New Delhi, The Central Adoption Resource Authority has issued three office memorandums to all states and Union territories, directing them to ensure strict compliance with adoption procedures, safeguard records of adoptees, and protect children's identity.
The directions were issued to the State Adoption Resource Agencies in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 , and the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
Adoption under the Act aims to secure the right to family for orphan, abandoned and surrendered children, as envisaged under Section 56 of the Act.
The Central Adoption Resource Authority reiterated the mandatory observance of statutory procedures and timelines before declaring a child legally free for adoption.
No orphan or abandoned child can be declared legally free for adoption without the completion of due inquiry, tracing of biological parents, restoration efforts, and other statutory requirements within the prescribed timeframe.
For surrendered children, the mandatory reconsideration period of two months must be strictly followed before the child can be declared legally free for adoption.
The second memorandum issued policy clarification on the safekeeping, maintenance and transfer of records of children and adoptees.
The move comes in view of difficulties faced by adult adoptees seeking information about their origins through the root search process under Regulation 47 of the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
CARA reiterated that the responsibility to preserve and safeguard such records continues irrespective of the operational status of the institution.
The states and Union territories have been asked to ensure that all physical and digital records are securely preserved and transferred to the designated authority or institution.
The third office memorandum directed the states and UTs to ensure strict compliance with Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which prohibits disclosure of the identity of children in conflict with law or those in need of care and protection.
Through these measures, CARA aims to strengthen transparency, accountability and child protection within the adoption ecosystem while safeguarding the rights, dignity and privacy of children and adoptees.
