New Delhi, India – India recorded 5,294 child adoptions during the fiscal year 2023-24, marking the highest figure reported in a decade. The data, released by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, indicates a substantial increase from previous years, signaling enhanced efforts in facilitating family placements for children in need of care and protection across the country.

The total number of adoptions for FY 2023-24 includes 4,267 in-country adoptions and 1,027 inter-country adoptions. This represents a notable rise compared to the 4,170 adoptions registered in the preceding fiscal year 2022-23. The consistent upward trend reflects a series of policy interventions and administrative streamlining initiatives undertaken by the government.

A key factor contributing to this increase is the amendment to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which came into effect on September 1, 2022. This legislative change transferred the power to issue adoption orders from civil courts to District Magistrates. The shift was primarily intended to expedite the adoption process, reducing the previously lengthy judicial procedures that often caused delays lasting several months or even years. This amendment has largely succeeded in streamlining the finalization of adoptions, making the legal framework more efficient for prospective adoptive parents and children.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has also emphasized the role of digital platforms, specifically the CARINGS portal, in integrating and managing the adoption ecosystem. This online system allows for transparent tracking of applications, matching children with prospective parents, and monitoring the overall process. Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, acknowledged the increase, stating the government's commitment to ensuring every child finds a loving home.

Supporting details on the current adoption landscape in India include:

  • Waiting Periods: For healthy children below two years of age, the waiting period for prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) remains the longest due to high demand relative to the number of available children.
  • PAPs Registered: Over 30,000 PAPs are currently registered with CARA, indicating a significant number of families willing to adopt.
  • Focus on Diverse Adoptions: Efforts have been intensified to encourage the adoption of children with special needs and older children, thereby expanding the pool of children finding permanent families.
  • CARA's Mandate: As the nodal body for adoptions in India, CARA is responsible for promoting and regulating both in-country and inter-country adoptions.

Despite the positive trend, challenges persist within the adoption system. The number of children legally available for adoption remains significantly lower than the number of registered prospective adoptive parents. This disparity continues to be a focus area for CARA, which is working on further improving the identification and preparation of children for adoption while ensuring all legal safeguards and ethical considerations are in place.

Looking ahead, CARA is expected to continue its initiatives to further simplify the adoption process, increase public awareness regarding adoption, and address the existing demand-supply gap. The overarching goal remains to ensure that more children are integrated into stable family environments, leveraging both legislative support and technological advancements to build upon the gains of the past year.