Why in news?
In July 2025, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) issued guidelines making counselling mandatory for adoptive parents, adopted children and biological parents at different stages of the adoption process.
Guideline features
- Pre‑adoption counselling: Prospective parents must undergo sessions with qualified counsellors to explore their motivations, expectations and understanding of adoption laws.
- Counselling during adoption: Families receive support while navigating court procedures, meeting the child and adjusting to new roles. Children are briefed in age‑appropriate language about adoption.
- Post‑adoption support: Counselling continues after placement, addressing bonding issues, trauma, identity questions and root searches when children seek to know their biological origins.
- Counselling for biological parents: Mothers and families giving children for adoption are offered guidance to understand the process, their rights and emotional impacts.
Rationale
The guidelines aim to reduce disruptions and protect the child’s best interests. They respond to high return rates and ensure that adoption is treated as a service rather than a transaction.
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