Resources
Written by us
Guide · 5 minute read
Ten common myths, the fears behind them, the phrases people use, and the barriers that keep children waiting, each with what we believe.
Read the guideOfficial documents
Published by the Government of India and CARA. We share them here so they are easy to find; always check the official websites below for the latest versions.
The Act that governs children's care, protection and adoption in India.
PDF · 46 pages · 324 KB
Government of India · 2016
The JJ Act, 2015
The full text of the Act as published in the Gazette of India, with the notification that brought it into force on 15 January 2016. It is the main law for children who need care and protection.
Useful for: Anyone working with children in care who needs the law itself.
The original text. Read it together with the 2021 amendment.
PDF · 6 pages · 390 KB
Government of India · 2021
What changed in 2021
The amendments to the JJ Act, 2015, including giving District Magistrates the power to issue adoption orders and a stronger role in overseeing children's services in the district.
Useful for: Institutions, adoption agencies and families following a child's adoption or case.
In force alongside the 2015 Act.
How the Ministry of Women and Child Development puts the law into practice.
PDF · 78 pages · 2.5 MB
Ministry of Women and Child Development · 2022
Child protection services
The government's scheme for child protection: how Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units and children's homes work, and support for sponsorship, foster care and aftercare.
Useful for: Children's homes, district officials and NGOs working with children.
Norms apply from 1 April 2022.
PDF · 28 pages · 7.9 MB
Ministry of Women and Child Development · 2024
Foster care, step by step
Who can foster, how families are assessed and matched, and how foster care can lead to adoption by the same family after two years. Revised in line with the JJ Act (as amended in 2021) and the Model Rules (as amended in 2022).
Useful for: Families thinking about fostering, and the agencies that support them.
Includes the Ministry’s cover letters to the states.
Practical guidance from the Central Adoption Resource Authority.
PDF · 1 page · 125 KB
CARA · 2023
Orphan or abandoned child
CARA's one-page flowchart of the seven steps a Child Welfare Committee follows, from bringing the child before the committee within 24 hours, through the search for their family, to declaring the child legally free for adoption.
Useful for: Children's homes, adoption agencies, caseworkers and families who want to understand the process.
Based on the JJ Act, 2015 (amended 2021), the JJ Model Rules, 2016 (amended 2022) and the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
PDF · 8 pages · 5.4 MB
CARA · 2017
Health status of children
A circular asking adoption agencies to record each child's actual health accurately in their Medical Examination Report, so families can make an informed decision. Includes the MER format and required tests.
Useful for: Adoption agencies, doctors and prospective adoptive parents.
Issued under the Adoption Regulations, 2017, since replaced by the 2022 Regulations. Please check current requirements with CARA.
Helpful links
Where to go for the latest rules and official updates.
All the Acts, rules and amendments that govern children’s care and protection, in one place.
Visit site cara.wcd.gov.inThe Central Adoption Resource Authority: the official home of adoption in India, with guidelines, FAQs and updates.
Visit site carings.wcd.gov.inCARA’s online system where prospective adoptive parents register and follow their application.
Visit site missionvatsalya.wcd.gov.inThe government portal for child protection services, children’s homes and district bodies.
Visit site khoyapaya.gov.inReport or search for a missing or found child. Used in the search for a child’s family.
Visit site ncpcr.gov.inThe National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which oversees children’s rights across India.
Visit siteTell us who you are and what you are looking for, and we will point you to the right guide or document.
Path to Parivaar
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