India Records Highest Child Adoptions in 12 Years

India witnessed a record 4,515 child adoptions in FY 2024-25, the highest in 12 years, reflecting strengthened adoption mechanisms, digital transparency, and increased awareness initiatives. The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) played a key role in streamlining the adoption process by introducing 8,598 newly identified children into the adoption pool, setting up 245 new adoption agencies, and implementing digital interventions to enhance efficiency. The Ministry of Women and Child Development also spearheaded efforts in foster care and alternate family-based care to provide secure homes for children in need. The Adoption Awareness Campaigns, training sessions, and enhanced legal frameworks further contributed to increasing adoption numbers.

Key Highlights of CARA’s Adoption Achievements

Record-Breaking Adoption Numbers

• 4,515 adoptions in FY 2024-25 (highest since 2015-16).
• 4,155 domestic adoptions, showing increased legal adoption acceptance in India.

Strengthened Adoption Pool and New Agencies

• 8,598 children were newly identified and added to the adoption pool.
• 245 new adoption agencies were established across states in coordination with state governments.

Awareness and Training Initiatives

• Physical state orientations conducted across 12 states/UTs.

45 virtual training sessions covering,

• Adoption timelines
• Training of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members
• Foster care procedures
• Adoption counseling for children and prospective adoptive parents (PAPs)
• Adoption Awareness Campaign (Oct 2024 – Jan 2025) in 16 states, including:
• Meets with adoptive parents.
• Annual Conclave (Nov 2024) attended by 500+ stakeholders, presided by Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur, focusing on foster care and advocacy.

Supreme Court-Directed Child Identification Initiative

Comprehensive exercise categorized children into five groups,

• Orphaned
• Abandoned
• Surrendered
• Children with No Visitation
• Children with Unfit Guardians
• Ensured legal protection and placement in secure homes.

Introduction of Family-Based Alternate Care Initiatives

• Foster Care & Foster Adoption Modules launched on CARINGS portal to place older children in family-based care.

Digital Transformation for Adoption Process Efficiency

Enhancements to the CARINGS portal included,

• Data cleansing for accurate child records.
• Implementation of provisions from Adoption Regulations, 2022.

New modules for

• In-country relative adoptions.
• Step-parent adoptions.
• Reduced processing time to 3-4 months, ensuring faster adoption procedures.

Future Commitment

• CARA aims to further strengthen legal adoption mechanisms and expand foster care programs.
• Continued collaboration with central and state authorities will ensure every child in need finds a safe and nurturing home.