Thu Jul 17 22:07:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, tailored for *The Hindu*:

**Summary:**

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), the nodal agency for adoption in India, has issued new directives aimed at strengthening counselling services throughout the adoption process. These directions, issued to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), mandate structured counselling for prospective adoptive parents, adopted children, and biological parents (where applicable) at pre-adoption, during-adoption, and post-adoption stages. The goal is to improve the emotional well-being of all parties and ensure successful, stable adoptions. Qualified counsellors with backgrounds in child psychology, mental health, or social work will be designated at district and state levels. Counselling is mandatory for pre-adoptive parents during home studies, for older children before and during adoption, and for post-adoption support in situations like root searches or adjustment difficulties.

**News Article:**

**CARA Mandates Structured Counselling for Adoption Process Nationwide**

*By The Hindu Bureau*

**New Delhi, July 18, 2025:** In a significant move to prioritise the emotional well-being of all parties involved in adoption, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has issued new guidelines mandating structured counselling services throughout the entire adoption process. The directives, effective immediately, instruct all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) to implement comprehensive counselling programs covering pre-adoption preparation, support during the adoption itself, and ongoing assistance post-adoption.

CARA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aims to reinforce the psychosocial support framework for prospective adoptive parents (PAPs), adopted children, and biological parents who choose to surrender their child for adoption. The move is aligned with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021), and the Adoption Regulations, 2022.

“Counselling is a critical component of the adoption process, and is necessary to ensure emotional preparedness, smooth transition, and long-term well-being of both the children and the families involved,” stated an official release from CARA.

The new guidelines require State adoption boards to designate or empanel qualified counsellors at both district and State levels. These professionals should possess expertise in child psychology, mental health, or social work. Pre-adoption counselling is now mandatory for prospective parents during the Home Study Report (HSR) process. Older children will receive counselling both before and during the adoption process.

Furthermore, the directive addresses the need for post-adoption support. Counselling will be provided in specific circumstances, such as when an adopted child initiates a search for their biological origins, when there are difficulties in adjustment between the child and the adoptive family, or in situations where there is a risk of adoption disruption or dissolution.

The initiative signifies CARA’s commitment to ensuring that adoptions are not only legally sound but also emotionally supportive and beneficial for all those involved. The directives also include provisions for psychosocial intervention in any other circumstances as assessed by the Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) or District Child Protection Units (DCPUs).

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