CARA opens review of adoption rules to tighten framework, boost special needs adoptions
New Delhi: The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has announced a comprehensive review of the adoption regulations notified in 2022, aiming to strengthen the regulatory framework and resolve ambiguities that have emerged in legal, procedural and implementation aspects. The authority issued a public notice on Thursday inviting comments and suggestions from individuals and organisations on provisions that may require amendment, insertion, substitution or omission. The deadline for submitting feedback is September 9.
The 2022 regulations marked a significant shift in India's adoption process, transferring the power to issue adoption orders from district courts to district magistrates. This change was intended to streamline procedures and reduce delays. However, officials say that despite the overhaul, certain areas remain unclear, and these are currently being addressed through office orders and interpretative letters. The review aims to bring clarity by consulting key stakeholders and incorporating their inputs before drafting a formal amendment proposal.
According to sources, one of the primary focus areas of the review is increasing the adoption of children with special needs. The authority is exploring whether a sub-category can be created for children with temporary or treatable conditions, such as cleft lip, to improve their chances of being adopted. This move is expected to make it easier for prospective parents to consider such children, who often face lower adoption rates.
Data from CARA's website shows that out of 5,022 children adopted between April 2025 and March 2026, only 392 were in the special needs category. Of these, a mere 84 were adopted domestically, while the remaining 308 went to inter-country adoptions. The low number of domestic adoptions for special needs children highlights the need for targeted interventions and policy changes.
CARA has said that after the public consultation period, it will hold further discussions with stakeholders to finalise the review before drafting the amendment proposal. This proposal will also be placed in the public domain for transparency before being finalised.
The review is part of the government's broader efforts to make the adoption process more robust, child-centric and accessible. By addressing legal and procedural gaps, the authority aims to ensure that every child, including those with special needs, finds a loving and permanent home.
