The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. Its mandate is to find a loving and caring family for every orphan/destitute/surrendered child in the country. The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) was initially set up in 1990 under the aegis of the Ministry of Welfare in pursuance of Cabinet decision dated 9.5.1990. Pursuant to a decision of the Union Cabinet dated 2nd July 1998, the then Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment conferred the autonomous status on CARA with effect from 18.3.1999 by registering it as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It was designated as Central Authority by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on 17.7.2003 for the implementation of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children & Cooperation in respect of Inter-country Adoption (1993). The Ministry of Women & Child Development has of late been mandated to look after the subject matters `Adoption` & `Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2000` pursuant to 16th Feb. 2006 notification of Government of India regarding reallocation of the business.

In-country Adoption of Indian children is governed by In-country Guidelines-2004 while Inter-country Adoption procedure is governed by a set of Guidelines last issued on 14th February 2006. These Guidelines are amended and updated from time to time keeping in mind the welfare of such child. While CARA is engaged in clearing inter-country adoption of Indian children, its principal aim is to promote in-country adoption. In fact, CARA ensures that no Indian child is given for inter-country adoption without him/her having been considered by Indian families residing in India. CARA also provides financial assistance to various NGOs and Government run Homes to promote quality child care to such children and place them in domestic adoption.

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