferred to the designated authority or institution for long-term preservation. CARA has also said that such records must not be destroyed, discarded or made inaccessible except as allowed under law. The measure is also aligned with Section 99 of the Act, which deals with confidentiality of records relating to children.

Strict Warning Against Disclosure of Children’s Identity

In the third memorandum, CARA directed all States and UTs to strictly enforce Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which prohibits disclosure of the identity of children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection. CARA has asked States and UTs to issue instructions to all concerned institutions and officials so that no photographs, videos or identifying details of children living in SAAs or CCIs are shared in any form, including on social media. The authority also advised States to take appropriate action in case of violations and to sensitise staff and officials about confidentiality norms and penal consequences under Section 74(3) of the Act.

Why the Directions Matter

The latest directions show a stronger push toward a more accountable and child-sensitive adoption system in India. By tightening timelines, preserving records and protecting identity, CARA is trying to strengthen transparency while also safeguarding the dignity, privacy and long-term rights of children and adoptees. The press release was issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on March 16, 2026.

Detailed OMs can be viewed:-

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