Role of CARA and Legal Framework
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the statutory body regulating in-country and inter-country adoptions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
The system functions to ensure the best interests of orphan, abandoned, and surrendered children through a transparent, centralized registry.
- Governing statute: Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and Adoption Regulations
- Central portal: Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS)
- Zero middleman policy: Legal adoption can only be facilitated through registered Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAAs)
Eligibility Criteria for Prospective Parents
Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) must be physically, mentally, and emotionally stable, financially capable, and have no life-threatening medical conditions.
Single females are eligible to adopt children of any gender, whereas single males are legally restricted to adopting male children only.
- Marital status: Married couples must have completed at least two years of stable marital relationship
- Age criteria: Composite age limits of prospective parents correspond strictly to the child age category selected
- Financial stability: Verified regular income and suitable home accommodation are assessed during home study
Step-by-Step CARINGS Application Procedure
The adoption procedure begins with online registration and submission of required legal documents on the CARINGS portal.
Following successful document verification, a designated Specialized Adoption Agency conducts a mandatory Home Study Report (HSR) valid for three years.
- Online registration: Upload identity, address proofs, income records, and medical fitness certificates on cara.wcd.gov.in
- Home Study Report: Social worker visits family residence to assess domestic readiness and environment
- Child referral and adoption order: Match referral received online, followed by formal custody petition before District Magistrate
Official source
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Common questions
What is the official government portal for legal adoption in India?
The only authorized portal for child adoption in India is CARINGS managed by CARA at cara.wcd.gov.in.
Can a single person adopt a child in India?
Yes, single individuals can adopt subject to eligibility criteria. A single woman may adopt a child of any gender, while a single man can only adopt a male child.
Who grants the legal adoption order in India?
Under recent statutory amendments, legal adoption orders are issued by the District Magistrate (DM) of the concerned jurisdiction.
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