NationalTuesday, 17 March 2026·https://testbook.com/current-affairs/17-march-2026-daily-current-affairs
CARA issues directions on adoption records, surrender period and child privacy
CARA issued three office memorandums in March 2026 to strengthen adoption procedures under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In March 2026, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) issued three office memorandums to State Adoption Resource Agencies to tighten adoption procedures under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Key specifics
- CARA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- No orphan or abandoned child can be declared legally free for adoption without a full inquiry and tracing of biological parents.
- A mandatory two-month reconsideration period applies to surrendered children under the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
- Section 99 of the Juvenile Justice Act is cited for confidentiality of records, and Section 74 prohibits disclosure of identity.
- The directions say physical and digital records must be preserved and transferred even if an SAA or CCI is closed or merged.
Exam lens
Question type: polity and social justice, adoption law, JJ Act sections 74 and 99, CARA role; TNPSC may ask which body issues adoption directions and what the two-month reconsideration period means.