CARA issues directions for structured counselling services in adoption process to ensure emotional well-being of both the children and the families involved
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The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has issued comprehensive directions to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) to strengthen and institutionalise structured counselling services throughout the adoption process — from pre-adoption, to during adoption, and post-adoption stages.
These directions have been issued via a communication dated July 7 under the powers conferred by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021), and are aligned with the provisions laid down under the Adoption Regulations, 2022, an official statement said here on Thursday.
CARA is a statutory body of the Ministry of Women and Child Development which acts as the nodal agency for the adoption of Indian children, both within the country and internationally.
This latest initiative aims to reinforce the psychosocial support framework for all key stakeholders — prospective adoptive parents (PAPs), adopted children, and biological parents who surrender their child for adoption.
Critical component
CARA has emphasised that counselling is a critical component of the adoption process and is necessary to ensure emotional preparedness, smooth transition, and long-term well-being of both the children and the families involved. The memorandum reiterates the mandatory nature of structured and need-based counselling services, as prescribed under various provisions of the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
The State adoption boards have been instructed to designate or empanel qualified counsellors at the district and State levels.
These professionals should ideally have a background in child psychology, mental health, or social work. It has been made mandatory to provide pre-adoption counselling to prospective adoptive parents during the Home Study Report (HSR) process, in accordance with Regulation 10(7). Additionally, older children must receive counselling support both before and during the adoption process, the statement said.
It said post-adoption counselling is to be provided in specific situations, such as when an adopted child initiates a root search to trace their origins, in cases of non-adjustment between the child and adoptive family, or in any situation indicating potential disruption or dissolution of the adoption.
The directions also include provisions for psychosocial intervention in any other circumstances as assessed by the Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) or District Child Protection Units (DCPUs).
Published – July 18, 2025 03:37 am IST
