The Supreme Court has directed the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) to improve and speed up adoption procedures. This follows concerns over long waiting periods despite a high number of parents seeking to adopt and a shortage of legally adoptable children.
Mismatch in Demand and Availability
- For every one child legally available for adoption, there are around 13 prospective parents waiting.
- Most families prefer infants in good health, while older children and those with special needs are often overlooked.
- The delays are not due to complex procedures, but due to low numbers of children declared legally free for adoption.
Why Are Many Children Not in the Adoption Pool?
- Only children in registered adoption agencies are evaluated for adoption.
- Thousands of children live in child care institutions or shelters but are not assessed for adoptability.
- Issues include lack of data, poor coordination, and low awareness among shelter staff and officials.
Why Strict Procedures Should Remain
- Checks and verification steps help prevent child trafficking and improper placements.
- Globally, illegal adoptions have led to serious legal and ethical violations.
- The focus should be child-centric, not demand-driven — ensuring the child’s safety and well-being is the priority.
Challenges in Adopting Older or Special Needs Children
- Many such children are placed through the immediate placement list, but parents often lack preparation or training.
- Without proper support, children may be returned, causing trauma.
- Experts call for mandatory training and counseling for adoptive parents, especially for complex adoptions.
