The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), functioning under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has issued comprehensive directions to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) to strengthen and institutionalize structured counselling services throughout the adoption process - from pre-adoption, to during adoption, and post-adoption stages. These directions have been issued under the powers conferred by Section 70(1)(a) of 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. This 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. CARA has emphasized 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. As per the directions, SARAs have been instructed to undertake the following measures to ensure structured and consistent implementation of the counselling-related provisions: Designate or empanel qualified counsellors at the district and state levels, preferably professionals with specializalion in child psychology, social work, or mental health. Ensure delivery of mandatory pre-adoption counselling to prospective adoptive parents as an integral component of the Home Study Report process in accordance with Regulation 10(7). Facilitate counselling for older children at the pre-adoption and during-adoption stages, in alignment with Regulation 30(4)(c). Provide post-adoption counselling, as may be required, in the followlng scenarios: When adoptees initiate a root search (Regulation 30(4)(e)); ln cases of non-adjustment between the adoptee and adoptive family or any indication of potential disruption/dissolution (Regulations 1a(a), 1a(6)(b), and 21(6)); Any other circumstance warranting psychosocial intervention, as determined by the Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) or District Child Protection Units (DCPUs). Any other. Counsel surrendering biological parents on the implications of their decislon, including the leqal finalitv of surrender after 60 davs and the possibility of future root search by the child, in accordance with Regulations 7(11) and 30(2)(c) Maintain detailed records of all counselling sessions and interventions undertaken, and ensure timely documentation at the SAA and DCPU levels All counselling sessions and psychosocial interventions are to be systematically recorded and documented at both the SAA and DCPU levels to ensure transparency and continuity of care. CARA has called on all SARAs to ensure that these directives are implemented consistently across all districts, child care institutions, and relevant departments under their jurisdiction. The Authority has stressed that counselling is not merely a regulatory formality but a vital support mechanism that upholds the best interest of the child and contributes to the overall success and sustainability of adoptions. The Central Adoption Resource Authority remains committed to building a robust, child-friendly, and emotionally supportive adoption ecosystem in India. Through these measures, CARA aims to safeguard the rights of children and ensure that every adoption is a step towards creating a secure and loving family environment. Source : CARA