“Adoption” means the process through which the adopted child is permanently separated from his biological parents and becomes the legitimate child of his adoptive parents with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that are attached to the relationship. Adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered children in India is governed by a set of guidelines notified by Government of India.

CARA encourages Prospective Adoptive Parents (Indian Nationals residing in India) are advised to register with the recognised adoption agency in their country of residence. Prospective Adoptive Parents residing abroad have to move through CARA enlisted foreign agencies/central authorities. CARA provides facility for online registration and status tracking to the parents.

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. It functions as the nodal body for adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. CARA is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter- country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003. CARA primarily deals with adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its associated /recognised adoption agencies.

All existing child care institutions housing orphan, abandoned and surrendered children are required to register with the State Government and apply for recognition as Special Adoption Agency(SAA) as per provisions of the JJ Act. After being recognised as SAA, such agencies should register under CARINGS to be part of CARA network. CARINGS would facilitate linkages between agencies to ensure early rehabilitation of the child.
Presently there are 72 RIPA's which undertake both In-Coutry as well as Inter-Country Adoptions and 254 SAA's which undertake only In-Country Adoption.