Recently, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) rang in its 5th annual day. In celebration of this milestone, CARA has coordinated and implemented various training initiatives and workshops, targeting national and state levels. These education programs encompass all stakeholders vested in the adoption process.
CARA’s commitment extends beyond these educational activities, as demonstrated by its numerous advocacy programs. By leveraging various mediums, the organization has been successful in raising awareness about adoption and sensitizing the general public to this significant issue. One of the core focus areas of CARA’s mission is emphasizing the rehabilitation of older and special needs children in various Child Care Institutions across the country.
A Closer Look at the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
Established as a statutory body of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, CARA serves as a nodal body overseeing the adoption of Indian children. Its mandate includes regulating and monitoring in-country and inter-country adoptions. Additionally, CARA has been appointed as the Central Authority to manage inter-country adoptions, aligning with the provisions of the Hague Conventions on Inter-Country Adoptions ratified by the Government of India in 2003.
The primary area of focus for CARA lies in dealing with the adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children. All such operations take place through its associated or recognized adoption agencies.
Understanding The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
Implemented on the 1st of December 1983, The Hague Convention is a multilateral treaty formulated to ensure the swift return of a child who has been “abducted” from their “habitual residence” country. Applicable for children under the age of 16, this international treaty is significant in maintaining the safety and welfare of children worldwide.
Table: Snapshot of CARA’s Work
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Training and Workshops | CARA has conducted various training programs and workshops at national and state levels for all the stakeholders of the adoption program. |
| Advocacy Programs | CARA has carried out numerous advocacy programs through different mediums, aiming to create awareness and sensitize the general public about adoption. |
| Rehabilitation Focus | The organization emphasizes the rehabilitation of older and special needs children in various Child Care Institutions across the country. |
| Role | CARA acts a nodal body for the adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. |
Summing Up
CARA’s pivotal role in shaping India’s adoption landscape should not be underestimated. The organization juggles several responsibilities, including training initiatives, advocacy programs, and the rehabilitation of older and special needs children. Its proactive approach to child welfare is commendable and essential in protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable children across the nation.
