On 7-7-2025, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (‘CARA’) issued a memorandum for “implementation of Counselling Provisions under Adoption Regulation 2022” directing all the State Adoption Resource Agencies (‘SARAs’) for effective implementation of counselling provisions at the pre- adoption, during adoption, and post adoption stages.
CARA 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 directions aim at strengthening the psychological support framework for Prospective Adoptive Parents (‘PAPs’), adopted children, and surrendering biological parents across all the States and Union Territories.
Key Directions given by Central Adoption Resource Authority to State Adoption Resource Agencies:
- Designate or empanel qualified counsellors at the district and state levels, preferably professionals with specialization 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) of the Adoption Regulations, 2022 which says:
“The Home Study Report of the prospective adoptive parents shall be prepared through the social worker of the selected Specialized Adoption Agency or the empaneled social worker of the District Child Protection Unit or the State Adoption Resource Agency who shall also be responsible for providing pre-adoption counselling to the prospective adoptive parents.”.
- Facilitate counselling for older children at the pre- adoption and during adoption stages, in alignment with Regulation 30(4)(c) of the Adoption Regulations, 2022 which talks about the functions of Specialized Adoption Agencies, relating to counselling of older children before and during adoption
- Provide post- adoption counselling in the following scenarios:
- When adoptees initiate a root search- Regulation 30(4)(e);
- In cases of non- adjustment between the adoptee and adoptive family or any indication of potential disruption/ dissolution- Regulations 14(4), 14(6)(b), and 21(6);
- Any other circumstance warranting psychosocial intervention, as determined by Specialized Adoption Agencies or District Child Protection Unit.
- Counsel surrendering biological parents on the implications of their decisions, including the legal finality of surrender after 60 days and the possibility of future root search by the child.
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Maintain detailed records of all counselling sessions and interventions and ensure timely documentation at the Specialized Adoption Agencies or District Child Protection Unit levels.