July 17: The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, has issued comprehensive directions to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) to institutionalize structured counselling services at every stage of the adoption process — pre-adoption, during adoption, and post-adoption.
Issued under Section 70(1)(a) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and aligned with Adoption Regulations, 2022, this move aims to strengthen the psychosocial support system for prospective adoptive parents (PAPs), adopted children, and biological parents surrendering their children. CARA emphasized that counselling is crucial to ensure emotional preparedness, smooth integration, and long-term well-being of all stakeholders.
Under the new directives, SARAs must designate or empanel qualified counsellors at district and state levels, preferably with expertise in child psychology, mental health, or social work. Key provisions include:
✔ Pre-adoption counselling for PAPs during the Home Study Report (HSR) process, as per Regulation 10(7).
✔ Counselling for older children before and during adoption, in line with Regulation 30(4)(c).
✔ Post-adoption counselling in cases of root searches, non-adjustment, or potential disruption, as mandated by Regulations 14(4), 14(6)(b), and 21(6).
Additionally, biological parents surrendering their child must receive counselling on the legal finality of their decision after 60 days and the child’s future right to root search, under Regulations 7(11) and 30(2)(c).
CARA has stressed that all counselling sessions should be systematically documented at Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAAs) and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) for transparency and continuity of care. The memorandum highlights that counselling is not a mere formality, but a critical safeguard to uphold the best interest of the child.
This initiative is expected to reinforce India’s child protection framework, prevent adoption disruptions, and promote healthy emotional adjustment for children entering new families. With these directives, CARA reiterates its commitment to creating a robust, child-friendly adoption ecosystem, ensuring every adoption leads to a secure, loving, and sustainable family environment.
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