India Records 4,515 Child Adoptions in FY25, Highest in Over a Decade
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Synopsis
India has recorded a historic total of 4,515 child adoptions in FY 2024-25, the highest in 12 years, according to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, with significant improvements driven by CARA's initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- 4,515 adoptions in FY 2024-25, the highest in 12 years.
- 4,155 were domestic adoptions.
- 8,598 new children were introduced into the adoption pool.
- 245 new adoption agencies established.
- Adoption procedures improved through digital interventions.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) India has achieved a remarkable milestone in child adoptions, with a total of 4,515 adoptions in FY 2024-25, marking the highest figure in the past 12 years, as reported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Out of the total adoptions, 4,155 were domestic, indicating an increasing acceptance of legal adoption throughout the nation.
This surge can be attributed to a robust identification campaign leveraging data from the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), which added 8,598 new children to the adoption pool. CARA is a statutory organization operating under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Furthermore, 245 new adoption agencies have been established in collaboration with state governments to facilitate the adoption process.
The Ministry highlighted various initiatives, including identification cells and widespread training and awareness campaigns that contributed to the advancements in adoption numbers.
“CARA held physical state orientations across 12 states and Union Territories, as well as 45 virtual training sessions focusing on adoption timelines, training for CWC members, foster care, and counseling for children and prospective adoptive parents (PAPs),” stated the Ministry.
Additionally, CARA collaborated with 16 states to organize meetings with adoptive parents from October 2024 to January 2025.
CARA also initiated a thorough child identification exercise, complying with the directives of the Supreme Court.
This initiative classified children into five categories: orphan, abandoned, surrendered, children with no visitation, and children with unsuitable guardians.
“This strategic initiative aimed to integrate more children into the legal adoption framework, ensuring their right to a safe and nurturing home,” the Ministry remarked.
Moreover, CARA introduced innovative measures to improve family-based care alternatives. In 2024, CARA launched foster care and foster adoption modules on the CARINGS portal to facilitate the placement of older children in family-based alternative care.
The agency has employed digital solutions to optimize adoption processes, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Identification-related initiatives, including data cleansing and provisions from the Adoption Regulations, 2022, were integrated into the CARINGS portal. New modules for in-country relative and step-parent adoptions were introduced, reducing the average processing time to 3-4 months, as reported by the Ministry.
